A Thai dessert chain has announced it will exit Hong Kong this weekend, three years after its foray into the local market, amid the city’s ongoing retail slump.
Thai chain After You said in a social media post on Tuesday evening that Sunday will be the last day of operations for its remaining Hong Kong branch at the Airside shopping mall in Kai Tak.
“Farewell! Thank you for your support since January 2022,” it said.
“Our last day in Hong Kong will be April 27, 2025. Though we’re saying goodbye (for now!). We hope to see you again. Feel free to stay in touch. You’re always welcome to visit us in Thailand anytime.”
After You also said its Wan Chai shop on Lee Tung Avenue had already closed down, without disclosing when.
The dessert chain opened its first Hong Kong store in Causeway Bay in 2022, before relocating to Wan Chai in September 2023.
After You, known for its shaved ice and toast desserts, was a caterer for pop culture festival ComplexCon last month, according to the chain’s and the organiser’s social media posts.
International brands exit
Since reopening its borders and lifting pandemic curbs in early 2023, Hong Kong has been struggling to retain international brands.
A spate of international food and beverage brands have exited the local market, including sandwich chain EggSlut.
Last year, health product chain CR Care, Flash Coffee, Garrett Popcorn, lifestyle brand Paul & Joe, and DCH Food Mart shuttered in Hong Kong.
Outback Steakhouse, an American chain, closed nine of its 19 branches, citing market conditions.
After You’s exit announcement comes after Hong Kong authorities said last month that February retail sales dropped for the 12th straight month, by 13 per cent compared with the same period last year.
However, sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco rose 0.7 per cent year on year.
