Elderly woman allegedly pressured into spending HK$100,000 on beauty products
Hong Kong customs is investigating whether an 88-year-old was pressured into spending HK$100,000 (US$12,750) on beauty products at an outlet linked to a company already accused of aggressive sales tactics. In a social media post on Saturday, a woman surnamed Ng wrote that her mother was targeted during a three-hour ordeal in April at the Avinichi booth in the Wing On department store in Sheung…
An 88-year-old woman, reportedly named Mrs. Ng, is facing allegations of being pressured into spending a significant amount of money on beauty products at a store linked to a company accused of aggressive sales tactics. According to a social media post by her daughter, the ordeal happened in April at the Avinichi booth in the Wing On department store in Sheung Wan.
The daughter claims her mother visited the store and was subjected to a three-hour sales attempt. The salesperson reportedly used the mother's credit card four times during the session, leading to charges totaling HK$100,000 (approximately US$12,750) for skincare products, a beauty treatment device, and 24 detoxifying sessions. The daughter further alleges that her mother felt as if she had been hypnotized by the experience.
Despite the mother's helper trying to intervene and suggest leaving the store, the salesperson allegedly continued to pressure her to purchase more items. The family claimed they sought a refund, but the store only offered an exchange. The daughter has reported the case to Hong Kong customs and the Consumer Council.
Customs has stated that they are actively investigating the case and would enforce the Trade Descriptions Ordinance if any unfair trade practices are found. The department emphasizes its commitment to consumer rights protection and zero tolerance for such practices.
When contacted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reporter, the store staff were unaware of the allegations. The staff member was instructed to contact the store management via phone, but declined to speak directly with the reporter. As of the time of reporting, the SCMP had not received a response from the store.
Avinichi, managed by Apex Retail, operates several beauty brands in Hong Kong and Singapore. A similar case of aggressive sales tactics involving another brand, Lionesse, has also been reported. Apex Retail declined to comment on individual allegations or circumstances not involving identifiable customer matters. The company launched two Avinichi "experience boutiques" in 2025 and lists Wing On department store in Sheung Wan as one of its "mall partners."
The Hong Kong beauty sector has been under increased scrutiny following the arrest of managers at Opatra London's Hong Kong operation for alleged coercive sales practices. Customs is investigating six customer complaints involving disputed sums ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000. Other brands, such as Mineral Boutique under Beauty Express Group, have also faced scrutiny for alleged aggressive sales practices.
Legal experts suggest that such practices, including credit card abuse, unwanted physical contact, and pressure to buy expensive products, could breach the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, which prohibits harassment, coercion, and misleading conduct to pressure consumers into making purchases they would otherwise not make.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
