Hong Kong is mecca for women
who love to shop. From giant malls to bustling street markets to
fabulous discount outlets, no matter what you want and how much
you want to pay for it, there is something for everyone. Hong Kong
is the big time -- a cornucopia of shopping opportunities designed
to excite your Journeyshopper's hearts. So hang on to your pocketbooks
and away you go. The following 25 shopping tips designed to get
you started have been submitted by shoppin' women in Hong Kong and
around the world. Enjoy...
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Street
markets...
Hong Kong is mecca for women who love fabulous fakes. Check
out Li Yuen Street East and West. These casual streetside
stalls offer imitation anything and everything at a fraction
of the price you pay for the real thing in the big shops.
Also, in Kowloon at the Temple Night Market you can
find scarves, Chinese blouses, purses, shoes, watches, key
chains -- you name it, someone will have it!
Phobe Neo, Hong Kong
Ed. note: Expect the
same at the Womens Market on Tung Choi Street.
I found a practical, lightweight attache case that rivals
some of the posh styles Ive seen here in Toronto for
under $HK98 . A word of warning, though -- check your purchases
very carefully for possible imperfections before you pay for
them.
Evelyn Hannon, Journeywoman editor, Toronto |
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Stanley Market is a must-do when you
are visiting Hong Kong. Even the local bus ride to get there
is fun. Expect lots of well-priced silkwear in western-woman
sizes. Arrive in the late afternoon when all the tour buses
have gone and theres a better chance of bargaining!
P.S. There were some
silk shawls/scarves/stoles in dark colors at about $40 Canadian
- very elegant and timeless, to go over any dressy outfit
and great for travelling. These make great gifts for you and
the special women on your list.
Karen Zabawa, Travel journalist, Toronto, Canada
Eating around Stanley Market...
Every woman knows that shopping makes you very hungry.
Heres a few tried and tested places that Journey women
recommend when you need to take a break...
Lucy's
in Stanley has fantastic food (Anna Cheung, Hong Kong).
- There's a Marchelino's (cafeteria style) on the
main drag in Stanley which is very good (Karen Zabawa,
Toronto).
- Try Pepperoni's if youre craving a pizza
(Michelle Beck, Hong Kong).
- Id like to suggest Table 88 (which used to
be a police station) and The Boathouse with a lovely
sea view roof terrace, great food and it's kid and dog friendly.
(Jeannie Hau, Tour guide, Hong Kong)
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Old, old
stuff...
When we were in Hong Kong we had fun browsing on
Hollywood Road in Central. Theres antique shops,
street stalls selling bric-a-brac, post cards and kitchy Mao
souvenirs. Do some careful sorting and you might find an inexpensive
Chinese gift for Aunt Sallys souvenir collection.
Barbara Bread, Baltimore, USA |
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Factory
outlet shopping...
Many of the shops and designer labels that we shop for at
home actually do their manufacturing in factories in Hong
Kong and on the Chinese Mainland. These same factories have
outlet shops and boutiques which sell to the public and they
offer bargains galore. I enjoyed checking out the Kaiser
Estates and the Pedder Building -- lots of silks
and lots of cashmere. Be aware that many outlets use this
system for getting rid of defective merchandise. Find the
defect and see if you can live with it. The scrupulous shopper
can often find items in H.K. selling for half the price they
do at home.
Evelyn Hannon, Journeywoman, Canada |
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Discount
clothes that fit me...
Some of the places I like to shop at are the wholesale
outlets on Nathan Road. The clothes on sale here are
generally styled for export (i.e. larger than the average
Asian woman). Some items cost less and they fit me better.
Karisa, HKTA, Toronto, Canada |
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Interesting
linen shirts on sale...
I find clothing in H.K. is generally sized to fit the smaller
Asian physique. However, I would like to mention an exception
-- D.D's, a factory outlet which had great white linen
shirts that we picked up for only $US10 and they fit beautifully.
The outlet address is Penthouse A /11 Yuk Yat Street/ to Kwa
Wan, Kowloon.
Jean Kelly, Melbourne, Australia
Ed. note: When I stopped
by at D.D's, they also had nicely styled womens suits,
sweaters and coats. Worth a visit!
Other fashion outlets you
might enjoy...
Anne Klein, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central
Jones New York, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street,
Central
Labels Plus, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central
Diane Freis, 10/F, Unit A1, Kaiser Estate, Phase 1,
41 Man Yue St, Hung Hom
Shoppers World, Unit B, 1st Fl, Han Chung Mansion,
8-10 Hankow Rd, Kowloon.
DKNY, Calvin Klein, Ellen Tracy can be
found in the Man Cheung Building |
Bonus
tip --Better your bargaining skills...
Theres an art to
bargaining in Hong Kong shops and markets. When you find the
article you want, dont appear to be too interested.
Then, pick up a few items including the one you want, and
casually ask about their prices. Finally, offer less than
you are willing to pay, and ideally, the owners offer
will be close to what you had in mind.
(Source: Shopping HKTA, Oct. 1994)
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More shopping tips...
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