Mother's Day connects families amid cloudy market

With Mother's Day serving as a reminder of the unweaving love and sacrifices made by mothers, numerous families were seen at the Flower Market in Mong Kok this morning to choose perfect flowers to convey their heartfelt sentiments.

On this significant occasion, many flower shops were filled with vibrant bouquets of carnations, roses, and sunflowers, creating an atmosphere filled with love and appreciation.

One father, who accompanied his children to the market, spent about HK$800 on three bouquets of pink and orange roses intended as gifts for his wife and their mothers. 

Another woman expressed her gratitude to her mother by purchasing a bouquet of carnations and roses, and she also selected a small flower basket for her aunt, who frequently assists her and her daughter.

As she prepared gifts for her loved ones, the mother expressed her wishes for her daughter's health and looked forward to the evening's celebrations.

However, a flower shop owner indicated that business conditions remain subdued, noting that they had received around 200 orders so far, similar to last year and that over 90 percent of the orders originated from regular customers or online ordering. 

In response to competitive pricing from online retail platforms, the owner revealed his plan to offer more affordable bouquet options this year and to collaborate with local businesses to enhance customer attraction.

Meanwhile, certain families chose to enjoy Chinese dim sum to celebrate the special day, with a nearby Chinese restaurant experiencing substantial patronage this morning. 

One daughter remarked that it has been their tradition for over 20 years to visit Chinese restaurants for celebration, underscoring the significance of family gatherings and expressing wishes for her mother's good health.

Despite the heartwarming scene, the restaurant manager reported a 20 percent decrease in overall business during the morning period compared to the previous year. He noted that many customers exercise greater financial caution, with average spending decreasing from HK$70 to approximately HK$50 to HK$60.

Leung Chun-wah, chairman of the Association for Hong Kong Catering Services Management, described this year's Mother's Day as one of the most subdued in the past four decades. 

While lunch reservations were similar to last year, Leung noted that dinner bookings had declined by over 50 percent compared to the preceding year.