The recent Paris Olympics have brought about a surge in sales at the Kwun Tong mall, as crowds gathered to watch the games. According to Fung Wing-yan from Sun Hung Kai Properties’ leasing department, there was a 20 percent increase in footfall compared to the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. This growth can be attributed to the fact that social distancing measures were still in place during the Tokyo Games, whereas this time around, there was a more joyous atmosphere due to the success of the SAR and national teams.
Sales at restaurants and stores selling trainers saw a significant boost during the Olympics. In particular, trainers stores experienced a 20 percent increase in business, as the sporting events inspired people to take up exercise. Fung Wing-yan also mentioned that the breaks between matches played a role in increased sales. With short breaks lasting five to 10 minutes and longer breaks lasting up to half an hour or one hour, residents would wander around the mall and return to the atrium to catch the next match after enjoying their meals.
Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, noted a 15 percent rise in business at eateries during the Paris Olympics. This increase was driven by people heading to shopping malls to watch the games, with shops extending their hours. Additionally, food delivery services saw a 10 percent growth during this period.
Despite the many entertainment options available in the Greater Bay Area, particularly in Shenzhen, Wong observed that more people chose to stay in Hong Kong during the Olympics, especially at night. Even those who visited Shenzhen during the day would rush back to Hong Kong in the evening to catch the competitions. This indicates the strong pull of the Olympics and the community spirit it fosters among residents.
Overall, the Paris Olympics have not only brought excitement and joy to spectators but have also provided a significant boost to businesses in the Kwun Tong mall. The combination of sporting events, communal viewing experiences, and increased foot traffic has created a vibrant and bustling atmosphere that benefits both retailers and customers alike. This surge in sales reflects the positive impact of major international events on local economies and highlights the importance of community engagement and shared experiences.
