Cover Photo: Courtesy of Kapok via Instagram

Here we list our favourite independent lifestyle boutiques for discovering curated designer goods

We never thought we'd say this, but... there are times when Hong Kong's shopping malls and streets lines with the big fashion maisons start to look the same. Times when we think to ourselves, "You know what? I could really do with some Keith Haring coasters, or some oddly-shaped ceramics today."

Luckily, Hong Kong has plenty of independent, and at times quirky, boutiques that offer a unique retail experience.

See our list of the best lifestyle stores in Hong Kong below, where you can discover some wonderfully curated selections of artisanal designer goods. 

See also: The Best Lifestyle Cafes In Hong Kong

1. WOAW!

WOAW! (“World of Amazing Wonders”) offers a lot more than just homeware, stocking a range of exclusive merchandise and diverse products for men, women and children, including everything from accessories, art objects and gadgets, to footwear, beauty and grooming products .The minimalist store on Wan Chai’s Sun Street epitomises urban chic, with clean white walls and a paired-back aesthetic – with the addition of an Elephant Grounds Creamery serving coffee and ice cream tucked inside the store. 
 
The store is exactly what you would expect from Hong Kong’s greatest arbitrator of coolKevin Poon – the mastermind behind a laundry-list of other hipster favourites, including Elephant Grounds.
 
WOAW!, 5 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong,+852 2253 1313, woawstore.com
 
See also: Kevin Poon's Guide To Hong Kong

2. Kapok

Kapok is another line of successful Hong Kong-based lifestyle stores that reiterates local demand for authentic retail experiences. Founded in 2006, the brand seeks to discover and bring “future classics” to Asia. The store isfirmly entrenched in the local creative scene, and regularly host collaborations and exhibitions with emerging designers.
 
Taking an approachable and unpretentious attitude to fashion and design, alongside its flagship store in Wan Chai, Kapok has multiple stores across the city – keeping things interesting by presenting a different theme and product selection at each outlet. Expect to find everything on offer from men’s and women’s fashion to jewellery, beauty and home and kitchenware.
 
Kapok, 8 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2520 0114, ka-pok.com 

3. G.O.D. (Goods of Desire)

This list wouldn’t be complete without G.O.D., a one-of-a-kind lifestyle shop dedicated to all things Hong Kong. 

Founded in 1996 by Douglas Young, the homegrown brand specialises in homeware that pays homage to local pop culture, where you can find intriguing pieces such as cushion covers printed with Hong Kong’s street names and mahjong patterns, tableware adorned with traditional Chinese motifs, as well as bathmats embellished with Cantonese slang.  
 
G.O.D., various locations around Hong Kong, god.com.hk

See also: Inside The Design Mind Of Douglas Young

4. Ethos Concept Shop & Café

Tucked away in Sai Wan, Ethos is part concept store, part café and part event space. The lifestyle store and creative space stocks seasonal lines of apparel, cuisine, publications and home goods – all with a focus on community, comfort, fashion, and utility.
 
Take a break from your shopping and enjoy a pit-stop at the store’s café with one of its signature cold brew coffees.
 
Ethos, 93 Hill Road, Sai Wan, Hong Kong, ethosstores.com

5. MoMA Design Store

Found inside K11 MUSEA, MoMA Design Store offers curator-approved products that bring quality, creativity, and design innovation to everyday living. Instore, you can shop an array of products, featuring the likes of furniture, speakers, toys, games, lighting, tech innovations, design books, home decor, jewellery, accessories and more.  
 
What’s more, lovers of the arts will be pleased to hear that every purchase made supports ground-breaking exhibitions at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
 
MoMA Design Store, Shop 135, Level 1, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, momastore.hk

See also: K11 Musea Opens In Hong Kong: Here's What You Need To Know

6. Homeless

Homegrown lifestyle label Homeless has rapidly expanded from its first store in Yau Ma Tei in 2003, with multiple stores under several sub-brands to date (we love The Nordic Room, which is completely dedicated to Scandinavian style).
 
One of Hong Kong’s most popular lifestyle retailers, Homeless sells a hodgepodge of internationally-sourced designer furniture and quirky home accessories for every room in the house. You can never be quite sure what you’ll discover as you’re browsing through one of its eclectic and pleasantly cluttered stores.
 
Homeless, various locations around Hong Kong, homeless.hk

7. Château Zoobeetle

This Parisian gem is a rare find as it boasts an interesting lifestyle concept not found anywhere else in Hong Kong. Here, you can enjoy a glass of wine and share a plate of rillettes with your friends, all the while browsing an impressive collection of handcrafted leather goods, fine jewellery and ready-to-wear outfits inspired by art and travel.

The designer store targets the independent free-spirited individual with a love for adventure, characteristics that belonged to the two designer sisters' grandmother and mother, who donned an art deco bracelet containing a scarabée (beetle), the shop's mascot.
 
Château Zoobeetle, 38 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, +852 2559 8555, zoobeetle.com

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop In Sheung Wan

8. Thorn & Burrow

This Hong Kong homeware and lifestyle store is the ultimate destination for gifting and home décor inspiration.
 
The colourful store stocks everything from Hong Kong themed ornaments and art, to a large selection of vintage Moroccan rugs, soft furnishings, candles, stationary and gift cards. With so much to choose from, you won’t be leaving empty handed.
 
Thorn & Burrow, 1/F, 30 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, +852 2559 9338, thornandburrow.com
 
See also: 7 Zero Waste Stores in Hong Kong
 
This article was originally published on 6 April, 2017 and was updated on 24 April, 2020.

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