Hong Kong Shopping Tips by mim95

The Book Attic: Second Hand Book Shop

The owner is a very brave lady who loves to read so much that she decided to open this shop 2 years ago. It's not easy to have a small business in Hong Kong as the government's policy doesn't provide much supports for SMEs (small medium enterprises). High rent especially has squeezed out many potential small businesses, which is quite sad as everywhere you go now you see the same brand names.

If you have some old books, consider taking them to the shop and exchange another one for a $10 discount (for titles she doesn't have).

For a small business, word of mouth is the only marketing tool. The shop was mentioned a number of times, including the New York Times.

Tell your friends. Support small local business, support a good cause.

Address: 7-17 Amoy Street

Directions: 2-min walk from Wan Chai MTR station, across from Southorn Playground, next to the large redevelopment construction site

Phone: 2259 3103

Theme: Books

Website: http://www.bookattic.info/

Small shops and stalls: Street stalls on Tai Yuen Street in Wan Chai Clothes Review

There are many stalls selling a variety of things on Tai Yuen Street and the nearby street, from clothing to fresh fruits and vegetables. This is how traditional street market looks like.

Unfortunately, few traditional markets are left today as the government considered it as unsanitary and disturbing traffic flow. More and more shops are moving into malls or wet markets in government multi-purpose buildings.

There are also many cheap clothing wholesalers along Johnston Road, selling mostly women's clothing. Well worth to have a look.

Directions: Tai Yuen Street is a short walk from Wan Chai MTR station on Hong Kong Island

Theme: Women's Clothes

A trendy shopping mall in Mong Kok: Langham Place Shopping Complexes Review

This giant shopping mall with 300 shops, restaurants and cinemas is located in the heart of Mong Kok. It is the architectural design that is what I like the most about the mall. Its design is not traditional, very open concept, with escarlators that skip some floors and stairs that go up or down without any pattern. If this is your first time to the mall, you'll surely stop and look up as soon as you enter the food court level. Part of the floor opens all the way to the top - 8-10 floors up, with huge metal spiral decorations that shpaed like a tree. Huge windows bring warm sunlight into the building. There are 15 floors that you can explore!

Some interesting background info about this area: The mall, the office tower and the 5-star hotel complex is the government's attempt to clean up this area, which is better known for the adult entertainment business. They are just a block away and are still up and running.

What to pay: Above average compare to the street level shops in Mong Kok, as the mall itself is a bit more upscale.

Directions: Get off at Mong Kok MTR station and follow the sign. There is a direct underground tunnel linking the mall to the station.

Theme: Other

Ladies Market: Test your bargain skills on Ladies Street Ladies Market Review

Ladies Market is actually a street (Tung Choi Street) that has been occupied by the street vendors, which sell mainly no name clothings for women and accessories items. There are also vendors selling items for men and children too.

It's always crowded, especially at night and during the weekends. Be sure to bargain as the vendors always mark up the prices, and definitely keep an eye of your belongings in this crowded market.

Address: Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok

Directions: A short walk from Mong Kok or Prince Edward MTR Station

Theme: Women's Clothes

Food Markets (Street Markets): Use all your senses in the exciting food markets Food Markets Review

Traditional food market (locally known as street market) is an exciting place to be as you need to use all your senses. You'll see, smell, touch the fresh pork, live chicken, life seafood, fruits and vegetables. There are always places in the market that sells cooked food as well, such as bbq pork and any kind of marinated snack (like chicken feet and squid). You'll hear ppl bargain or the loud voices of the vendors of how fresh and cheap their food are.

People, especially the old ones, love to shop at the street markets for the freshness that can't be found in the supermarkets.

Many are found indoor nowadays as the government wants to keep the street clean. But there are still many that are outdoor.

Directions: Street markets are located throughout the city.

Theme: Food and Drink