Shopping in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Shopping
03 June 2002
There was a time when no overseas trip, whether business or pleasure, was complete without a last minute stop-over in Hong Kong on the way home to Australia. The 'New York of the East' offered cheap jewelry, 24-hour tailors and floating restaurants.
Today Hong Kong stands on its own reputation. It is one of the great cities of the world, with a skyline that is breath taking, and super shopping still. Whether it's designer labels, works of art or simple cooking implements, it's all there if you know where to go.
If you haven't been to Hong Kong for a while, then you're in for a surprise. It's now remarkably clean, it's safe, the food is outstanding and many locations can easily be reached by one of the best MTR's in the world.
As a regular visitor to Hong Kong, I have a permanent list of places to visit every trip. Shopping in Hong Kong essentially revolves around two main locations: Central, the main business centre on the Island, and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, with of course the famous Golden Mile - Nathan Road.
Let's start with Central. If you are staying in Kowloon, simply take the MTR to Central. The trains are far quicker than taxis and most conveniently you come out of the Underground at the Pedder Street Exit. Just a few steps away is one of the most elegant and expensive stores in Hong Kong - Shanghai Tang in Pedder Street. And immediately beside Shanghai Tang is a somewhat shabbier looking entrance to the Pedder Building, which has six floors of small shops, and Designer Outlets. But go first to Shanghai Tang, if only to buy a postcard and get one of their distinctive shopping bags.
You will recognise Shanghai Tang by the glorious jewel-coloured silk outfits in the windows, and the silk-turbanned Indian gentleman who opens the door for you. Inside is an elegant collection of silk clothes and the exquisite aroma of Shanghai Tang's 'Ginger Flower' room spray. Occasionally you'll also catch the aroma of cigars, and you may well find David Tang himself taking tea on a sofa in a corner where, incidentally, clients also stop and drink Chinese tea.
Both Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah Ferguson have been photographed wearing silk jackets from David Tang and Jodie Foster wore hers to the Fox Studios release of her new movie in Sydney recently. The price tags can be a little alarming, but follow the wooden stairs down to the basement, and you will find not only homewares, but also a Sale Section, which consistently has silk shirts, jackets and sweaters, depending on the season of the year, at greatly reduced prices.
As you leave, turn right at the front door and you're almost in the Pedder Building. Catch a lift to the 6th Floor and start at the top. You'll find outlet stores with last year's designer labels marked down, including several that deal in bigger sizes. Buy cashmere sweaters at Dorfit; here the prices rarely alter, but the quality is consistently good. The Pedder Building also has a section selling "nearly new" designer labels for both men and women, which start at greatly reduced prices. And whatever you do, make sure that you walk through Blanc De Chine, which has some of the most elegant and stunningly cut outfits in restrained colours.
Right across from the Pedder Building is one of the most famous malls in Central, The Landmark. Everything here is designer and expensive - Gucci, Bvlgari, Louis Vuitton and the like, but at this time of the year, the Mega Hong Kong Sale can offer a chance to pick up an amazing sample at a fraction of the price.
Further along there are other malls such as The Galleria and, like all big cities, there's also a Marks and Spencers nearby. If in need of a snack, there are a number of Deli-Frances close to Marks and Spencers - excellent fresh food at inexpensive prices.
On a Sunday morning, take the MTR to Central and head for the Cat Street Market in Upper Lascar Row. It's essentially a flea market and you need to be careful about what you buy, but you may unearth a treasure such as an old silver Chinese teapot or piece of blue and white ceramic. Neighbouring Hollywood Road is famous for its antique and curio shops, and there are some very interesting commercial art galleries and furniture shops nearby.
Back in Kowloon almost everything is within walking distance of the hotels in and around Tsim Sha Tsui and of course Nathan Road, where every second shop offers jewellery, electronics or cameras. Remember that warranties may not apply back home so choose carefully.
The best places for discounted cosmetics and perfumes are in and around Nathan Road at the SASA outlets. Try Angel for cosmetics.
Granville Road, off Nathan Road, has a number of outlets selling well known sportswear and labels like Gap, Limited and Banana Republic and other factory outlets offer shoes and lingerie like Victoria's Secret.
