The 15 best places for cheap shopping in Hong Kong

Best for: Designer labels

At Citygate Outlets, you can upgrade your entire wardrobe with designer labels and only spend a fraction of the original price. From Burberry and Ralph Lauren to Nike and Vans, there's an incredible range of International brands all offering huge discounts and bargains you'd be mad to miss. So if you've got your eye on last season's handbag or are looking for some home essential without the massive splurge, you ought to check out this Tung Chung Outlet.

Best for: Sports supplies

Gear up for the season at Decathlon. Originating from France, this retailer offers affordable gear for more than 70 types of sports, including activities like hiking, snorkelling, scuba diving, and even ones that are more niche, like archery and darts. While not everything will be wallet-friendly, it definitely won't cost you an arm and a leg to buy equipment for your favourite sport.

Best for: Art pieces and decoration

Garome is an art shop in Sheung Wan that's all about supporting local emerging artists and connecting them with art lovers of all budgets. From art prints and original paintings to stylish homeware collections, you're guaranteed to find a piece that you love to transform your home.

Best for: Electronics

The famous Golden Computer Centre in Sham Shui Po has the best deals and collections for all things computer and tech-related. From video games and consoles to whatever parts you need to build a desktop PC from scratch, Golden’s maze of tightly packed stores has got you covered. Prices are hugely competitive compared to places like Wan Chai Computer Centre. Plus, you probably won’t be leaving the house once you’ve got your hands on all the new gadgetry and games. That’s money you’ll have saved twice. 

Best for: Sustainable shopping

GreenPrice is a social enterprise that specialises in retailing surplus and short-dated stock, all in the name of sustainability. You can find everything from snacks and beverages to skincare and makeup products sold at a hugely discounted price. Of course, the catch is that some of them have a considerably shorter sell-by or best-before date than products you would find in a supermarket or drugstore – say, six months rather than a year? What's fun about shopping at GreenPrice is that their shelf products always change as they do not keep replenishment in stock, so if you see something you like, it's best to grab it right there and then. 

Best for: High street fashion

Need to switch up your wardrobe on a budget? Look no further than GU, a crowd-pleasing Japanese retailer that offers clothing at low prices. A child of parent company Uniqlo, you can shop for Japanese-influenced fashion pieces at prices starting as low as $50. Not only are the outfits cheap, but they’re also surprisingly stylish and durable as well. GU is also a brilliant place to stock up on basics like plain hoodies and leggings. 

Best for: Home essentials

With more than 200 branches across the city, it’s no surprise that JHC, or as it used to be known, Japan Home Center, is one of Hong Kong’s most beloved and trust-worthy budget homeware stores. As the name suggests, JHC’s stocklist covers practical items like storage shelves and electrical appliances plus random kitchen knick-knacks and products you didn’t think you needed, like collapsible kettles and lint rollers. You can shop for all these for only a portion of the price you usually get at fancier department stores. 

Best for: Bargain hunting

This neighbourhood mall has a reputation as something of a foodie paradise, with an array of wallet-friendly street food-style stalls offering a range of quick bites and sweet treats. There are also tons of small boutiques inside the mall with everything from day-to-day casual wear to vintage accessories to trendy footwear. If you dig deep enough, you might even be able to walk away with a whole new outfit for less than $200. 

Best for: Lifestyle products

Often referred to as ‘the $12 store’, Daiso, Mono Mono, and Living Plaza by Aeon are your best bets when it comes to bargain hunting for tidbits around the home. Here you’ll find the most random collection of Japanese products, from massage sticks and prescription glasses to super-cheap homeware and tacky wall decorations (nothing wrong with a bit of kitsch). Most items will knock you back $12 a piece, but there is a selection of higher quality and more ‘precious’ items like cushioned stools and glass vases for a higher price that is still incredibly affordable. 

See store locations here

Best for: Cute everyday items

Miniso is a Chinese discount retailer and chain store that stocks all your basic homeware at super-low prices. Everything here is minimalist and functional, from nightlights and diffusers to makeup, Bluetooth headphones, and backpacks – you name it, they have it. Each store also has an 'IP zone', which offers co-branded products with some of the world’s biggest names, including Barbie, Disney's Toy Story, Marvel, Snoopy, and many more. Most items are likely to be priced no more than $100. Bargain.

Best for: Vintage apparel

This cult favourite second-hand store is best known for its vintage clothes and retro apparel. Mee & Gee is a brilliant spot to rummage around for some truly inspiring outfits for Halloween or any costume parties you have. We’re talking crazy patterns, Japanese baseball uniforms, 80s shirts complete with shoulder pads, maid costumes – the works and all for just $20 to $50. Mee & Gee is also particularly popular among DIY fashionistas, who tend to discover rare finds and get them tailored afterwards.

Best for: Gifts and stationery

If you’re looking for cheap novelty gifts and quirky stationery, make Typo your first port of call. This sister store of Cotton On stocks gifts and accessories that use humour and cute graphics to add personality to regular items. You'll find things like unicorn mugs, marquee letter lights, rose gold diamond ballpoint pens and notebooks with sayings like ‘Personally victimised by Mondays’ largely for under $100. 

cottonon.com/HK/typo

Best for: Undergarments

Aerie by American Eagle is a great spot to pick up some affordable, cute lingerie, pyjamas, and other casual clothing items without sacrificing quality. We love their PJs and loungewear, and their intimates like lacy bralettes, sports bras, and knickers are available for women of all shapes and sizes – it’s music to any girl’s ears.

Best for: Japanese snacks

There’s a reason why there’s a ridiculous number of 759 stores in Hong Kong, and cheap snacks are the answer. A slew of sweets and savoury treats awaits at any 759 branch – a large portion of which are sourced from Japan and Korea, with the exception of a few odd products from somewhere in Europe. Many treat a visit here like a treasure hunt and an opportunity to discover rare goodies like Malteser chocolate spreads and truffle-flavoured popcorn. Some bigger branches even offer things like frozen food and cleaning supplies.

Best for: Yup, you've guessed it – sneakers

This aptly named street in Mong Kok is home to a number of small retailers selling sports equipment and clothing. It's a fantastic place to pick up and hunt down branded sneakers and trainers – Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Hoka, you name it. As the worldwide sneaker culture grew, so did the variety of sports shoes that are sold here, including rare or special editions, as well as some collector’s items. Though not necessarily cheaper than the standard shops, you’re guaranteed to find something just by the sheer diversity here.