Consumer watchdog receives 286 complaints over sudden closure of Hong Kong yoga chain

Hong Kong's Consumer Council has received 286 complaints regarding the sudden closure of Hotstone Yoga, a yoga chain specializing in hot yoga and hot stone yoga. The abrupt closure took place on Thursday when customers found the yoga chain's Instagram and Facebook pages were no longer functional. Hotstone Yoga had branches in various neighborhoods including Central, Causeway Bay, Jordan, Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, and Sha Tin.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions reported that the complaints totaled approximately HK$3.9 million. Customs department has launched an investigation into the case. Hotstone Yoga Limited, registered in 2016, was the first in Hong Kong to offer hot stone yoga. The notice posted outside the Kwun Tong branch announced that due to business operations and other circumstances, the company had decided to cease operations after careful consideration.

Hotstone will not offer any classes, treatments, packages or other services after closure. Staff will be paid their September salaries as usual, and staff can inquire with relevant government departments regarding employees' rights. A 'victims' group' consisting of students with unused lessons at Hotstone Yoga reportedly has around 500 members.

Some students expressed concerns over staff selling classes ahead of the closure, raising questions about potential fraud. A cleaner at one of the yoga studios revealed she knew about the closure beforehand but was ordered not to reveal the news.