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For true fashionistas, no place is too far to score unique fashion finds. From the tiangge stalls of Divisoria to high-end stores of Makati, die-hard fashionistas never stop searching for that perfect outfit, accessory, and even electronic gadget. With its shopping discounts and privileges under the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular program, Hong Kong is the perfect destination for fashionistas on the lookout for the next big fashion must-have.
As part of "Festive Hong Kong 2010," a year-round line-up of celebrations on Chinese festivals and Western cultural celebrations, Hong Kong Summer Spectacular consists of summer activities and events from June 11 to August 31. In July, people in Hong Kong will gather to witness the Dragon Boat Carnival happening from July 23-25. To end the summer season in August, Hong Kong’s leading groups and artists rock Hong Kong with "Summer Pop - Live in Hong Kong."
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Want to win a trip for two to Hong Kong?
While you are soaking in all the action in HK, you can shop to win with the "Visa go Hong Kong Super Shopper" promotion. Visitors who spend over HK$3,000 (P15,000) with their Visa cards from July to August can register online and enter the contest. The lucky winners will each receive a round-trip travel package to Hong Kong in October for a shopping contest, to be paired with local winners to accomplish shopping missions within a fixed timeframe. The winning team will be awarded the grand prize of HK$500,000 or P2.5 million Visa spending amount.
Summer in Hong Kong also features store sales in major shopping districts. Those looking for great buys and bargains may check out these top 10 Hong Kong stores and locations with covet-worthy items every fashionista would want:
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1. apm for late night shoppers. Located in Millennium City 5, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, apm has more than 170 retail outlets which are open until midnight. There are also restaurants in the area, which welcomes hungry shoppers until 2 a.m.
To get here, go to MTR Kwun Tong Station and leave via Exit A2. apm is just beside Kwun Tong MTR Station. This mall is open from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily.
Visitors who spend HK$500 or more (with maximum of two instant machine-printed invoices) can get one limited edition apm Trendy Shopping Bag (while stocks last). Visitors can also get a free "apm discount booklet 2010," which contains exclusive offers from apm’s stores, the latest hot spots, and suggested shopping locations in Hong Kong upon presenting valid travel documents.
Click here for more information on discounts. To know more about apm, visit the apm website.
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2. Times Square for fashion-forward femmes. Aside from having trendy fashion pieces, Times Square Mall also has the best restaurants offering sumptuous world-class meals. Located at 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, it has 230 shops and 20 food establishments, making it one of the must-visit sites in Hong Kong.
To get there, go to MTR Causeway Bay Station and leave via Exit A. You can easily spot the mall after exiting MTR. Times Square Mall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tourists are entitled to a complimentary gift upon presenting valid travel document at Time Square Mall’s concierge at the second floor. Also this summer, Times Square presents "Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story" at Times Square’s special art showcase. It features the world’s largest Buzz Lightyear figure along with other oversized Toy Story heroes. The exhibit also displays works from Pixar and hand-painted Toy Story Aliens done by an international line-up of 30 contemporary artists. Brand-new collectibles and merchandise are also available, including the limited edition six-inch Alien Cosbaby figure.
To know more about stores and events in Times Square Mall, visit this site.
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3. Stanley Market for traditional Chinese dress and souvenirs. This cluster of 150 shops located at Stanley Market Road sells mostly clothes and fashion accessories at rock-bottom bargain prices. There are souvenirs, artwork, jewelry, and other trinkets as well as Chinese handicrafts and clothes. Take bus 6, 6A, 6x, or 260 from Exchange Square bus terminus in Central, and enjoy a double-decker ride winding through the road to Stanley. You may also travel via MTR to Causeway Bay Station Exit B, walk to Tang Lung Street then take green minibus 40. Stanley Market is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For more details on Stanley Market, visit this site.
4. Sham Shui Po for electronic gadgets. This gadget haven is home to tons of affordable electronic gadgets. Here, you can buy all sorts of electronic gadgets you want, from cell phones and computers, to MP3 players and digital cameras. For more selection and variety, head off to Apliu Street, where they have the latest electronic goods. Aside from selling electronic goods tax-free, some electronic gadget stores in Hong Kong also hold special discounts! You can also buy gadgets in various electronic stores around Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok. To go to Sham Shui Po, take Sham Shui Po MTR exit C2.
5. Hollywood Road for trinket lovers. The Antique street at Hollywood Road is a place full of shops that specialize in selling exquisite Chinese antiques. Here you can find rare Chinese antiques and bag a bargain. If you’re looking for jade jewelry, silk products, embroideries, and wooden handicraft items, head off to Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street). Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street) is an alley running parallel to Hollywood Road, which offers Chinese products and accessories. Whether you’re searching for Ming dynasty antiques, Mao badges, lotus lamps, or ancient snuff bottles, Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row have all those vintage stuff that you’re looking for. To get there, take Central MTR, leave via Exit D2, and turn right to Theatre Lane. Walk along Queen’s Road Central towards The Centre. Then take the Central - Mid-Levels Escalator to Hollywood Road. You may also take bus with route no. 26 outside Pacific Place at Admiralty to Hollywood Road and get off near Man Mo Temple.
