Sales from Hong Kong stores without a physical shopfront have grown for 16 straight months, measured year on year, reaching HK$1.35 billion (US$174 million) in October, despite an overall retail decline.
Sales from online-only stores increased from HK$777 million in September 2020 to HK$1.2 billion in September 2024, according to monthly data released by the Census and Statistics Department.
“This was probably due to the changing consumption patterns, as well as the continuous development of e-commerce businesses by adopting ready-to-use digital technology solutions,” the department said.
Candy Chan, who launched her online shop the Lara Jewellery Studio in 2019, has no plans to rent a physical location even after five years of operation.
“Our prices will not be competitive if we factor in rent and hiring sales staff, especially since it is now very easy to order from online platforms in mainland China,” she said.
She said the cost of renting a physical space in the city remained high and could force her to raise prices. She relies on social media advertisements and recommendations from existing clients to sell her products.