Hong Kong Shopping

This much-buzzed-about upscale shopping center features high-end stores like Lucky Jeans and Gucci, dining, a state-of-the-art cinema, a gourmet supermarket, and even an ice rink. It’s an excellent way to spend a dreary day and is a true introduction to Hong Kong culture.

Carve out a morning for this shopping extravaganza. The market’s best buys include Asian-style home décor items, well-priced cashmere, seconds from U.S. brands like J.Crew and Gap, and souvenirs. Afterwards, catch your breath with a drink on the pretty waterfront.

Arguably the pioneer of Hong Kong’s ultra-posh, mall movement – it opened in the early ‘90s – this glitzy behemoth hasn’t faltered in the face of competitors. It’s home to every Western brand you can think of (everything from Chanel to Zara) – as well as Hong Kong’s own swanky department store, Lane Crawford.

Their official names are Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West, but most locals know these narrow parallel alleyways by their common nickname: “The Lanes.”  Head here for cheap watches, faux pashminas, knock-off bags, and well-priced clothing.

The largest branch of this upscale arts & crafts chain is just opposite the Star Ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui. In business for several decades, it’s one of the most solid places to find Chinese furniture, linens, tableware, antiques, and souvenirs.

This luxury Chinese boutique offers a discerning East-Meets-West take on home furnishings, clothing, accessories, and gifts. If you really want to blow the budget, there’s even a made-to-measure clothing service staffed by professional tailors.

This high-end mini mall opened to great fanfare in December 2007 thanks to the hipper-than-thou reputation of the retail team behind it. Around 50 super-trendy sartorial brands share space with a bar and a tattoo parlor – you know, in case you need a more permanent souvenir.

G.O.D. – “Goods of Desire” – specializes in furniture and homeware with an Asian motif. Asian-style furniture shops abound in Hong Kong but few combine home fixtures with as many attractively laid-out knickknacks (journals, vases, teapots, candles), as G.O.D. The chain has three branches throughout the city, but the Central branch is our favorite because it also stocks pajamas and slippers. Prices are reasonable and G.O.D. staff are familiar with handling overseas shipments.

Monte Kashmir stocks around 30 types of cashmere – all sourced in Mongolia and manufactured in Hong Kong – in a bevy of different colors. The turtlenecks, scarves, and sweater designs are classic and cut along simple lines so they can easily last for years. This is just as well, as items here don’t come cheap.

All antique items at Arch Angel are accompanied by a detailed certificate of authenticity. Browse for Ming dynasty figurines, terra-cotta figures, museum-quality ceramics, boxes, and collectibles in this three-story store. Ask the owners to point out the nearby galleries which showcase their bronze Buddhas, stone sculptures, and even contemporary Vietnamese art. The shop has been run since 1988 by a Dutch and American couple.