Temple St prays night vibes keep on prospering

Merchants in Temple Street are hoping the government will extend its night vibes campaign, as the revamped night market has been incredibly successful, attracting over 8,000 visitors a day since December.

A hawker also said the number of tourists visiting the night market has seen a significant increase in the past three months. In addition to the food and snack stalls, dry goods vendors and nearby restaurants have also seen better business.

Some merchants have reported a 20 percent surge in sales over the past three months, which they consider to be the best result since the pandemic ended.

The market, scheduled to run until mid-June, is part of the government's Night Vibes Hong Kong campaign, launched in December.

However, merchants and hawkers are concerned about the future of the market, as they have not received any hint of what's coming on a possible extension.

"I don't know if I should start planning for the next six months of operation, as there has been no news from the government so far," said a concerned merchant.

Ng, the manager of a restaurant selling roast goose on nearby Nanking Street, also hopes the market can continue.

"Our tables have been fully occupied during dinner time recently due to visitors attracted by the market, resulting in at least a 5 percent increase in business," he said.

Raymond Chan Kam-wing, chairman of the Yaumatei Temple Street Association of Hawkers and Shop Operators, urged the Tourism Board, a market co-organizer, to engage in talks about a potential extension with merchants soon.

Chan has received persistent inquiries from merchants and hawkers in this regard, with many wanting the market to expand its scale. "As tourism is recovering, I am confident daily visits will exceed 10,000 if the market is extended."

Chan also said some shops have even witnessed a 30 percent increase in business over the past three months and that Temple Street has the potential to attract more overseas tourists due to its unique blend of east-meets-west characteristics,

He plans to enhance the souvenirs' end. "In addition to adding more food stalls, we also plan to invite in more souvenir merchants so that tourists can have a one-stop experience of eating, sightseeing and buying souvenirs," he said.

Chan also said the association is in talks with a well-known cake shop to open on the street.

He is also proposing extending opening hours of the nearby jade market on Shanghai Street and organizing street performances on weekends and holidays to further entice tourists.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association has announced that Hong Kong Shopping Festival 2024 will be held from July 1 to August 31.

Over 100 retail and catering brands will participate, offering customers free gifts and e-coupons with no minimum spending requirements on platforms such as Alipay HK, PayMe, and BoC Pay.