From 22 June to 31 August, the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular brings a palpable level of excitement to an already bustling city. It’s a celebration of everything Hong Kong has to offer: there’s something for the partygoer, the gastronomer, the lover of culture and, of course, the shopper.
And regardless of what time of year you go, that holds true. Hong Kong’s glittering department stores and alleyway boutiques are catnip to the shopaholic. Whether you’re hunting bargains or stacking up on luxury purchases from the world’s top brands, it’s all there – you just have to know where to go.
After the break, 5 top shopping destinations to visit when you find yourself exploring the dizzying world of Hong Kong.
Harbour City
Alexander Wang, Balmain, Celine, Hermes… Name your favourite luxury retailer and odds are its somewhere under the expansive roof of this ultra modern shopping mall complex. If big brands are what you’re after, Harbour City is a go-to – along with plenty of cafes and eateries to round out a day’s shopping.
More: harbourcity.com.hk.
Island Beverley Centre
Over several levels, this arcade is crammed full with booth-sized boutiques offering bargain hunters everything from cotton tees to floating pleats – but mostly the pleats. Heaven for the feminine (and the cash-strapped), it’s wise to do a lap before buying as things can get repetitive and prices do vary between stores. Be warned that many stores don’t allow you to try clothes on before you buy, and some only accept cash.
Find it at: 1 Great George St, Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay: Fashion Walk
Explore the blocks between Paterson St and Gloucester Rd in Causeway Bay for shopping gems galore in a setting that marries the luxury of designer labels with the gritty cool-factor of the city streets. Here you’ll find labels the malls may have missed, from Vivienne Westwood and Tsumori Chisato to Isabel Marant and Agnes b.
Horizon Plaza outlets
It’s a little off the beaten track but worth a visit if you’re hunting bargains. Situated on Ap Lei Chau island (within easy driving distance of Hong Kong city), this complex has 28 stories of factory outlet shopping. While you probably won’t find something you like on every floor, the Lane Crawford outlet alone makes Horizon Plaza worth the trip. Designer bargains abound here with racks of clothing from every label you can think of, along with a selection of discounted shoes and handbags.
Also check out I.T for labels like Isabel Marant, McQ and Zadig & Voltaire, if you have the patience to navigate the haphazard layout. Joyce, meanwhile, is a cleanly organised catalogue of last season pieces from Yohi Yamamoto to Balenciaga and Alexander Wang.
Find it at: 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
Soho
In what city of the world is the name Soho not synonymous with all things trendy and alive? Hong Kong is no exception. At night, this area becomes a buzzing hive of expats and tourists who spill out of the many restaurants and bars and into the streets. It’s also a haven for the shopper, with quirky boutiques challenging passers by to stop in and dig up a treasure.
Try: Moda Molino; Ranee K for a magpies collection of bits and bobs; AB for Miu Miu style whimsy with labels like House of Holland, Finders Keepers, and Charlotte Taylor; HOME for sweetly feminine and homely pieces.
For more details about the events launching in Hong Kong as part of the Summer Spectacular, head to discoverhongkong.com.
