Trying to find a store that sells a pencil? In Hong Kong, it’s far easier to find a store that sells an eyeliner pencil.
Mainland tourism has changed the cityscape so much that the number of cosmetic stores has increased by 1,500 percent in the last 10 years, while the number of general goods and home stores has fallen by 30 percent.
Mainland visitors spend 70 to 90 percent of their money on shopping and their top three purchases are cosmetics, clothes and food.
Exorbitant rental rates have forced out small businesses that cater to the daily needs of Hong Kongers.
Cosmetic stores have replaced these small businesses, with an increase from a mere 90 stores in 2004 to a staggering 1,440 stores in 2013.
Apparel stores increased by 40 percent, and jewellery stores by 30 percent, according to Apple Daily.
