The store was named “Hap Sing”, which is Cantonese for “synthesis”, as Wong started the store with two friends. Eventually he became the sole owner of the shop, which he has been running since 1956.
The banner on the right says “Hee hee ha ha every day”.
Rumour has it that Uncle Wong’s landlord was unwilling to renew his contract, so Wong decided that he would retire the day after the lease expired.
Before you curse the landlord, however, keep in mind that Wong had only been able to keep the store for so long because the landlord had rented the property to him at a low price
The store, a beloved fixture of the community, made most of its income from children who attend schools in the surrounding area.
Wong was known for often handing out free candy or crisps.
“See you tonight!” says a sign Wong posted, announcing that he was to appear in an interview on TVB that night.
“Wish you a happy retirement, and that you enjoy your later years,” wrote one visitor.
Before the store’s closure, many people visited to pay their respects one last time, inundating Wong with attention. He set up a guest book, which soon filled up with well-wishes for his retirement and messages from people saying they were going to miss him.
Kowloon CIty’s three other “see daw” – the Cantonese term for a small, traditional convenience store that comes from the English word “store” – also closed in the last few years.
Hap Sing Store held on longer than any other “see daw”, but sadly followed their fate in the end.
Photos/Reporting: Kei Tam
