Hong Kong expo takings up despite warnings over Occupy protests

Last-minute bargain hunters helped push total takings past HK$900 million as the curtain went down on one of the city's biggest annual retail fairs yesterday.

Sales at the 49th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo were up 15 per cent on the year before, the organiser, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association, said.

The increase came despite the association's concerns about the effect of the pro-democracy Occupy Central movement, which was still blockading a stretch of Yee Wo Street, near the fair's venue at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, when the expo kicked off on December 13.

CMA president Eddy Li Sau-hung said the cool temperatures this winter had also failed to dampen the enthusiasm of shoppers for the 24-day retail showcase, which involved more than 400 companies.

Yesterday, shoppers pushed trolleys and suitcases down the lines of booths, buying everything from groceries and cooking utensils to winter clothes.

A teacher said some health products were priced so cheaply that she bought a year's supply. "I came a few days ago and bought some calcium supplements for my son. But those are not enough for a year," she said.

"I want to buy more so they can last until next year's expo."