Hong Kong florists eye blossoming business with longer Lunar New Year market
Road closure for the seasonal outdoor event will be extended to 10 days instead of the usual eight
Florists are pinning their hopes for better business ahead of Lunar New Year on a longer than usual road closure of 10 days at a popular Hong Kong flower market, as the move will allow them more time to sell their products.
The flower supply has remained steady despite recent cold spells and low humidity, according to vendors, while some have branched out to selling products such as handicraft pot plants to boost business.
Much-sought-after flowers include orchids in white, yellow, purple and pink. Peach blossoms, yellow chrysanthemums, pussy willows, narcissi, gladioli and peonies are also popular, as well as trees bearing mandarins and tangerines.
“The earlier closure means we can display our goods for longer without the worry of getting penalised [for blocking the streets],” said florist May Cheng, who is in her fifties.
She expected her shop at the Mong Kok market to buy 20 to 30 per cent more stock as a result of the measure.
“It’s much more difficult to operate the business without the extra space at the shopfront, which also makes loading and unloading much easier,” she said.
