Vendors at Hong Kong’s Wine and Dine Festival reported a stronger turnout and signs of improving business on Saturday as the annual event entered its first weekend, coinciding with Halloween celebrations and extended opening hours until 1am.
Some exhibitors said visitor numbers had increased noticeably compared with the first two days of the four-day festival, while others expressed cautious optimism about sales amid a challenging retail environment.
Henry Leung, a staff member at food and beverage importer Unicube, said business at his booth was about 20 per cent higher than at the same time last year, with the evening’s peak expected after 8pm.