Whenever the hubs and I go out shopping in Sham Shui Po, we usually split up to maximise our time here. I, obviously will be going to the fabric, haberdashery and craft stores. As for him, he gets to go to his “manly” stores where the “boys toys” are. Oh yeah, Sham Shui Po is more than the usual fabric, haberdashery and craft shops. For the men there is Aplui Street and Golden Computer Arcade. There are hordes of tech, power tools, HiFi, knives, torches, EDC/Multi tools like Leatherman/Gerber/Victorinox, and camera equipment, “Toys Boys”, in other words, running along both sides Aplui Street. If you are into computer tech you are in for a treat. As for the kids, check out my next blog!
Download and print off: My Ultimate Shopping Map: Sham Shui Po, so you can plan the areas where you and the other half will be visiting.
Most of these shops in SSP actually sell genuine products compared to the stalls laid out in the streets. But still examine and be careful at what you buy. Copies are so good these days. If in doubt try to only shop at places with the QTS sign. I doubt SSP has many stores with this sign but it doesn’t mean they are all fakes.
Today’s blog is for the poor men that get dragged out to “The Po”! If you have kids, then click on the links to take you to: SSP for the Kids Part 1 and SSP for the Kids Part 2.
This should give you ladies (or men) sufficient time to go around “The Po” for some serious retail therapy. Start shopping for fabric, sewing and crafting materials!
Here are some visuals just to show you what you will be presented with when you get to Sham Shui Po. Starting off with Aplui Street. Feast your eyes on this.
Aplui Street is known for their secondhand goods, cheap knock-offs, batteries, mobile phone cases, and a mish mash of other things. Anything from household ornaments, vintage jewellery, kitchenware to power tools can be found along the street. As for power tools, vendors usually get their hands on old or broken tools and refurbish them for resale. If you are after new tools, then just walk along the pavement/sidewalk behind these stalls.
It is very difficult to pinpoint actually where these shops are because they have been obscured by the street vendors. You can get remote controls, phone cases, iPad/Tablet cases, phone cables, toys, magnets, fans, spinners. TV cables, plugs, old instruments, leather bags, belts, batteries and more.
Along the side of the street you will get stores selling DIY tools and Boys Toys! Anything ranging from security cameras, hunting knives, leatherman multi tools, torches, replica samurai swords, nuts, bolts, pliers, cable, heat shrink tubing are just a few things I have seen.
Apliu Street hosts several very popular shops selling photographic equipment. An Aladin’s Cave of lightboxes, monoblocks, umbrellas, tripods and all manner of accessories can be found here if you know where to look. Nearby stalls will also sell related equipment such as camera cases, and equipment new and second hand, monopods and tripods in a range of different sizes and styles. Many China brands of flashes and remote controls can be found. Products from a wide range of quality and prices to match are available to suit every budget.
- Ying Kee, 162 Apliu Street
- Fu Li Dat Electronics, 176 Aplui Street
COMPUTER & ELECTRONIC HEAVEN
高登電腦中心 The Golden Computer Arcade is the place to go to for your computer tech and video/computer games. I have only a few photos inside this place. It is usually so packed it is very difficult to even stretch out my arms. These pictures were taken on a week day around 2pm then again around 8pm, and I have never seen it so empty! Situated at the corner of Fuk Wa Street and Yen Chow Street. This place was once infamous for counterfeit software but today it is considered one of the cheapest places to buy parts to build PC’s in Hong Kong. If your man wants computer components like motherboards, CPUs, RAM then this is the number one place to go to.
The Golden Computer Arcade is spread out onto two floors. Located on the upper floor you will find a number of video games and memory card stores. You can purchase gaming systems, software and accessories at a slightly discounted price or in special in-store packages, which might include an extra game or extra accessory like a free screen protector for your handheld gaming device.The lower floor focuses on the sales of computer-oriented hardware, printer, specialized printer paper, computer screens and Wacom tablets.
I wouldn’t advise you to come here in the weekends as it can become very congested. Not good if you are a little claustrophobic too. This place is very compacted and the walkways are very narrow. Definitely not child friendly as it is a labyrinth in there. Every store seems to cram things in the walkways and no place for anyone to walk. If you are coming from the back end, it is only single profile!
Dotted around the outside of the Golden Computer Arcade are more tech stores and camera stores. If you are after GoPros and Sony Action Cam equipment you can find it here too. If you are afraid you might get ripped off or buy dodgy goods then I would advise you to shop about or even go to shops with tourism assured stickers on the outside. As for purchasing Sony stuff I would recommend DC Fever which is 2 streets away on Un Chau Street. (Not shown on map because they have just relocated there). I have bought several camera equipment from before and they can speak English. Otherwise for Sony equipment it is best to visit the store in Mong Kok.
1st Floor, Hua Chiao Commercial Centre,No.678 Nathan Road, Mongkok.
Be warned, you will easily get lost in here. Even to this day I still cannot workout or even recommend you a shop because I cannot get my bearings around this place.
A couple of streets away………….
If you walk towards the end of Fuk Wing Street close to Nam Cheong Street, there is a model shop catered for the hobbyist. They seem to sell Japanese action figurines for avid collectors. For example Gundam and other anime stuff. I didn’t go in just in case I see something I want to buy.
Opposite that store is a shop that seems to be in the wrong street. They sell BB guns and replica guns for paintball games. There’s rucksacks and man bags for all the boys toys. The hubs had a look inside since there were thongs that caught his eye. They stock masks and helmets. If you are after a fancy gift for a guy friend, maybe this is the place for you.
Now I have got the men sorted, check out my next blog for places where the kids would like to hang out in Sham Shui Po.
Shan x