Coronavirus weighs heavy on Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year flower markets, as florists report wilting sales
- Florists fear trade at the traditional annual bloom-selling extravaganza will be the worst in a generation
- City’s 15 flower-selling sites face extra curbs amid the pandemic, including visitor limits and slashed opening hours
Some growers reported their takings were down as much as 40 per cent by the second day of the festival compared with the same stage last year, and expected business overall to be the worst in decades.
Footfall was noticeably sparse shortly before lunchtime on Sunday, with the usual crowds largely absent from Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.
Florist Lo said sales of his speciality potted plants were 30 per cent lower for the first two days than they were in 2020. The 67-year-old said Covid-19 had driven business down to its worst level he had seen in 30 or so years of attending the annual flower markets.
“Our sales are so bad because of the reduced number of people inside the market as well as the reduced opening times,” said Lo, who only gave his surname.
The city’s 15 flower markets opened on Saturday, closing on Thursday, the eve of Lunar New Year.
The annual event – typically involving thousands of florists and vendors selling festive wares in public parks and courtyards across the city – was originally cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the government made a U-turn after an uproar from farmers.