Wet markets with wi-fi, touch screens and phone chargers: technology takes over tradition for Hong Kong icons
Ordering fresh poultry by selecting it on a computer screen that displays video of the chickens on sale, and a free Wi-fi connection while shopping for groceries: These are some of the 21st century shopping experiences being offered at Siu Sai Wan Market in Chai Wan following its HK$25 million overhaul by Link Asset Management.
Ordering fresh poultry by selecting it on a computer screen that displays video of the chickens on sale, and a free Wi-fi connection while shopping for groceries: These are some of the 21st century shopping experiences being offered at Siu Sai Wan Market in Chai Wan following its HK$25 million overhaul by Link Asset Management.
The renovation of the wet market, which was reopened in late August, is part of a wider plan by Link to revamp 10 of its 90 wet markets across Hong Kong.
The strategy is to differentiate them from traditional local wet markets, which are popular among shoppers seeking bargains but lack a reputation for cleanliness.
The modernisation drive has attracted criticism from grass-roots groups concerned it would lead to higher rents and higher prices, but Link says it provides consumers with greater choice.
A highlight of the colourfully decorated Siu Sai Wan Market is the "i-Chicken stall", which sells chickens and eggs. While the freshness of chicken is prized by Chinese consumers, stricter licensing policies imposed to prevent bird flu have made it more difficult for consumers to find shops still selling live poultry.
The market allows customers to buy live poultry while avoiding contact with any, reducing hygiene concerns. Customers watch live chickens on a large computer screen at the stall and select from there. After slaughtering, orders are dispatched from the market in half an hour.
A customer service centre offers a range of free services including umbrella loans, wheelchairs and baby trolleys as well as phone battery charging.
"It is much cleaner than before and provides a wide variety of vegetables, meat and fruit. There are discount zones and they ring the bell and tell people where to get bargain goods. But some goods have become more expensive," said Sarah Chui, 40, a housewife living in Siu Sai Wan.
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Another resident, Wong Lai-kiu, 70, also a housewife, said: "It's much nicer and more convenient now. In the past it was rather dirty and there was not much choice of goods so I seldom did my grocery shopping here.
"Prices are still OK now, but I'm afraid they may go up later."
