Cash, crowds and chillax

Ayra Wang

The Brands and Products Expo welcomed huge crowds - totaling some 1.3 million people - and their cash, according to organizer Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong.

The 58th edition of the local trade show took place between December 14 and yesterday at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.

Association president Wingco Lo Kam-wing said attendance was strong despite many Hongkongers traveling to the mainland or overseas during the holidays.

He also expressed confidence the final sales count would hit HK$1 billion even though spending per capita declined due to a consumption pattern shift.

"People no longer buy on impulse but they are still willing to spend on essential products, especially since many came to the expo to stock up on goods for the upcoming Lunar New Year," Lo said.

The 24-day outdoor shopping extravaganza and carnival featured 900 stalls and 11 thematic zones, including a chillax zone - featuring snacks, wine and busking performances, which Lo said helped draw more young customers and overseas visitors. The association will consider expanding the chillax zone next year and adding more cocktail-related elements to attract youngsters.

"The performance of the expo has completely returned to prepandemic levels," he said.

Vice president Ivan Sze Wing-hang said the resumption of multiple-entry permits for Shenzhen residents helped, adding the association promoted the expo on mainland social media platforms as a must-visit for those who want to experience local culture and commercial development.

"Some exhibitors have reported a 30 percent increase in spending from mainland visitors," he said.

Sze said the spending of elderly customers increased 5 percent from last year, sparked by discounts and activities for seniors.

Many Hongkongers made a final push yesterday, snapping up discounted products.

A retiree said she visited the expo five times this year and spent over HK$2,000 on appliances.

"I plan to spend another HK$1,000 to buy some discounted goods, such as abalone and fish maw," she said earlier in the day.

Another happy customer, Tang, who visited the expo three times, said there were some great bargains.

"I added HK$5,000 to my Octopus and only have little left after buying abalone, biscuits and other items," Tang said.

An exhibitor selling dried seafood saw business increase by 10 percent, with some customers spending over HK$10,000 on their products. A loquat paste seller was optimistic about a 20 percent rise in sales.

But a food and beer stall at the chillax zone said business fell short of expectations.

"It was only at night that business improved - when young people who typically have higher spending power get off work," operator Li said.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com