Hong Kong IT Fest sees students queue outdoors days in advance for massive discounts on electronics
Even a typhoon No 1 signal did not deter them, as being first in line can mean getting a 43-inch TV for HK$1
The eight-day IT Fest features electronics at massive discounts, but some only available to the first few in line on Tuesday and this Friday, depending on the particular item. Hence the days of advanced queuing for these eager students.
“It’s cheap,” Lee Ming, 15, says. He’s been first in the queue since Sunday with three of his classmates.
Having spent just HK$1 for a 43-inch TV usually priced at HK$3,599, he went straight back into the queue outside of the festival’s entrance, this time for something else. With 48 more hours to go until an LG computer display worth HK$2,390 will be available to the first person in line for HK$999 on Friday, Lee looks tired but cheerful.
The IT Fest organised annually by the Hong Kong Computer Association, kicked off Tuesday this week, and will run until next Tuesday. It takes place at the Golden Computer Arcade and Golden Computer Center in Sham Shui Po, as well as their branches in Mong Kok.
The event usually leaves the malls packed.
“It’s not too uncomfortable [waiting in line], although it’s harder at night” Lee, who is determined to wait outdoors despite the typhoon warning, says. He also claims his family is supportive as he would be saving money for them.
Ivan Chan, 15, a classmate of Lee’s, is second in line and has just woken up from his nap on the pavement. Chan previously queued to purchase a HK$6,999 Lenovo notebook for HK$1.
The Hong Kong Observatory issued a typhoon No 1 signal at 11:30am, and will consider issuing a No 3 signal later in the day.