For more details on Hollywood Road, click here.
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6. Mong Kok for theme shopping. If you’re hunting for chic Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese fashion and accessories, Mong Kok is the best spot to go. Mong Kok is also the place to score goodies in sportswear stores and cosmetic boutiques. Locate Tung Choi Street and you’ll find the popular Ladies, Market, a huge tiangge offering bargain-priced clothing, accessories, and household ornaments as well as men’s and children’s clothes. After a tiring day of shopping, relax and unwind at the Goldfish Market, Flower Market, or the Street Bird Garden located just within the area. Or take a quick and cheap snack at Mong Kok’s food stalls tucked within the Ladies Market. Mong Kok stores are open from noon until 11:30 p.m.
To get there, take MTR Mong Kok Exit E2.
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7. Luxury Brands Street for high-end fashion. As a top center for designer wear in Asia, Hong Kong boasts of stores featuring all the legendary luxury brands. Visitors will be delighted in the rich opportunities of finding the latest items of luxury brands at main locations like Central, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. You will enjoy an unrivalled shopping experience while indulging in luxury brand name stores like Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton and many more. If you’re near the Central area, take Central Station MTR and leave via exit E, F, G, H, or K. If you’re around Causeway Bay, take Causeway Bay Station MTR and leave via Exit F. If you’re beside the area surrounding Tsim Sha Tsui, take Tsim Sha Tsui MTR and leave via Exit A1 or C1.
For further details on luxury brands street, visit this site.
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8. Langham Place for imported brands. Situated at 8 Argyle Street in Mongkok, Kowloon, Langham Place Shopping Mall is one of the most luxurious shopping centers in Hong Kong. With fashion stores dominating its walls, Langham Place houses several international brands such as Calvin Klein, H&M, and Levi’s among others. It also has dining shops, toy stores, numerous cosmetic counters, and Hong Kong’s largest indoor escalator. To go here, take the Mong Kok MTR and leave via exit C3. Langham Place is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Visitors planning to go to Langham Place are entitled to a welcome gift and the "LP Card for Tourists" upon presenting a valid travel document to indulge in instant discounts and exclusive offers at more than 70 stores. Visitors may redeem their gift and card at Langham Place’s Customer Service Centre on Levels 1 and 4.
For more information, visit this site or see Langham Place’s website.
9. Outlet Shopping for international brands at a cheaper price. Want to shop for international brands without hurting your wallet? Rush to the Citygate Outlets located at 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Island. Get 30% to 70% off from more than 80 popular brand stores in this mall. Shop for designer clothes, accessories, sports, children’s wear, beauty products, and home pieces in just one stop. Find stylish clothes and accessories you’ve been wanting to buy from Alfred Dunhill, Burberry, Coach, Calvin Klein Jeans, Guess, Esprit, Max Mara, Vivien Tam, and other flagship stores. After all the shopping, dine at Citygate Outlets’ The Square, an outdoor dining center beside one of Asia’s largest outdoor kinetic fountains. To get here, take Tung Chung MTR and leave via Exit C. Citygate Outlets is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Extra discounts from over 20 international brands are offered to tourists. Just present your valid travel document to redeem free ’VIP Treasure Hunt Passport’ and a ’BO premium’ at Citygate Outlets’ Customer Service Counter (while stocks last). From July 8 to August 31, Citygate Outlets is running ’Summer Crazy Sale Hunt,’ which entails Citygate Outlets shoppers amazing discounts on its 80 brands. Plus, from now until December 31, shoppers are also offered hotel privileges, spa and skincare discounts, and a free souvenir!
For more information on Citygate Outlets and its shopping discounts, visit www.discoverhongkong.com or www.citygateoutlets.com.hk
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10. Hip and trendy malls for funky fashionistas. Care to visit a mall and a museum all at once? Head to Hong Kong’s new and trendy shops in Tsim Sha Tsui. Here you can find modern shopping malls with uniquely designed interiors and modern, stylish clothing items at great bargain prices.
To get to DNA, take Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit B2. DNA is next to Park Hotel.
When shopping in Hong Kong, always look for shops with Quality Tourism Services (QTS) seal to ensure they meet high standards of product quality and service. QTS-accredited stores are recognized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board as establishments that provide clearly displayed prices, clear shop information, and provide superb customer service. To view the list of QTS-accredited shops, visit this site.
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Want to win a trip for two to Hong Kong?
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Photographs courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board.