Some of the most popular outlets for women's clothing are located one suburb away in Hung Hom. For this you need a taxi because there is no easy public transport. It's best to take a taxi from your hotel and have the doorman order it for you, or alternatively write down the address in Chinese. It's also sensible to carry the name of your hotel in Chinese so that when you head for home, you are able to communicate with the local taxi drivers.
To get to the shops in Hung Hom take a taxi to the Kaiser Estates Phase1 Building at 41 Man Yue Street. Here on the 4th Floor you'll find Diane Freis at a quarter of the price. On the first level at Design Planning look for Donna Karan and Ellen Tracey. Back on the ground level along Man Yue Street there are several other excellent factory outlets selling silk slacks, tops and knits.
Mention Hong Kong and the word 'markets' magically materializes. I sometimes take an evening stroll through the Temple Street Market. It's full of stalls selling many of the copies: bags, shirts, sunglasses and the like. It's wise to keep on eye on your bag, but there are usually police walking through the bustling yet friendly crowds, so don't feel intimidated.
With half a day to spare, take a trip to the Stanley Market. Number 6 or 6A buses leave from Exchange Square in Central or take a taxi. It's more expensive, but much quicker, and it's always easy to get a taxi at the other end for the return journey.
Of course there are transitory stalls on the streets in Hong Kong, particularly around Tsim Sha Tsui, selling 'cashmere' jumpers, bags, and shirts. They rarely stay anywhere long because they are not legal. But remember there are so many good sales going on at any time of the year your money may be better spent in a place like Ocean Terminal and Harbour City, which is in effect a mini-city of shops located near the Star Ferry Terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui. Shoes there can be a fraction of the cost in Australia and there are good buys in computer software nearby in the Star Building.
Close by at 68 Canton Road we discovered Blunco at Hanley House. This is a factory outlet shop on the 13th Floor, selling 14K and 18K custom made jewellery. Do not be put off by the building; the workmanship is very good and the prices are very fair. Ask for Eddie.
Walking back towards Nathan Road you will see a number of optical shops such as Classy Optical Company at 12 Peking Road. In shops like this you need to spend time reducing the prices that you are initially quoted. The product is nevertheless good and there are always tourists ordering glasses.
No shopping expedition in Hong Kong is complete without a visit to a Chinese Emporium. The best one is the Chinese Arts and Crafts on Canton Road. Make sure you allow an hour or two. There seems to be a permanent sale here, with many items quoted at 30% off the original price. There is a wonderful selection of silk materials (watch out for the off-cut shelf - there's often enough for a shirt or sleeveless dress), and don't go past the Christmas decorations which are on sale throughout the entire year. There are also homewares, clothing, jewelry, copies of Chinese antiques and a host of other goodies.
So where else? There's Little India, around Mody Street, just off Nathan Road, where there are some good Indian tailors. I had a suit made recently at Nitas, which is listed in many of the tourist brochures, and it turned out well. I also noted that one of the Three Tenors was recently reported in the press as having a number of suits made at Sams while in Hong Kong on tour.
On our last trip we accidentally found Shanghai Street in Yau Ma Tei near Mong Kok. If you enjoy cooking then you will love this street full of shops, selling all sorts of cooking instruments and wholesale bits and pieces for restaurants.
Hong Kong is quite simply a shopper's dream.
MEGA HONG KONG SALE
15 June-31 August 2002
From mid June to August Hong Kong's shopping malls and major retailers join forces to offer stunning reductions during the Mega Hong Kong Sale. Everything is available - from the world's leading fashion designs to local fashion, the latest electronics, jewellery, antiques, artefacts and porcelain, jade, silks, linen and leather. Mega Hong Kong Sale includes four themed shopping activities:
Fashion & Beauty: 15 June-5 July
Hong Kong's shopping malls will feature the latest in designer wear at regular fashion shows and international make-up artists will showcase their talent at demonstrations and classes.
Jewellery & Watches: 6-26 July
Gem experts will offer gemstone/jadeite identification classes and certification services.
Consumer Electronics: 27 July-16 August
The latest models will be available - everything from computers, cameras, A/V products to mobile phones - at special sale prices.
Chinese Tradition: 17-31 August
Those interested in Hong Kong's culture and heritage can join appreciation classes in Chinese antiques and learn about the health-rejuvenating qualities of Chinese herbs and dried seafood.
