Hong Kong Retail Management Association: Overall sales in Hong Kong retail industry increased during the Golden Week, but the industry is still facing difficulties.

The mainland's May Day Golden Week holiday has ended, and Annie Yau Tse, chairman of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, said that the retail industry in Hong Kong has seen both increases and decreases, with more increases relative to last year due to the bad weather during last year's May Day period leading to a lower base. This has resulted in an overall increase in retail sales during this year's Golden Week. Increases were seen in cosmetics and personal care products, while decreases were seen in clothing and electronics. Association members unanimously agreed that during the 5-day Golden Week, only the first two days saw better retail conditions, with business declining significantly after the third day, making the current situation in the industry still quite difficult. Tse mentioned that apart from nearby areas like Shenzhen, there were also mainland tourists from more remote provinces and cities. If policies like multiple entries on a single visa were to be extended to more cities, it would definitely help increase the flow of people coming to Hong Kong. As for the shift in spending patterns of mainland tourists towards suburban areas, and whether the retail industry has considered opening more retail outlets in these areas, she said that there has been limited discussion on this matter, as tourists visiting suburban areas may not necessarily be there to shop but mainly for sightseeing and "checking in". The industry still hopes to attract more tourists who come to Hong Kong for shopping.