Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year Fair Sees Strong Turnout Despite Rising Costs
Hong Kong’s biggest Lunar New Year fair has drawn large crowds to Victoria Park on its opening day, marking a return of vibrant energy and festive spirit. The event, which runs until the start of the Lunar New Year on February 17, features 400 stalls offering a wide array of traditional and modern goods, including horse-themed merchandise, flowers, and street food to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
Vendors at the fair are optimistic about sales this year despite increased costs. Some have reported a higher turnout compared to last year, with many expressing confidence in their ability to meet demand. This optimism is reflected in the bustling atmosphere at the fair, where shoppers can be seen browsing through an array of items designed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
Increased Attendance and Sales
One vendor, a man in his fifties named Cheng, who is helping out at his family’s peach blossom tree business, shared his positive outlook. He noted that on the first day of the fair, they had already sold around 40 trees, compared to just a dozen at the same time last year. Cheng also mentioned that there were approximately 50% more people on the first day than last year.
Despite a 10% increase in rent for their booth, which occupies three lots, Cheng chose not to pass on the additional cost to customers. He explained that Hongkongers’ willingness to spend remains relatively weak, with most opting for smaller to medium-sized trees instead of the larger ones, which can cost up to HK$2,000 (US$256).
Cheng expressed confidence that he would be able to sell out all his stock before the end of the fair. He typically packs up and goes home the day before Lunar New Year’s Eve, indicating a strong sense of optimism about the season’s performance.
Corporate Interest in Traditional Symbols
In addition to individual shoppers, several groups of business professionals were seen stopping at stalls selling cherry blossom trees. These plants symbolize prosperity and good interpersonal relationships, making them a popular choice for office spaces. One such group included a man surnamed Lee, who works in electronics. He and his colleagues purchased a giant blossoming plant, which cost them HK$2,280.
Lee noted that they spent HK$300 more than last year on a similar-sized plant. The seller attributed the price increase to a 30% rise in rent for her stall this year.
Creative Designs and Market Challenges
Local designers have also taken advantage of the fair to showcase their creativity, incorporating horse-themed puns into their designs. Illustrator Jill Mak, 29, is a newcomer to the fair and hopes to recoup the HK$20,000 she spent on renting her booth. Her vibrant, cutesy stall features social media picture-worthy mirrors and fai chun, long rectangular sheets of paper bearing auspicious Chinese blessings.
Mak also created three horse stuffed-toy characters and sold them in 900 custom blind boxes, aiming to attract a younger audience. She expressed that the atmosphere this year was better, which encouraged her to sign up for the fair. She believes that more Hongkongers are returning to the streets to spend, contributing to a positive outlook.
However, not all vendors share the same level of optimism. Fellow designer Denis Law, who sells keychains featuring the city’s road signs and old-school Hong Kong advertisements, noted that the rent for his stall has doubled compared to last year. He observed that some customers were trying to bargain prices on the first day of the fair.
Law suggested that more vendors may have had a positive outlook about this year’s fair, leading to increased bidding prices for each stall. However, he feels that the purchasing power of consumers has remained the same as last year, leaving him less optimistic about overall sales.
A Festive Atmosphere
The fair continues to draw visitors from across the city, with events taking place in various locations such as Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, and Yuen Long. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a must-visit event for both locals and tourists alike. As the Year of the Horse begins, the fair serves as a celebration of tradition, culture, and community spirit.
