Hong Kong protesters plan mini ‘golden week’ hijack to boost yellow businesses as city reels from economic impact of coronavirus
- Anti-government campaigners want to reclaim holiday for shops that support movement
- Businesses to offer special discounts and incentives but experts say small numbers mean retailers will still suffer
For the first time in 16 years, the city’s tourism and retail industries are bracing for a grim outlook for the five-day break, which begins on Friday, and is predicted to be far quieter with visitors across the border expected to stay away.
An online campaign called “Hongkonger's 5.1 Golden Week” to be launched on Thursday is bringing a new twist to the traditional peak time, with at least 1,500 shops including restaurants, leather crafters, beauty and wedding businesses, slashing prices to drum up customers.
Some companies have advertised that when customers raise five fingers on a hand, and one finger on the other, symbolising the prominent protest slogan “five demands, not one less”, they can enjoy special prices, such as a 10 per cent discount.