RETAIL HAVENS
Hong Kong and Macau offer a wide variety for those who enjoy a little bit of shopping indulgence
Having visited Hong Kong many times for business and leisure, I’ve always ensured to keep a few hours (or days, if time permits) for some retail debauchery. Even though I am not a “shopaholic” per se, Hong Kong and its neighbouring Special Administrative Region of Macau have always enamoured me for their retail excellence.
It’s no surprise that HK’s wide array of shopping categories impresses all types of customers; with its superior technology markets, high-street fashion, luxury labels, premium horology brands, local boutiques and flea bazaars. On the other hand, Macau’s extravagant shopping venues are meant for high end luxury seekers, although it does have its share of street-style shopping too.
If an indulgence in retail is on your mind next time you visit Hong Kong and Macau, venture into the below areas.
THE SHOPPER’S PARADISE | HONG KONG
The first stop for any traveller to Hong Kong is usually the Central District, and this is where you can begin your retail run as well. As the name suggests, Central is Hong Kong’s centre point of business, economy and shopping. It is lined with luxury labels and colossal shopping malls that house a spectrum of brands from all categories. Situated on Queen’s Road in Central is Landmark, one of HK’s most premium shopping venues. Some of the labels you can find in this exclusive shopping mall include Louis Vuitton, Polo Ralph Lauren, Chanel and Gucci. It is also a hub for watch enthusiasts as it features horology boutiques of A. Lange & Söhne, Cartier, Chopard and Bulgari, to name a few. For F&B seekers, Landmark houses around 70 dining outlets under its roof — including the newly opened Michelin-starred restaurant Man Wah, The Aubrey for local cuisine and Alfred’s for tailor-made cuisines.
Situated in the skyscraper of the International Finance Centre is International Finance Centre Mall, the next destination you should head to for shopping while in Central. One of the foremost reasons being that it houses Hong Kong’s flagship Apple Store, along with other brands such as Bobbi Brown, Celine, Coach, Dior, IWC, Mont Blanc, Panerai and Valentino.
The next two stops on your shopping exploration of Hong Kong must be the areas of Admiralty and Causeway Bay. From high end malls, street style shops, adorable department stores to mediumpriced boutiques, these areas have the answer to all your shopping woes in the city. Head to SOGO Department Store in Causeway Bay, a Japanese-style department store that appeals to locals and tourists. Here you can purchase a range of products from watches, cosmetics and skincare, fashion accessories and home decor items. discoverhongkong.com
THE RETAIL LANDMARK | MACAU
The Special Administrative Region of Macau has been attracting all kinds of travellers — from budget to luxury seekers — for decades now. Its plethora of glamorous casinos is an obvious reason, however, its prominence in the retail segment is significantly hailing serious shoppers as well. If luxe brands are on your mind, visit Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Macao. Set in the fanciful Venetian-inspired canals, the destination is lined with around 330 shops featuring highend stores (Fendi, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana) and medium-priced brands (Zara, Pull & Bead and Tory Burch). If this isn’t strangely enough for your luxury shopping requirements, head to the Shoppes at Four Seasons that hosts 150 stores of brands including Versace, Kenzo, Valentino and Tod’s.
The former Portuguese colony of Macau prides itself on its Portugal-inspired areas that appeal to the travellers seeking a bit of culture on their trips. Senado Square, the heart of old, Portuguese Macau, is known for its variety of shops and food stalls that line its streets. If you happen to be in Macau on a Sunday, don’t forget to visit Taipei Flea Market for some good deals on antiques, accessories, souvenirs and food items. macaotourism.gov.mo