So, where have all the mainland spenders gone?
Apparently, the shopping sentiment in Hong Kong has changed a lot since the last holiday season.
Luxury shops in particular reported a slump for this “golden week”, when people on the mainland get a week off to celebrate National Day and many often travel to Hong Kong, their No. 1 shopping destination abroad.
Apparently, the shopping sentiment in Hong Kong has changed a lot since the last holiday season. Forget the long queues of consumers in front of luxury shops like Prada and Chanel on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. In the last few days, you can just walk in or wait one or two minutes to enter.
In Central, I visited the Landmark and IFC Mall, two must-go places for those who want a five-star shopping experience or chase the fashion trend. Surprise! I found no crowds no matter the time. At IFC’s Bally, the Swiss brand for luxury handbags, three salespeople were a bit surprised to see I entered the shop and swarmed over to ask what they could do for me. One of them acknowledged that it had been a very quiet day so far.
So, where are the consumers?
Video: "Shoppers in Hong Kong on October 1", by Helene Franchineau