One of Hong Kong’s largest annual bazaars has opened in Victoria Park, with stall operators pulling out all the stops to attract shoppers amid a challenging economic climate.
But attendees of the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo who spoke to the Post on Saturday indicated they would spend more cautiously this year. Some vendors also said they had not seen a significant benefit from the recent resumption of multi-entry visas for Shenzhen residents, as most customers they had served were locals.
Sally Yu, who was visiting the fair with her husband, said they had spent about HK$2,000 (US$257) on frozen meat, abalone, wine and dried seafood.
“I am spending my money carefully today, I will only buy things if I find them useful … I have already cut down on a lot of things that I don’t need,” she said, attributing her cautious approach to the city’s economic situation.
The 24-day expo, which opened on Saturday, features 420 exhibitors showcasing more than 900 booths offering significant discounts on food, home appliances and beauty products.
A 38-year-old clerk surnamed Choi, who has visited the expo for the past four years, was another showing restraint.