'Curated retail' stores are proving popular, but many face high rents
As Hong Kong's shopping malls evolve into small cities, compact, design-led 'curated retail' outlets areon the rise, writes Abid Rahman
Hong Kong's position as one of the world's top shopping destinations is rarely questioned and, with the rapacious development of more retail space, the city's place in the front rank alongside London, New York and Paris is unlikely to be threatened soon.
In a city that owes its retail dominance to dozens of conventional shopping malls, it is strange to think of Hong Kong as a pioneer. However, against the odds, one niche area of retail in Hong Kong is beginning to thrive and export its model to other Asian cities.
Curated retail, design-led shops, and edited showrooms are some of the ways retailers describe the growing phenomenon of multibrand stores that push independent labels from around the world.
The key challenge is the rent. It feels like we are working for landlords
"I like the term 'select shop'," says Arnault Castel, founder of Kapok, one of the best examples of this new trend in fashion and design retail, not just in Hong Kong, but globally.
"A select shop is a group of people who have a certain aesthetic and philosophy, and they choose the products to fit that, adding their personal touch. They have categories like clothes and accessories, and even food," says Castel.
Established in 2006, Kapok has boomed in the past two years, and is rapidly expanding its retail footprint.