Syndicated from The Black Renaissance
Gift-giving has always had its roots firmly grounded in Hong Kong tradition. From traditional red pockets during Chinese New Year, to the modern commercial roar of Christmas sales, the variety of gift choices can be endless and admittedly confusing. As a solution, gift cards have become somewhat of a popular retail practice that relieves the awkward dance between shopping, giving and receiving these tokens of appreciation. Gift cards are nifty because they ensure cash upfront to merchants, minimize the hassle of choosing an adequate gift, and ensure that the the recipient indeed loves their gift. There is one problem though that Connie and Shirley Lee discovered when they transplanted themselves from New York to Hong Kong: the practice of gift cards in the city seemed to be only limited to big brands and chains. Much to their dismay, its presence was not nearly as common amongst Hong Kong’s niche retailers. And so with the determination to bring an American tradition to the shores of Hong Kong, Giftwell was born…
Giftwell is the brainchild of the Lee sisters: a new online business venture that aims to bring the gift card practice to the high end echelons of Hong Kong’s unique retail scene. The dream of the company is to empower customers with better gifting choices, allowing customers the opportunity to discover the otherwise forgotten, undiscovered stores of Hong Kong through the convenience of online purchase, and their website’s easy navigation system. The list of their retail partners include esteemed local names such as Konzepp (read my interview with their style curator here), Kapok, Manks, WDSG amongst others. Collaborating retailers range from food, to flowers, to fashion and beyond, thereby reaching audiences of different tastes and styles that are united by their appreciation of both luxury and quality. In essence, the website provides a shopping experience underlined by eclecticism, charisma and charm
Perhaps what is most appealing about Giftwell is the means by which the business connects and celebrates the now formidable vanguard of Hong Kong’s independent retailing scene. Such an idea would not be viable if the diversity of Hong Kong’s creative voices were lacking. But now, with a significant creative community, synergy can be created such that local brands can form together to establish themselves as a formidable presence. As Hong Kong evolves from a commercial hub to a design-conscious metropolis, it is new businesses like Giftwell that illustrate how far Hong Kong as a city has come, and how much further it can go. Perhaps what is even more charming, is that this network of small retailers is established by Giftwell, a humble establishment in itself. The Lee sisters are, yet again, another independent voice that urges to say something alternative but beautiful about Hong Kong’s retail scene. Connie and Shirley may be transplants from America, but they certainly understand and celebrate the best of what Hong Kong stores have to offer.
To learn more about Giftwell, please visit their website here.
Disclaimer: I attended Giftwell’s event as a guest, and accepted a company gift card to best understand the company’s shopping experience.
Image Source: Daniel Kong