Editorial | Buying local now may save Hong Kong much pain later
Shenzhen is not attracting all Hong Kong shoppers, who are opting for quality and convenience at a time when outlets are closing
Northbound consumers have made headlines for months in Hong Kong, but recently a small group has been swimming against the tide of shoppers and diners chasing value for money on the mainland. Their support for local businesses is a timely reminder of a need for balance as cross-border integration moves ahead.
The Post recently spoke with some of those Hongkongers who said their heartbreak at seeing shops, restaurants and other businesses fail had set them on a mission to try to preserve some of the local cultural landscape and identity.
Some said they were not going over the border at all. Others took to social media to explain their stance, only then having to defend their position in the face of criticism from family and friends.
It would be a mistake to dismiss such people as being only a small minority. Many seem to act out of self-interest and altruism – admitting their goal is not just to benefit local businesses.
Some have raised concerns about product quality and safety, while others cite personal values or “stubbornness” as motivations.
