Shopping in Hong Kong is a vast and inexhaustible affair. From gleaming, headline-grabbing mega malls to big-name designer stores, it’s the ultimate retail paradise. And with newly minted retail destinations like Kowloon’s striking gallery inspired K11 Musea mall, the bustling city proves its unbudging status as one of Asia’s best shopping havens.
However, beyond the obvious retail districts, Hong Kong is also home to a charming selection of indie and boutique stores. Get acquainted with the city’s best hidden gems: From a vintage store in Soho Central to Asia’s largest MoMa store, read on for our top picks of underrated boutiques to discover in the city.
1. 15 Squarestreet
Founded in 2010 by Swedish-born, Hong Kong-based designer Alexis Holm, 15 Squarestreet is known for its minimalist and classically Scandinavian-style timepieces. Besides watches, the store also carries homeware pieces and accessories from other Swedish brands – such as the chic and minimalist jewellery from Sägen and quirky mugs from Karin Ohlsson. It also boasts Hong Kong’s only Swedish café, where you can devour freshly baked pastries along with its selection of coffees which are roasted weekly and flown in from Sweden.
2. Select 18
Vintage shopping enthusiasts will love thumbing through the eclectic knickknackery at this vintage store. Located in Sheung Wan, Select 18 is a treasure trove of all things vintage: think retro posters, toys, jewellery, vinyl records, cameras, hats and handbags – the list goes on. Owner and founder Mido, a Hongkonger of Indian heritage, is an avid collector of Scandinavian pieces, and you’ll find everything from furniture and eyewear he’s amassed from his trips and family abroad. Check out its Instagram page for a sneak peek of all the fun paraphernalia inside.
3. Odd One Out
For affordable prints by both local and international talents, swing by Odd One Out. This inviting creative space and gem in Wan Chai is both an artists’ agency and indie gallery. Peruse its collection of fun and vibrant art pieces that range from zines and houseware to postcard reproductions and original hand-etched works at fairly wallet-friendly prices. There’s also a café here with a lovely patio that you can park yourself in after all the art browsing.
4. MoMa design store
As Asia’s largest MoMa store (and Hong Kong’s first), the MoMa design store in the much-talked-about retail destination of K11 Musea is a must-visit on your next trip to the metropolis. Its staggering 6,000 sqft of space boasts a curated selection of design objects from notable twentieth-century designers to contemporary ones. Shop everything from furniture pieces, tech gadgets, home décor as well as limited edition MoMa products that’s exclusive to its Hong Kong outpost.
5. Concept to Go at The Mills
A former 1950s cotton mill, The Mills has now revamped itself into one of the city’s coolest modern art spaces. Billing itself as an experiential retail destination and non-profit cultural space, you’ll find art installations and cultural events, business incubators, trendy eateries, coffee roasters, lifestyle stores and even a lush rooftop park here. Pop over to Concept to Go, a lifestyle concept store that sells everything from home goods and jewellery to flowers and design items. Make sure to leave room in your luggage and snag some new statement pieces for your home!
6. Foreforehead
One of Hong Kong’s best-kept shopping secrets, the neighbourhood of Sham Sui Po has recently been reinvigorated by a crop of young creatives who have opened indie boutiques and galleries. Foreforehead, which prides itself as a “weird but cute place”, is one of them. Expect a hodgepodge of eccentric oddities, homeware, clothing, stationery and décor pieces. The space also occasionally doubles as an exhibition space for young Hongkong artists.
7. Bang Bang 70s
This nondescript vintage store on Aberdeen Street is a 70s fashion time capsule. From disco memorabilia to funky and groovy clothing pieces, it’s the ultimate tribute to the decade. Every crevice in the store is jampacked with fun pieces from the era; you’ll also stumble across rare designer finds such as watches, bags and leather goods from the 70s here.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
The information is accurate as of press time. For updated information, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
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