Spending spree defies calls of nature

AS the signs said outside each of the nine Yaohan stores yesterday: Cash Only, No Voucher Redemption and No Jade Stamp Redemption.

Also banned were credit cards.

Queues stretched behind every nearby automatic telling machine while shoppers loaded up on thousands of dollars in cash.

The other catch: there were no warranties on many of the items.

Other department stores stood empty as people passed them by.

Shoppers armed with calculators, mobile phones and empty plastic bags cleared the shelves at Sha Tin.