New Mong Kok bookshop opens amid harsh winter for indie bookstores in Hong Kong
Small independent bookstores tucked away in walk-up tenement buildings above neon-lit streets have long made Mong Kok a sanctuary for Hong Kong book lovers, until recently when one after another was forced to close due to economic headwinds or political uncertainty. Defying the trend, 41-year-old bibliophile Grace Lau invested a six-figure sum to launch New Year Bookshop, a move driven by passion…
A new indie bookshop has opened in the bustling Mong Kok district of Hong Kong, bucking the recent trend of closures faced by smaller, independent stores. Grace Lau, a 41-year-old bibliophile, invested a significant sum to launch New Year Bookshop, a modest 600 square foot establishment on Sai Yeung Choi Street South. The shop boasts over 2,000 titles, a mix of new and second-hand books, with a focus on literature, history, and philosophy; personal favorites include works by Chinese poet Bei Dao and Hong Kong's Liu Yichang.
Lau's passion for books and literature drove her to open the shop, which she describes as fulfilling a lifelong dream. The independent bookstore industry in Hong Kong has been struggling, with political pressure and economic challenges contributing to a steady decline. In June, the owners of Hunter Bookstore were arrested on sedition and money laundering charges, while Elmbook and Greenfield Bookstore announced their closures earlier this year.
Despite the difficulties, Lau remains committed to her vision, explaining that her decision to open the shop was fueled by passion and changing family circumstances, rather than financial calculations. The drop in commercial rents has given her the opportunity to lease the space at a reduced cost, allowing her to take a calculated risk.
Lau plans to host author talks and create a welcoming space for readers, hoping to appeal to the core audience of literature, history, and philosophy enthusiasts, while also gauging interest from a broader readership.
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.
