Glow sticks are still widely available at traditional Hong Kong shops selling decorations for the Mid-Autumn Festival despite a ban on single-use plastics, as vendors rush to clear their stock while also battling economic headwinds.
All seven shops the Post visited on Monday in Wan Chai and Sai Ying Pun were selling glow sticks, with one shop advertising them as “the last year” they could be bought.
Only one staff member did not know about the plastics ban, with some shops either ordering fewer of the products this year or only selling whatever was left over from past celebrations.
“We will give out the remaining glow sticks for free to kids after the Mid-Autumn Festival,” said Kwan Wing-ho of incense and paper crafts shop Po Tai Hong.
He has worked at the Sai Ying Pun store for more than 30 years selling lanterns and decorations.