True to its name, Cat Store is the home of two former stray cats, Little B and Golden Hair. But this is no pet shop. Cat Store specialises in second-hand knick-knacks and memorabilia, mostly from the 1960s and 70s. Owned by 'Ah Mau' (cat), the store has been an instant hit among Hong Kong's newfound retro fans.
Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, Cat Store (1/F, 56 Percival Street, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2710 9953) is in stark contrast to the district's bustling atmosphere. Soft new age music, whirring desk fans (below left), even the neon lights that are pulsating brightly outside, take on an altogether more calming glow from the inside.
Unlike antique stores, where you can't relate to the merchandise, the old stock at Cat Store is 'new' enough to send you spiralling into childhood nostalgia. The SCMP photographer goes all misty-eyed as he gazes upon a row of empty soft drink bottles marked with bygone brands such as Watson's and Green Spot (from $350 to $1,500 each). 'When I was a teenager in the 70s, I always drank these after playing football with friends,' he recalls. 'They only cost 20 cents each, and another 20 cents deposit for the bottle!'
The colourful collectibles lining the shelves create an eclectic backdrop to the store. Originating from Hong Kong, the mainland, the United States, Britain and South Africa, the diverse stock includes telephones (above left), radios, cameras, vinyl records, watches, alarm clocks, vases, electric fans, fan heaters, table lamps, sunglasses, clothing, novelty money banks and toy trains and planes.
Current highlights include a kitsch wooden Chinese alarm clock from the 70s painted with butterflies and flowers, and aeroplanes that fly around the face ($550). A Swedish music box from the mid-70s ($500) would appeal to the girl at the heart of every woman. When the tinkling music plays, a tutu-ed ballet dancer spins before a tiny mirror.
A Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera ($1,600) will excite photography enthusiasts. It went out of production in the late 1980s, but the camera's high-quality lens is famous for producing intense scenic colours. Meanwhile, for the home, there's a stylish 1960s coffee-coloured electric fan ($900) and a mechanical taxi meter (above right, $1,500).