Exclusive sights in store on the Horizon

Hong Kong has long been known as a shopper's paradise but, as more shopping mall clones are constructed across the city, this pastime has become something of a monotonous bore for residents.

Horizon Plaza offers a completely different shopping experience. Walking around the Ap Lei Chau complex, with its maze of unique shops, is relaxing and enjoyable; quite different to wandering through some of the almost indistinguishable malls on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon. The shop floors are enormous, staff are attentive but not pushy, and there is so much stock you could spend all day exploring.

He noticed that many people were frustrated with the high prices, limited selection and poor service culture in furniture shops in places such as Hollywood Road. He took a bet that people would drive all the way out to Aberdeen to a huge, warehouse furniture store to obtain quality items at good value.

Mr Robbins' regular travel itinerary reflects the eclectic nature of Shambala's stock. 'I am just back from central Java and Vietnam. I am off to India this week, and then to China. We are the Southeast Asian Lonely Planet guide to furnishings,' he joked.

His store of 'unique and unusual things' is also home to a coffee shop, where you can pick up a magazine or book, and rest and recover, before resuming your exploration.