Shopping districts in Hong Kong are bustling with activity this holiday season as the New Year approaches, with shoppers out in force seeking gifts, deals, and festive cheer.
In popular commercial areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, stores are filled with customers eager to take advantage of seasonal promotions. Festive decorations and year-end sales have drawn crowds, enticing both locals and tourists to explore the discounts.
Many shoppers report that the holiday spirit has lifted their moods and encouraged them to indulge in some leisure shopping before the New Year.
"I think everyone is in the holiday mood and I got myself a Christmas present. It's new boots. Sometimes you have to pamper yourself and please yourself as well," a shopper said.
"I spend less on myself, but for Christmas, it's still about the spirit of giving. So you want to give to the kids and the people who are in need. This is what I shop for," said another.
Visitors from the Chinese mainland are also contributing to the festive atmosphere, taking advantage of holiday discounts and more flexible travel options. Improved transport links and smoother border crossings have made shopping in Hong Kong more accessible for them.
"It's very convenient for us to travel to Hong Kong by high-speed train, which connects the mainland and Hong Kong. For us, it took us just five-plus hours," said a tourist from the mainland.
Official data shows that Hong Kong's retail sector has shown clear signs of recovery in recent months.
The value of total retail sales rose 6.9 percent year on year in October, reaching around 4.5 billion U.S. dollars, following a 6-percent increase in September.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said the recovery momentum has strengthened further, with faster sales growth and continued expansion across most major retail categories.
Officials expect improving consumer sentiment and rising visitor arrivals to provide additional support for the retail sector.
Hong Kong's shopping districts buzz with holiday spirit
