Hong Kong computer festival rebranded as night bazaar in bid to boost economy but vendors say business yet to get a lift
- Annual Golden Computer Festival has been rebranded as night bazaar and shops will open 90 minutes later, lawmaker says
- Businesses have strongly rejected the government’s push to extend the operating hours of shopping centres
A group of businesses kicked off a night bazaar on Friday in a bid to give Hong Kong’s evening economy a lift by rebranding a computer festival in Sham Shui Po, but vendors said sales had yet to see much of a boost.
Lawmaker Peter Shiu Ka-fai on Friday night said the annual Golden Computer Festival, involving the popular Golden Computer Arcade on Fuk Wa Street and local restaurants, had been rebranded as a night bazaar, with shops opening 90 minutes later than previous editions, until 11.30pm.
Restaurants and vendors were offering discounts on products and food, he said.
“After the pandemic, people got used to going home early and this is not good for the economy. These nighttime events will help it bounce back,” Shiu said after a high-profile rebranding ceremony for the two-day event which ends on Saturday.
He added that the festival was the first since Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po recently floated the idea of night bazaars, believing they would raise competitiveness and attract tourists through innovation, quality services and outdoor experiences as visitors’ habits had changed after the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, merchants in the computer centre said this year’s event was not as well attended as previous ones.
“Actually, it is not any busier than a normal day,” said retail worker Casper Chen, 25.
