The best independent shops to visit in Hong Kong

B'In Select is all about the design. Apart from quality items from rare international brands, you'll also discover products by hot local designers. Standing true to its belief that ‘design is essential for a fruitful life’, expect to find the most design-savvy watches, jewellery, accessories, bags, stationery and home décor sourced from every corner of the world.

Another Japan-originated antique store, Bunkaya Zakkaten focuses on selling various quirky accessories and miscellaneous goods. From nostalgic plastic dolls to shoes and hats, there’s almost nothing you can’t find there. Just by entering the shop, you’ll feel like you’re standing in the middle of Japan, shopping in its most authentic shop. 

Head to the homegrown stationery shop, paper n things, at Landmark Prince’s, and be inspired by their beautiful stationery and paper products designed by artists from around the world. paper n things offers a wide range of items, including stunning notebooks, planners, habit trackers, conversation starters, and wellness journals. They also have a selection of pens, wrapping paper, candles, and wax stamps that come in the prettiest of colours and shades. With their functional and meaningful collection, paper n things aims to inspire and motivate busy city dwellers to embrace the simplicity and importance of these everyday essentials.

Located on the ground floor of a historic tong lau (tenement building), Dongpo HK is more than just a local neighbourhood tuck shop. Through its easily recognisable blue shutter gates, you’ll find a nostalgic selection of Hong Kong snacks and childhood toys, as well as various made-in-Hong-Kong items that range from artisanal ice cream to ceramic and jewellery pieces by local artists. There’s also an impressive array of antiques and vintage pieces from the 50s to 80s on display at the store, courtesy of shop owner Vincent’s own personal collection. Customers and passersby are welcome to step through and check out the rare vintage pieces or pull up a seat outside the store to simply bask in the ambience of the neighbourhood.

The shop's concept is based on the Japanese principles of minimalism and finding beauty in simplicity. Unlike many of the shops that we see in Hong Kong, here you will find clothes, handcrafted bags, and other items (zakka) that focus on timelessness, rather than the newest trend of the season. The clothing here is made from natural materials, such as cotton, linen, wood, rattan or iron, with basic designs and simple cutting.

Float Captain is a one-of-a-kind surfing lifestyle and apparel shop set up by a small crew of friends in 2011. The owners are surf enthusiasts who source functional, comfortable and minimalistic products with Californian and Hawaiian surf vibes, as well as quirky takes on local culture. Their hip Wong Chuk Hang outpost is a treasure trove with a wide selection of surfboards, cases, wax, trendsetting apparel, bags, and even some home decorations. Their opening hours vary from week to week, so shoot them a message or check their social platforms for their opening hours if you want to drop by.

This shop may well bring out your inner retro lover as it's filled with quirky knick-knacks from decades past that have great utility and nostalgic appeal. A rummage through the shelves here will find you everything from locally painted ceramics and bamboo steamers, to cast iron egg waffle moulds, knives, and even the odd drip coffee maker. The best way to experience this place is by entering with an open mind, and then digging in!

Step into this hidden upstairs store for some of the best vintage finds in town. Originally located in Sheung Wan, the shop has since moved to an industrial building in To Kwa Wan. The shop spans a massive 3,000sq ft space and is filled with everything from vintage prints and toys to pre-loved electronics and furniture. A must-visit for antique collectors and treasure hunters alike.

Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, this independent clothing store has been around since 2008, offering a fashionable range of streetwear items from niche underground brands. Skaters and streetwear enthusiasts are sure to have a field day browsing through the shelves and racks of this place.

Known for being Hong Kong’s first outlet of its kind, Midwest Vintage stands strong in its promise to deliver quality, original vintage clothing by carrying out a careful and close inspection of all its wares. From leather jackets and denim shirts to patterned T-shirts, expect to find unique and individual pieces that’ll impress even the most fashion-savvy.

Established in 1958, Muze Pens offer a wide selection of fine writing instruments, inks, and premium paper products with the mission of promoting and preserving the art of putting pen to paper. It is the go-to place in Hong Kong for fine stationery enthusiasts to gather, learn, and share. Customers are welcome to try out the products, and the staff are always eager to help customers explore and rediscover the joys of handwriting.  

This shop was founded by handicraft artist Hebe Law and purveys an eclectic selection of top-quality handmade goods, from purses to handbags, earrings to pendants, ceramics, and much more. Just walking through the shop makes us feel like we're in a different world altogether. If you want to see what they have in store before visiting the shop on the ground, they offer a cool virtual walkthrough of the shop via their online platform. The range here is constantly changing, and for those that would rather shop from home, give them a call to ask about the goods on offer or message them via Facebook.

Random yet full of surprises, Select 18 is one of Hong Kong’s best vintage dens where you can sift through a range of olde tyme knick-knacks, furniture and jewellery. If you’re lucky, you may even come across some thrifty designer finds. With its carefully selected assortment of clothing and shoes, you never know what you might find here.

Imagine all your favourite Pinterest home décor products and designs made into a single shop. That’s what Thron and Burrow is. This awesome concept store sources textiles and materials globally offering Hongkongers a range of colourful, eco-friendly furniture and rugs – and with gorgeous patterns too. Shop everything from locally-designed cushions to Turkish towels, as well as chalk paint in a whole spectrum of colours. 

Founded by three ceramic art lovers, Useless studio offers an array of ceramic products at their shop, most of which are handmade by the founders while others are sourced from all corners of the world. They also regularly host workshops and classes for others to learn how to make everything from plates and vases to candle holders and coffer drippers.