I see it, I like it, I want it, HK's got it.

by Ariel Chua

“You’re going Hong Kong? Wah… confirm shop a lot ah!”

Of course.

Neon signs flickering sporadically, advertising everything from motels to freshly brewed cups of bubble tea.

Crowded streets, people jostling and stepping on each other without so much as a grimace of apology.

The smell of grease, with little shops dotted around the street – stained canvas tents and rusted utensils, selling everyone’s favourite street snacks such as beef cubes, spicy fish balls, waffles and more.

Rapid-fire Cantonese. Locals and tourists engaged in a heated haggle with sweaty stall owners, determined to get the best discounts.

Glints of metal. Hanging from plastic hooks and laid neatly across foldable tables are keychains of every design, fridge magnets of every colour, and fake designer bags of every brand imaginable.

The random rush of cold air – people rushing out of H&M, Adidas, Nike, 6ixty8ight, Cotton On, MONKI, all loaded down with massive paper bags, cheeks flushed with excitement at their new purchases.

Hong Kong’s reputation as the ultimate shopping destination is not unfounded. There are clothes for girls and boys, women and men. There are souvenirs for K-pop stans, Disney fanatics, Potterheads etc. You name it? It definitely can be found at Hong Kong’s top shopping locations.

Does Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Ladies’ Market and Argyle Centre sound familiar?

Bubble tea shops every block, I LOVE HK t-shirts hanging from dingy stalls, impatient vendors urging indecisive patrons to hurry, overpriced action figurines, restaurants boasting various cuisines and fusion food, shops selling adorable Sanrio merchandise… Tsim Sha Tsui has everything for everyone, and anything for anyone.

Argyle Centre is one of Mong Kok’s ‘must-go’ places. It is a mall that reminds Singaporeans affectionately of Bugis Street – little stalls selling the latest fashions, discounted shoes, affordable earrings, and freshly made waffles and crepes.

The most distinctive trait about Argyle Centre is what can be heard two steps in: Cantonese, spoken loudly and quickly. Stall owners jabbing impatiently at palm-sized calculators, determined to maximise their profits face stubborn tourists who refuse to compromise, knowing that overcharging is rampant in Hong Kong.

It’s not uncommon to be charged $120HKD for some souvenirs, only to take 30 steps down to the next stall, and see another smiling old woman offering the exact same thing… only with the prices at a 30% discount, before bargaining. Experience has made travellers wary, and as more people learn the ways of haggling, it has contributed to Hong Kong’s unique shopping identity and experience. Bargaining for items has become as big a part of shopping itself. Spending 15 minutes at a stall refusing to pay the extra $30HKD for a few pairs of Disney socks has been an experience that is fondly associated with shopping in Hong Kong.

Of course, shopping would not be complete without spending an hour or two in Hong Kong’s massive shopping malls. International brands such as H&M and MONKI have shops that are multiple levels, filled to the brim with the latest fashion trends… and then some more. While these brands can easily be found in other countries, it is not strange to seen youths pulling out their phones and doing some quick calculations, hopeful that the conversion rate will be in their favour.

And it is then, with the streets illuminated with neon signs, floors covered in litter and air smelling like grease, that Hong Kong smiles and shows why it upholds that reputation.