Local character 'key to keeping Hong Kong's allure'
Sustainable future as shopping destination depends on retail variety, consultant warns
Hong Kong is losing its edge in attracting mainland shoppers as the city's local character fades from its prime shopping districts, a property consultant warns.
"The government should consider ways to support and preserve characteristic local shops, restaurants and brands," said Helen Mak Hoi-lun, senior director of retail services at property consultancy Colliers International.
"If we do not take any action, we will gradually lose our attraction to visitors."
She said mainlanders increasingly preferred to go shopping in Europe and the United States for the latest or limited-edition international brands, rather than come to Hong Kong to shop as they used to in the first few years after the individual visit scheme was introduced in July 2003.
Online shopping is also gaining popularity on the mainland, diminishing Hong Kong's appeal as a shopping destination.
"At the same time, expensive retail rents have forced some long-established and distinctive local retailers and restaurants out of prime shopping districts or even to close down," Mak said.