Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tourists from the mainland - will issue a certificate that states exactly what you are buying
and guarantees that the shop will buy it back at a fair market price.
Leather Goods & Luggage
All the brand names such as Louis Vuitton, Samsonite and Rimowa are sold at Hong Kong
department stores, and you'll also find some local vendors in the luggage business. The pop-
ularity of hiking and travel has triggered a proliferation of outdoor-products shops that carry
high-quality backpacks. If you're looking for a casual bag or daypack, check out Li Yuen St
East and Li Yuen St West in Central or Stanley Market.
Cameras
One of the best spots in Hong Kong to buy photographic equipment is Stanley St in Central.
Everything carries a price tag, though some low-level bargaining may be possible. Never
buy a camera without a price tag. This will probably preclude many of the shops in Tsim
Sha Tsui. That said, Tsim Sha Tsui has a couple of places on Kimberley Rd dealing in used
cameras, and there are plenty of photo shops on Sai Yeung Choi St in Mong Kok.
Watches
Shops selling watches are ubiquitous in Hong Kong and you can find everything from a
Rolex to Russian army timepieces and diving watches. Avoid the shops without price tags.
The big department stores and City Chain are fine, but compare prices.
Local Brands & Designers
Hong Kong doesn't have a profusion of quirky, creative one-offs or unique vintage items as
in London, New York or Copenhagen (have you seen the rent landlords charge here?). But
the city has a small, passionate band of local designer boutiques offering value, character
and style across a range of goods, especially in fashion and furniture.
Soho, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui are the best places to find them. Some
stores like Homeless carry a smattering of chic, design-oriented goods (local and imported)
while others, such as furniture store G.O.D. and fashion boutiques Shanghai Tang and Ini-
tial, have in-house design teams.
Defensive Shopping
Hong Kong is not a nest of thieves just waiting to rip you off, but pitfalls can strike the un-
initiated.
