Uptick in business for some on Father's Day but clouds linger

Restaurants recorded a slight increase in business on Father's Day, while Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu recalled his son nominating him for "the best 10 modern fathers" in secondary school.

Despite the rainy weather, tables were filled with families celebrating the day at a Chinese restaurant in Mong Kok yesterday.

Restaurant manager So Man-shing said more families walked in as the weather improved and he expected a 10-percent increase in business on Father's Day compared to Mother's Day last month.

A diner named Fung said his family celebrated the day and wished: "The economy improves and he can earn more money."

But Hong Kong Retail Management Association chairman Annie Tse Yau On-yee expected a "double-digit" drop in the value of total retail sales this year after the figure last month hit a record low since July 2020.

"Of course, we are meant to be pursuing higher figures, but the situation has changed, and it is a bit unrealistic to pursue the figures back in 2018," she said.

Fifteen Sun Hung Kai Property malls expected sales and foot traffic to slightly pick up on Father's Day, with executive director Maureen Fung Sau-yim saying they saw sales increase by 20 percent on the same day last year.

Meanwhile, on Facebook, Lee recalled his son drawing him a heartwarming card and nominating him for "the best 10 modern fathers" back in secondary school, but he was unable to attend the celebrations due to his busy schedule. He thanked his family for supporting him throughout his two-year service as the city's leader.

To mark the special day, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po played football with four fathers and their sons at Victoria Park.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said he spent the "special" day promoting Chinese martial arts "Baduanjin qigong." He thanked his wife for practicing with him.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com