Stores close early, security heightened in Central as Hong Kong protesters clash with police
- Dozens of stores close their doors at IFC Mall, Landmark Atrium
- Some office workers given the option to leave early
Security was also visibly heightened outside the offices of many financial companies after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who surrounded Hong Kong’s legislative offices, evoking memories of the Occupy Central movement nearly five years ago.
Inside IFC Mall, retail stores ranging from Yves Saint Laurent to Apple pulled down security gates and locked their doors to the public as young people and other onlookers sought shelter.
A representative at the IFC said some stores chose to close early, but “the mall is still open”.
Hundreds of young people gathered inside restaurants and in the common areas of the mall, including some who appeared to have been injured in the clashes. They were being given first aid by friends as they laid on the mall floor.
Many wore white – the colour that has become synonymous with the protest movement.
At the nearby Landmark Atrium, luxury stores, including Fendi and Victoria Beckham, locked their doors to the public, with workers still inside.
A member of the Landmark concierge staff declined to comment when asked why stores had closed early on Wednesday.
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Earlier in the day, companies in the Admiralty area near the protest announced plans to remain closed because of traffic disruptions and concerns over the potential safety of their staff and customers.
China Citic Bank, HSBC and Standard Chartered all announced they would close branches in the Admiralty area on Wednesday.
Security guards were visible Wednesday outside the offices of Standard Chartered in Exchange Square, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing and IFC 2, which is home to a variety of financial companies. Security was also heightened at nearby Chater House.
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Citigroup told employees it was monitoring the situation, but its Champion Tower office in Central was not impacted beyond traffic disruptions. The business day continued as normal at its offices.
“Your safety is of paramount importance and we ask that you stay vigilant at all times,” the bank said in a note to employees. “All business unit heads have been empowered to exercise flexi work hours and locations should you have any safety concerns or traffic issues.”
Onlookers also gathered on the pedestrian bridges overlooking Connaught Road near the General Post Office to catch a view of the protests and take photographs of the scene on Wednesday.
IFC management and Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A HKEX spokesman said its operations remained “business as usual” on Wednesday and declined to comment further.
Hongkong Land, the owner of Landmark Atrium, said that it had taken “appropriate actions”, including deployment of additional management staff and would continue to monitor the situation and take additional steps as necessary.