Hong Kong businesses caught in crossfire of protest crisis, as new phone apps make politics part of shopping
- Businesses and shops constantly at risk of offending locals, mainlanders or Taiwanese – and city suffered a 6.7 per cent drop in retail sales in June
- Users of LIHKG have developed mobile phone apps that identify the alleged political positions of stores, restaurants and brands
Hong Kong businesses have been caught in a political crossfire as both protesters and government supporters take the fight to local companies that fail to see the current crisis the way they do.
The trend of linking businesses to alleged political affiliations has escalated online.
Users of LIHKG – a Reddit-like online platform that has become a virtual main stage for the protest movement – have developed two mobile phone applications that identify the political positions of stores, restaurants and products.
On another online forum, users listed businesses that appeared to be supporting protesters, with the named companies ranging from eateries to media outlets.
Divisive views have dragged businesses into the political crisis since the turmoil began two months ago. Shop owners and entrepreneurs are constantly at risk of offending locals, mainlanders or even Taiwanese – and the city suffered a 6.7 per cent drop in retail sales in June.