Hong Kong’s famous ‘toy street’ loses some of its shine as 30-year-old shop closes
Wan Chai neighbourhood fixture Yat Sing Toys closes its doors as shopping preferences shift, triggering wave of nostalgia
03:02
Hongkongers bid farewell to much-loved traditional toy store
Along a narrow lane behind the vibrant street stalls of Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district, a 30-year-old shop is adorned with dozens of colourful lanterns for the coming Mid-Autumn Festival.
It is hard to miss the large sign near the entrance of Yat Sing Toys that says: “Good Bye!”
Next to it, there is a small self-portrait of the smiling owner with a message in Chinese: “I am retiring.” A notice thanks long-time customers, with a wish for them to always stay childlike.
News of the impending closure – on September 18, the day after Mid-Autumn Festival – brought a throng of customers eager to pick up a memento and bid the place a nostalgic farewell.
Some lamented that its exit would dim the shine of Tai Yuen Street, known to locals as “toy street” and which once had half a dozen toy shops. The Tourism Board website describes the street as “a treasure trove of toys”.
Others said its closure was a sign of changing times, as children had more fun with digital devices these days and shoppers preferred browsing online.
