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They say the only way to get to know a place is to do what the locals do. When in Rome, scoot around on a Vespa and drink espresso. When in Hong Kong, shop. For most people in this city, shopping is a leisure activity, whether that means picking out a four-figure party dress, rifling through bins at an outlet, upgrading a cell phone, or choosing the freshest fish for dinner.
Shopping is so sacred that sales periods are calendar events, and most stores close on just three days a year—Christmas Day and the first two days of Chinese New Year. Imagine that: 362 days of unbridled purchasing. Opening hours are equally conducive to whiling your life away browsing the racks: all shops are open until 7 or 8 pm; many don't close their doors until midnight.
It's true that the days when everything in Hong Kong was mind-bogglingly cheap are over. It is still a tax-free port, so you can get some good deals. But it isn't just about the savings. Sharp contrasts and the sheer variety of experiences available make shopping here very different from back home.
You might find a bargain or two elbowing your way through a chaotic open-air market filled with haggling vendors selling designer knockoffs, the air reeking of the chou tofu ("stinky" tofu) bubbling at a nearby food stand. But then you could find a designer number going for half the usual price in a hushed marble-floor mall, the air scented by the designer fragrances of your fellow shoppers. What's more, in Hong Kong the two extremes are often within spitting distance of each other.
Needless to say, thanks to travelers like you running out of space in their suitcases, Hong Kong does a roaring trade in luggage. No need to feel guilty, though—shopping here is practically cultural research. All you're doing is seeing what local life is really like.
A veteran of this area, Sam Wo sells fashion-inspired leather bags at low prices and without the branding. You'll need a keen eye to spot the must-haves amid all the must-nots. See neighboring stalls for closer interpretations of branded bags.
Aussie boutique Sambag touched down in Hong Kong in 2013, bringing its quality leather kicks and colorful summer accessories with it. Find strappy sandals and quality ballet flats in every hue (they’re priced at around HK$1,000 per pair), along with beachy cover-ups, floppy hats, and totes of all sizes.
You might be wary of the lustrous pearls hanging at this little Jade Market stall. But the charming owner does, in fact, sell genuine cultured and freshwater pearl necklaces and earrings at reasonable prices. Some pieces are made from shell, which Sandra is always quick to point out, and could pass muster among the snobbiest collectors.
A longtime figure on the art scene, Sandra Walters represents a stable of Asian and international artists encompassing a variety of periods and styles. Make an appointment with her or one of her team to advise you on small to significant investments.
Born in 1915, Mr. Leung Yau Kam is Hong Kong's oldest lantern maker, and he has refused to move his workshop across the border like all the others. These intricate, handmade works in paper take fantastical forms such as bright-orange goldfish. Their role has changed over his long career from functional to purely decorative, but lanterns are still important in Chinese society. This is especially true during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when children carry their special lanterns outdoors to view the full moon. If you can speak Cantonese—or have mastered charades—ask for one that can pack flat.
Almost more museum than shop, this Sheung Wan vintage store is packed from floor to ceiling with nostalgic Hong Kong ephemera. Dig through old toys, books, vinyl records, faded posters, watches, jewelry, retro lighting, furniture, and more to find something irreverent to take back home.
Malls, markets, and outlets are a part of tailor-made tours led by Shopping 4 U. Book through Concorde Travel (2524–5121www.concorde-travel.com). Daylong tours cost HK$710 per person (10-person minimum).
Everything Sin Sin does is dynamic, exciting, and unique. Her conceptual, minimalist clothing, jewelry, and accessories retain a Hong Kong character, while drawing from other influences—especially Indonesian. Garments are inspired by international fashion, and her silver jewelry features beautiful geometric designs that she calls "artsy yet wearable." The multitalented Sin Sin has a fine-art gallery across the street and also performs Cantonese opera in venues such as City Hall.
Works by diverse emerging and established artists from Indonesia, Thailand, mainland China, Hong Kong, and other Asian and European countries reveal the aesthetic tastes of lively Hong Kong designer and entrepreneur Sin Sin Man. There are also regular exhibitions and artist talks.
A lynchpin of the Causeway Bay shopping scene, Japanese brand Sogo's main branch has 16 floors of clothing, housewares, and personal-care items. The selection of street wear, makeup, and accessories is particularly strong, with a dazzling variety of Asian and international labels represented. A vast basement-level grocery store keeps the Japanese expat community happily fed.
Korean-English ex-lawyer Sonjia Norman crafts quietly luxurious, one-of-a-kind pieces and modified vintage clothing under the Sonjia label. Her clothes span occasions from yoga classes to dinner parties; plus, the boutique also offers an array of jewelry, scarves, and home accessories.
The respected auction house opened here in 1973 and has operated its own 15,000-square-foot gallery since 2012. Come for lectures, exhibitions, cultural events, and for the rare chance to gaze upon Sotheby's diamonds. If you’re feeling flush, consider attending an auction (dates for upcoming ones are posted on the website); paintings, ceramics, watches, and wine are only some of the items that go up on the block.
Check out the Sporthouse chain for trendy sneakers and other casual footwear by brands like Nike, Puma, Adidas, Converse, and Birkenstock.
Local bad boy Henry Lau brings an edgy attitude to his fashion for men and women. Bold and often dark, with a touch of bling, his clothing and accessories lines are not for the fainthearted.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Tai Ping is highly regarded for its custom-made rugs and wall-to-wall carpets. It takes 2½ to 3 months to make specially ordered carpets; you can specify color, thickness, and even the direction of the weave. Tai Ping's occasional sales—where you can find a sampling of ready-made rugs marked down at least 20%—are well worth attending.
