Hong Kong’s historical shops preserve city’s unique charm and craftsmanship
Old family-run establishments give the city its unique character and enthusiasts are recording their stories before it’s too late
Today, Ma is joined by more than 10 others dedicated to recording the stories behind the family-run retail businesses that give much of Hong Kong its character. Their efforts can be found in a hefty illustrated book, Hong Kong Historical Shops, which profiles more than 40 businesses, in addition to the 28 already featured in a previous publication by the group in 2021.
Designed to resemble a paper shopping bag, the new volume contains stories of old shops, accompanied by evocative photographs by group member Easy Chan Yung-sang and reproductions of menus, packaging, signage and other graphic elements. The book is a testament to not only the historical but also the cultural value of small businesses.
“The Hong Kong element is very important to us, not just the age of the shop,” says Ma, who works in finance.
“McDonald’s has been in Hong Kong for over 50 years, but we’re not going to interview them,” adds another group member, cafe owner Tiffany Yeung Chiu-yi. “It’s the sense of craftsmanship that’s important.”