Final day of products expo draws bargain hunters to Victoria Park

The 24-day annual Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo will conclude on Monday night, with thousands of bargain hunters flooded into Hong Kong’s Victoria Park looking for last-minute deals.

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association vice president Ivan Sze Wing-hang said the expo has recorded a 20 percent increase in attendance compared to last year, resulting in a turnover exceeding HK$1 billion, which they describe as satisfactory.

The bargain hunters, who came prepared with large suitcases and backpacks, said they planned to get the best deal as merchants were rolling out flash sales and slashing prices on the event's final day.

One of them told reporters that there were more visitors today when compared to New Year's Day, adding that people tend to spend more time at the expo this year to price out the goods before buying.

Some also said they chose to splash money at the expo as they believe in the quality of Hong Kong products.

A merchant selling seafood noted that customers’ spending power has weakened in this year's expo, with the average amount spent per person decreasing from HK$1,000 in previous years to around HK$600 to HK$700. 

He said there were fewer visitors during Christmas and the New Year, possibly due to people flying out of town for travel.

Meanwhile, a wine seller said their sales had exceeded their estimation by 20 percent, attributing the outcome to the expo’s increased publication and the reopening of food stalls.