In reversal, Hong Kong shoppers flock to Shenzhen to bargain hunt

Retailers in territory struggle with northbound shift driven by strong currency

20240527N shenzhen mall

Shenzhen malls are bustling with shoppers from Hong Kong and elsewhere. (Photo by Itsuro Fujino)

ITSURO FUJINO and KENSAKU IHARA, Nikkei staff writers

GUANGZHOU/HONG KONG -- Hong Kong, previously a magnet for shoppers from mainland China, is losing local consumer spending to nearby Shenzhen, as high prices and the territory's strong currency erode its edge.

A subway ride from Admiralty Station in central Hong Kong to the Luohu border crossing in Shenzhen on a recent Sunday morning took about 50 minutes and 50 Hong Kong dollars ($6.40). The train was filled with families and couples, with some passengers carrying bags or small suitcases.

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