Monday June 27, 2011 at 3:29PM from Sabine K.
mecca for shopaholics, Li Yuen Street

Hong Kong is a mecca for shopaholics, with malls, boutiques, street markets, designer brands, factory outlets and more. Stanley Market is a great place to pick up inexpensive silks and Chinese crafts. The casual side street stalls of Li Yuen Street East and West are full of imitation gear.

Factory outlets sell famous brand names at a fraction of the cost; some are factory rejects, others are fakes so do shop with care. Some of the best outlets are found in nondescript commercial buildings in Causeway Bay, such as the Hang Lung Center, and other parts of Kowloon.

When it comes to electronic devices make sure you do your research and find out what's available in your own country and at what price. This will help you when it comes to bargaining - a must in markets and smaller stores. A few words of advice: shop around, ensure the product will be compatible back home, test the product, check the box and its contents before you leave the shop and always ask for a receipt.