Store de force: Mooishop

"After studying architecture at the University of Toronto, I moved here and went into advertising. I worked at [global agency] TBWA for a few years and started a product design brand on the side: home accessories, clocks, glassware. After three years of full-time product design, I went back to advertising. I still do freelance design, but I no longer have my own brand."

"My friend Erika Chan, a creative director for 4As [the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies], opened Mooishop's first outlet seven years ago in Tai Hang. In 2010, Erika was about to close the shop due to rising rent and we started to joke about a partnership. I've always liked the idea of having a shop like this, but … you need to know your way around, know the right vendors and buyers. Chan had all these contacts so it was a good fit. Then, in March 2010, we found this space in Causeway Bay and it all began."

"Our focus is Danish and German mid-century furniture. We collect from buyers and ship by the containerload to Hong Kong. We don't [usually] carry American pieces, but we do sometimes source American vintage for specific clients. Our stock ranges from German enamel tableware to larger storage cabinet units, credenzas and sofas. Recently, we ordered a small batch of industrial lights from France and Hungary, and some salvaged lights from decommissioned German and Japanese ships."

"Chairs - in particular, lounge chairs. Small coffee tables and trolleys are also popular because they fit well into Hong Kong homes. Our items cost from HK$1,000 for small decorative pieces to HK$55,000 for an Omann Danish sideboard."

"In Chinese, mo yi means 'magic chair', but is pronounced like the Dutch word mooi, which means 'beautiful'."

Candace Campos