Hong Kong has a thriving underground community for second-hand shopping. With all these places for high-quality previously-owned goods, who needs to hit the mall? Whether it’s a fancy $10,000 couch from Tree or Tony Burch flats, you can pretty much find a previously loved version of it at a fraction of the price from our five favourite second-hand shops:
Kids’ Stuff and Everything Else – swap-it-hk on Facebook
Swap-it-hk is a nearly 10,000-member strong community for swapping, buying, and selling used items. Although there’s a higher percentage of kids’ stuff for sale in the group, you can find pretty much anything on it, whether its an Ikea bookshelf, an iPhone, or the entire set of matching plates from Pottery Barn. Unlike most classifieds, you won’t find shady salespeople peddling wares of dubious quality — instead, the average seller is most likely a busy mom getting rid of their (sizeable) possessions or an expat family urgently clearing out their apartment (making their loss your gain). A few words of caution though — bargains go fast, and this group can get quite addictive.
Books — Flow
1A Wing On Bldg., No. 38 Hollywood Rd., Central
A cherished institution of Hong Kong, Flow is the place for well-loved books, books, and more books — books crammed on overflowing shelves, books piled in mountains way over your head, books spilling out of canvas bags and books lining the floors like mini-mazes. And you will return, again and again, not just for the pleasure of unearthing surprisingly good reads, but also for the karmic advice dished out by Surdham, the 49-year-old owner of Flow, who, with his air of serenity and ethereal smile, is as much as part of Flow’s vibe as the its musty smell and background world music.
Furniture — 2nd Chance
Unit 14, 2nd Floor, Kin Fat Industrial Centre, 13 Kin Fat Street, Tuen Mun, NT
This is not your average furniture junk store filled with grandma’s unwanted furniture. Started by a husband and wife team, 2nd chance features lovingly restored pieces that will delight any Chinese antique buff. The largest 2nd hand furniture store in Hong Kong, 2nd Chance’s massive warehouse in Tuen Mun features pieces from Indigo, Tree, and Tequila Kola at reduced price tags, and other beautiful pieces for the home, office, and garden. Their furnishings are used as a backdrop or prop for many movies as well.
Clothes — Hardly Worn It Facebook Group
From Burberry to Louis Vuitton, you will find heaps of designer clothes and accessories in superb condition and bargain prices. Like swap-it, you have to be keen on the lookout for bargains as they go fast. We’ve seen barely used Chanel purses and coach bags go for mere hundreds of dollars and never worn Christian Louboutins at prices that will make you swoon.
Watches — The Vintage Concept
Shop 7 – 8, Ground Floor, Lyndhurst Tower, No.1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
If you are into Cartier, Patek Philippe, or Rolex, The Vintage Concept is the ultimate luxe second-hand shopping experience. With collections, limited edition models, and vintage watches from high end watch makers, this may not be the money-saving second-hand shopping experience you have in mind, but it’s sure nice to dream of owning one of these babies.