More popularly known as Toy Street, this lively market is a fun stroll for both kids and adult toy collectors. Vintage collectibles and modern playthings line the stalls from floor to ceiling, so prepare to dig around a bit for what you want. It's also a great spot to buy local produce like dried seafood and festive decorative items.
A regular in Hong Kong high society, Sir David Tang recently opened lifestyle boutique Tang Tang Tang Tang (meant to be sung like Beethoven’s Fifth). The entrepreneur is also behind classy China Club and iconic Shanghai Tang, so you know this spot is going to be good. Settled right under The Pawn’s heritage facade, TTTT is all about throwback colonial decor, with a creative western twist and a touch of whimsy. There are even daily tours of the ground floor (built in 1888 and originally home to the Lo family pawnshop) to show off the preserved staircase and architectural elements. As for the collection, it’s all very retro chic—even the rice maker has been classed up beyond recognition. TTTT is great for cheeky gifts, comfy pajamas, funky gadgets, and housewares that marry past and present with eye-catching results.
Unusual old and new objects from around the globe are sold at the Tào Gallery. Look for black-and-white photography and contemporary or rustic art, as well as furniture that conveys an eclectic Asian spirit. Find them near the steps below Man Mo Temple, just off of Hollywood Road.
British collector Teresa Coleman specializes in finely woven and embroidered costumes and textiles from the imperial courts of the Qing and Ming dynasties (circa 1368–1912). Her upstairs showroom also displays a wide collection of Tibetan rugs, Himalayan Buddhist art, antique painted and carved fans, lacquered boxes, prints, and paintings. By appointment only.
A treasure-trove of Hong Kong–theme souvenirs, this appealingly cluttered first-floor emporium sells towels, mugs, fridge magnets, and cute, affordable homewares, greetings cards, ornaments, and the like. Notable are the impressionistic paintings of Hong Kong street scenes by British artist Louise Hill.
This Taiwanese brand has taken modern Chinese glass art global. Glassworks here are made using the laborious lost-wax casting technique, employed by artists for centuries to create a bronze replica of an original wax or clay sculpture. The collection—which includes tableware, paperweights, glass Buddhas, and jewelry—can be purchased in Lane Crawford department stores.
One of the big Hong Kong chains, TSL (Tse Sui Luen) specializes in diamond jewelry, and manufactures, retails, and exports its designs. Its range of 100-facet stones includes the Estrella cut, which reflects nine symmetrical hearts and comes with international certification. Although its contemporary designs use platinum settings, TSL also sells pure, bright, yellow-gold items targeted at Chinese customers.
This shop carries Hong Kong's first local cosmetics line, also known as Two Girls Brand. The colorful, old-fashioned packaging, which is reminiscent of traditional Chinese medicines, is more remarkable than the products. That said, the line's classics—including hair oil, talcum powder, and soap—make interesting gifts.
If you are a Giordano or Bossini fan, don't miss this Japanese chain. Uniqlo carries a wide variety of inexpensive, fashionable casual wear for women, men, and children. New locations have been opening rapidly throughout the city since 2007. Popular items include T-shirts, jeans, and pajamas.
Modern and minimalist, Vein's decor is in perfect harmony with its Nordic apparel. The lineup of Scandinavian luxury labels and home accessories is updated regularly, but you can usually find at least a dozen stalwart, simple-yet-elegant brands, including Filippa K and Rodebjer. Expect clean lines, a muted palette, and unexpected splashes of color.
You know it when you walk into a Vivienne Tam boutique—the strong Asian-motif prints and modern updates of traditional women's clothing are truly distinct. But don't let the bold, ready-to-wear collections distract you from the very pretty accessories, which include leather handbags and other items with artistic embellishments. Tam, who has seven shops here, is one of the best-known designers in Hong Kong—and, even though she's now based in New York, the city still claims her as its own.
Hong Kong--bred, New York--based designer Vivienne Tam is known for her colorful modern Chinese designs, like denim jackets styled after kung fu tops and T-shirts that resemble cheongsam blouses. This boutique (she has several across Hong Kong, China, and Macau) is unique because it's in the middle of Lee Tung Avenue, a photo-worthy redeveloped pedestrian street that was formerly home to wedding-card printing businesses but is now packed with shops and cafés.
Chan is known for excellent-quality suits and shirts in classic cuts and has an array of fine European fabrics. The store features a mirrored, hexagonal changing room so you can check every angle.
Quirky travel gear, handsome leather goods, hipster accessories: W.O.A.W. (World of Amazing Wonders) stocks an array of smart and stylish items. Started by serial entrepreneur, clothing designer, and all-around cool guy Kevin Poon, this lifestyle concept store promises to surprise you with up-and-coming brands like Native Union (a techy design brand pumping out funky and functional gadgets), plus some staple international picks like Hershel bags and Karen Walker shades.
This reliable manufacturer and retailer of predominantly handcrafted ceramics has been in operation since the early days of trade with the West (1863). There are more than 15,000 items on display in the main showroom, and the overwhelmingly large product line includes antique replicas, vases, dinnerware, figurines, and more—all in classic Chinese motifs. You can also visit the shop in the Lee Roy Commercial Building on Hollywood Road.
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