Taiwanese bookstore chain Eslite opens second outlet in Hong Kong amid tourism slump
Chain says it is ready for a new challenge in prime area of Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong's tourism and retail slump has not deterred Taiwanese bookstore chain Eslite, which has opened a store in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, its second in the city.
Unlike its Causeway Bay shop, the new branch is more like a department store, selling jewellery, arts and crafts, handbags and skincare products alongside novels and other books.
"The number of books will not be less here in Tsim Sha Tsui, but our Causeway Bay store has a more complete collection," said Allen Su, vice-president of Eslite Spectrum Hong Kong.
Asked why Eslite had opened a store in a prime area of Tsim Sha Tsui, where rents are astronomical, Su said: "Sometimes, you never know the next chocolate … We have the chance to be here and that's why we're here.
"Every day is a challenge for us. When we make a decision, it means we have the capability of being here."
Su said Eslite would not rule out opening more stores in Hong Kong if conditions were right.
The new store, on two floors of Star House next to the Star Ferry Pier, has 200,000 books and will open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm. Many book lovers checked it out yesterday during their lunch breaks.