Above the countless international brands and neon lights that line Hong Kong’s crowded streets hide a handful of cozy independent shops run by enthusiastic local entrepreneurs. Tucked away on the top floors of the city’s tallest buildings, and separated by a few flights of stairs from the glitzy stores, these stores mainly sell unique, artisanal goods – a testament to the still laid-back lifestyle in Hong Kong. And there is room for manufactured aesthetics.
Take a closer look at Hong Kong and find a well-and-truly hidden souvenir at one of these low-key shops.
Store rooms
Established in 2013, Store rooms Acting as a gallery for artisanal lifestyle products handpicked from different corners of the earth, each one has a wonderful story behind it. From elaborate New York quilts with silver thread-embroidered astrological signs, to minimalist Japanese stationery and jewelry, the storerooms offer thoughtful edits of everyday items in a bright yet relaxed setting that appeals to shoppers. Each product allows one to slow down and appreciate them. Find it by locating the stairs between a makeup store and pharmacy on Sai Yong Choi St. South in Mong Kok – it’s marked with a small black flag above the entrance.
Showa film and camera
Film and vintage camera enthusiasts will love this shop. Named after and inspired by the Golden Age of Japanese history (1926-1989), show It is based on the analog age and love of film cameras. The shop’s minimalist white walls are lined with refurbished vintage film and Polaroid cameras available to admire and purchase, along with films and accessories. The staff is extremely knowledgeable in the arts of photography and can help with processing photos, repairing or modifying cameras, and everything in between.
attacker
In a commercial building filled primarily with photocopier stores, nail salons, and athletic shoe stores, attacker Tucked away on the sixth floor is a small space smaller than most people’s bedrooms. Dozens of neatly folded stacks of T-shirts show the owner’s passion for this particular style of clothing, which is the only item sold here. Find Raider’s own line, along with handpicked labels imported from the US and Japan. The owner also acts as a friendly consultant, helping shoppers find the perfect piece in terms of neckline, material and cut.
Chang Chang Good Store
Founded by a couple of local graphic designers, Chang Chang Good Store Yao reopened in Mati after high rents pushed them out of their first Tai Po location. Among the industrial kitchenware shops on Shanghai St., this is a neat antique store with a leaning toward Japanese items, from vintage ceramics to antique kitchenware and small wooden furniture, each one personalized. Acquired from Japan by the owner.
nice day
In hard-hitting Hong Kong, nice day And the building it resides in provides a much-needed creative environment for locals. After a ride in the 60s-vintage and extremely photogenic elevator, complete with gold-paneled mechanical buttons, you’ll find Goddag (good day in Danish) on the fourth floor. The space has the feel of a European vintage boutique, with wooden shelves and ceramic plates displaying decorative jewelry and charming knick-knacks that the owner has brought back from his travels. God Dig also has his own line of contemporary clothing made in Hong Kong.
Glimpses of the workshop
A set of Indian tapestries on the stairwell walls let you know you’re in the right place Glimpses of the workshop, a colorful boutique featuring accessories, clothing and spiritual items from India, Nepal and Thailand. Think crystal balls and pendants, scented incense, feather dream catchers and boho chic jewelry. Exclusive one-of-a-kind beaded bracelets and embroidered bags are handcrafted by the owner.
Tree stationery
Forget magnets or t-shirts as gifts. Get locally designed writing paper here instead. The Tree Stationery. Spanning two stories above bustling Causeway Bay, it offers everything from pencils and inks to stationery designed by local artists and hard-to-find brands. The owner will take the time to explain the design behind each item – for example, a desk calendar depicting cats living in Hong Kong, as illustrated by a Japanese woman who bought it here. Have cared for cats returning to their home after being moved. You want to put pen to paper again.
8 five 2
First opened in 1999, 8 five 2 One of the first streetwear and skateboard specialists in Hong Kong, stocking big names as well as underground labels popular in skateboarding and streetwear culture. Now running his own label, the store remains a destination for skateboarders and streetwear enthusiasts, and the place to shop for authentic and hard-to-find cult brands like Vans and Stussy.
Broken fingers
More workshop than store, Broken fingers One of the best independent leather goods brands in Hong Kong. The brand specializes in functional yet minimalist designs — for example, a pair of colorful crossbody box bags in double-layered French goatskin — created from scratch by the two founders, who are also artists. . The shop also hosts private workshops (HK$500-2000) suitable for beginners: a fun way to spend an afternoon crafting your own wallet or bag. You can also custom order something, but there are plenty of ready-made items on the shelves for time constraints.
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