Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [107]
Anglo-Chinese Florist ( Map; 2921 2986; Ground fl, Winway Bldg, 50 Wellington St; MTR Central, exit D2) If you’ve been invited to someone’s home and you wish to bring flowers – as is de rigueur here – stop by Anglo-Chinese. You’ll also find some exquisite bonsai here.
Armani Fiori ( Map; 2532 7766; Chater House, 11 Chater Rd; MTR Central, exit H) Chic modern flower arrangements and plant gifts. Minimalist look, maximum prices.
Cigarro ( Map; 2810 1883; Shop 5, Ground fl, St George’s Bldg, 2 Ice House St; MTR Central, exit G) There’s nothing like a fat cigar to pay your respects to that alpha male who has everything. This smoke shop in Central comes to the rescue with Cuban, Dominican and Nicaraguan stogies, among others.
Cova ( Map; 2869 8777; Shop 134-5, 1/fl Princes Bldg; MTR Central, exit H) Fine cakes and confectionery in opulent golden tins and wrappings.
Mandarin Oriental Flower Shop ( Map; 2825 4019; Ground fl, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd Central; MTR Central, exit F) Exquisite flowers, of course.
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Sophisticated but comfortable women’s fashions from the daddy of Hong Kong’s home-grown fashion industry. It ranges from smart-casual office wear to more glamorous evening wear.
IN SQUARE
Map Computers
10th-11th fls, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Rd; MTR Causeway Bay (exit D1)
This landmark building in Causeway Bay houses dozens of reliable computer shops, selling both hardware and software. There’s also space to browse at leisure here, unlike the usual electronics warren.
DELAY NO MALL Map Department Store
2577 6988; 68 Yee Wo St; noon-10pm; MTR Causeway Bay (exit F)
As much of an experience as a clothes shop, this supercool multifloor shop from the G.O.D. homewares chain is all about being on top of the latest trends, including retail ones. This magpie retail concept has a tattoo parlour, sleep-pod installation and a bar-café (a branch of the slick FINDS bar-restaurant from Lan Kwai Fong; see Click here). You’ll find fashion, jewellery, homewares and beauty products from a well-selected group of hip brands.
SOGO Map Department Store
2833 8338; www.sogo.com.hk; 555 Hennessy Rd; MTR Causeway Bay (exit B)
This Japanese-owned store, in the hub of Causeway Bay, has 12 well-organised floors and more than 37,000 sq metres of retail space. The range is mind-boggling: over 20 brands of ties just for starters. Eclectic departments include the Barbie Counter and the Character’s Shop.
MOUNTAINEERING SERVICES
Map Outdoor Gear
2541 8876; Ground fl, 271 Gloucester Rd; MTR Causeway Bay (exit D1)
This excellent and centrally located shop sells climbing and hiking gear and pretty much everything you need for tackling Hong Kong’s hills and country parks.
COUP DE FOUDRE Map Shoes
3428 2655; 222 & 223 Island Beverley, 1 Great George St; MTR Causeway Bay (exit E)
If you can’t find the shoe design you’ve had in your head, then come to this place, which will custom-make shoes to your designs and, it claims, have them ready for you within three days.
CITYPLAZA Map Shopping Mall
2568 8665; www.cityplaza.com.hk; 18 Tai Koo Shing Rd, Tai Koo Shing, Quarry Bay; MTR Tai Koo (exit D2)
The largest shopping centre in eastern Hong Kong Island, with 180 shops (mainly fashion and electronics), Cityplaza is directly linked to the MTR. Being further from the main business district, it charges retailers lower rents, which can translate into lower prices for shoppers. There’s a Wing On department store here, as well as an ice-skating rink.
RAINBOW CITY Map Shopping Mall
2881 1423; 1st fl, Fashion Island, Great George St; MTR Causeway Bay (exit E)
Japanese cartoons and all manner of kitsch is splashed across the clothes and bags in vivid technicolour in this store aimed at local teens, tweens and 20-somethings.
TIMES SQUARE Map Shopping Mall
2118 8900; www.timessquare.com.hk; 1 Matheson St; MTR Causeway Bay (exit A)
The 10 floors of retail organised by type are slightly less high end than in Central.