Sogo
A Hong Kong Shopping Landmark
Hong Kong may be a Special Administrative Region of China but it operates like an independent country. Hong Kong, which is Cantonese for Fragrant Harbour, is more Western in outlook and is the ideal gateway into the Orient. While most tourists are familiar with the metropolitan cityscape few have seen the idyllic rural landscapes. This may be because most of the prime tourist attractions are located in the city. The best bars, nightclubs and restaurants are all located in the metropolitan region. Over the past few years Hong Kong has also established itself as a popular shopping destination, featuring amazing malls and boutiques.
Sogo, in Causeway Bay, is the largest Japanese styled department store in the city. The massive department store was opened in 1985, and is often referred to as “Jumbo Sogo”. The store originally belonged to Sogo Japan but is now owned by Lifestyle International Holdings. Over time the department store has grown to become one of the landmarks of Causeway Bay. It now boasts an area of one hundred and twenty thousand square feet. One can find nearly anything here including clothing, jewellery, books, leather products, electronic appliances, and cosmetics. There is also a supermarket selling groceries located here. In 2005 a second store was built in Tsim Sha Tui in Kowloon.
Tourist planning on going on a shopping spree should definitely make a stop at Sogo in Causeway Bay. Other popular shopping malls include Pacific Place, Harbour City, Festival Walk, IFC Mall and Cityplaza. There are also a number of small shops located in out of the way places that offer amazing discounts and bargains. These are also worth a visit. Remember that most stores in Hong Kong are willing to negotiate prices and it is possible to get large discounts on items, especially clothes.
Tourists looking for a 4 Star hotel Hong Kong can try the Cosmo Hotel located in Causeway Bay. The Hong Kong boutique hotel is strategically located close to shopping malls, restaurants and popular tourist spots, such as the Ocean Theme Park. The luxury hotel is also located close to the MTR Causeway Bay, enabling guests to move around with relative ease.