The End of Honesty

This little story is a poignant example of how old Hong Kong keeps slipping away:

For more than 80 years, a Yau Ma Tei shop with a name for honesty sold chu yee sing, better known as imitation gold jewelry, and other handmade items.

Yesterday, it enjoyed its best day, with more than 500 customers packing into the 400 square foot premises. It was also the shop's last day of business.

Owner Mok Kam-chung, 77, said he was both happy and sad - happy so many wanted to buy their final souvenirs, and sad he was closing. But he said rising rents and tired bones have taken their toll.

He had operated the shop on Reclamation Street since he was 19, having inherited it from his father, who started the business in 1926.

The company was called Lo Sutt, which, in Cantonese, means honest - a trait Mok said the family maintained.

"Father told me to do business honestly, and I did," he said.

I just hope another 7-11 doesn't end up in that space.

← Older Posts · 早前 | →