100,000 a day flock to expo hunting for bargains
An average of about 100,000 people crowded into Victoria Park daily over the past 24 days to snap up everything from seafood to household appliances at the annual Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo, which closed yesterday.
The spending spree saw some 2.4 million local and mainland shoppers, up from last year's 2.29 million, splash out amid inflation fears and a recovering economy.
A number of retailers reported an increase in business, mostly because of big-spending mainland visitors.
One mainland shopper paid HK$300,000 for bird's nest, ginseng and dried abalone at Tung Fong Hung Foods Company on the expo's first day, while another paid about HK$200,000 for home appliances at German Pool (Hong Kong).
Compared to last year's expo, total sales this year were up about 30 per cent at Tung Fong Hung and 20 per cent at German Pool, which recorded HK$1 million in sales on New Year's Day alone.
'Most products are a bit more expensive than last year. But I bought some because they are still much cheaper than those sold in the supermarket,' said a 40-year-old woman who spent about HK$3,000 in three hours.
A Shenzhen shopper at the expo with two friends bought HK$600 worth of snacks. 'I came here because I know products are usually cheaper on the last day. The prices are more favourable than in Shenzhen. Besides, locals have to go back to work on Monday, so there'll be fewer people,' he said.
The last day of the expo usually attracts hordes of bargain hunters eager to take advantage of last-minute discounts as retailers attempt to clear their stock.
Arthur Lee, vice-marketing supervisor for Macau Koi Kei Bakery (Hong Kong), said there was an apparent rise in visitors on the last day.
The expo is organised by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and was held from December 11 to yesterday, with more than 400 exhibitors and 900 booths.
