On April 18, 2025, many residents of Hong Kong took advantage of the Easter holiday to travel abroad or to the mainland, significantly affecting local consumer spending. Lam Chi-chung, the General Secretary of the Hong Kong Department Stores & Commercial Staff General Union, stated on a radio program that Easter is not traditionally a peak shopping season, and the surge in travel has had a noticeable impact on the local retail market.
Despite numerous shopping centres organizing festive activities to attract foot traffic, this has not translated into substantial sales. Lam described the situation as “busy crowds but poor profits,” and he anticipates an overall decline in retail business of approximately 10% due to changing spending habits of visitors to Hong Kong.
Looking ahead, Lam noted that with the seasonal transition, sales of home appliances such as air conditioners and dehumidifiers are expected to perform better. He encouraged retailers to adapt by expanding their online presence and offering unique products to draw customers.
In the food and beverage sector, Simon Wong Ka-wo, President of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, mentioned that some restaurant owners have reduced rents to lower operational costs. The industry is collaborating with local shopping centres to offer promotions like “two dine for the price of one” to encourage residents to dine out.
However, referencing the situation during the recent Qingming Festival, Wong estimates that business during the Easter holiday will be about 25% lower than usual. Nevertheless, with an increase in night-time spending from both residents and visitors, he believes overall performance will improve compared to last year.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong is bracing for a surge in travel during the Easter weekend, with an expected 6 million trips in and out of the city between Thursday, April 17, 2025, and Monday, April 21, 2025. Outbound travel is expected to peak on Friday, April 18, 2025, with around 759,000 trips, as Hongkongers continue heading to Shenzhen and elsewhere in mainland China for leisure.
For those spending the holiday locally, there are numerous cultural experiences and shopping deals available. The West Kowloon Cultural District’s Art Park is hosting the “Coffee Hong Kong X Tokyo Coffee Festival@WestK,” a first for Hong Kong. This four-day event features more than 100 international coffee vendors, workshops, and market stalls where residents can enjoy food, music, and pet-friendly activities while getting their caffeine fix.
Highlights of the festival include live music, competitions, and coffee and gin cocktails. Workshops led by coffee experts such as Tetsu Kasuya and Kenta Baba, along with DJ Chi Chung’s vinyl beats, are also featured.
History enthusiasts can explore the free exhibition “The Great Unity – Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” at the Hong Kong Museum of History, which will be available until July 2025. This exhibition features more than 130 sets of artefacts, notably the iconic terracotta army and relics from the Han dynasty. Some exhibits, including significant national treasures, are being shown outside the mainland for the first time.
In addition to these events, PMQ is hosting the Play Stuff Fest, a gathering ground for all kidults and toy lovers. This year's event features a four-day toy market showcasing more than 30 unique toy brands and platforms from Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Shenzhen, and Singapore.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet local creators and connect with fellow fans over exclusive collections of the latest art toys, classic film and anime memorabilia, as well as limited-edition designer toy figures. Exclusive merchandise will be available from local designers like Club Babo, Don’t Cry In The Morning, LeeeeeeToy, and Mr. Giraffe.
Additionally, there will be sharing sessions and workshops led by masters to provide insights into the artistry of toy-making. This event promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.
As Hong Kong navigates through the effects of the Easter holiday on its economy, it is clear that while some sectors face challenges, there are also opportunities for growth and adaptation in the local market. With innovative events and promotions, businesses are finding ways to engage consumers and enhance their experiences in the city.
