According to Ms Bella Chhoa Peck-lim. Director of Asset Management of Sino Group, the progressive relaxation in Covid restrictions, together with the pervading festive atmosphere, has generated a surge in shopping and entertainment. “For the first half of December, our tmtplaza has recorded an 8% rise in footfall and 12% rise in sales, with clothing, presents and dining faring best,” she notes. “During the winter solstice and Christmas holidays, we expect the figures to rise even further – at 10% and 15% respectively.”

Chhoa points out that tmtplaza is pleased to welcome a host of new tenants recently, including Taste x FRESH supermarket, THE MATCHA TOKYO and Tempura Tendon Tenya from Japan, and local specialty eateries of Gathering and Siu Siu Cuen. “They will inject even more new excitement into shopping and dining at tmtplaza,” she says.

Based on the concept of freshness, TASTE x FRESH is the first such concept supermarket in northwest New Territories, boasting an area of 20,000 sq ft, and showcasing 15,000 items of merchandise. It has also brought in cutting-edge AR and NFT elements, making it a landmark store in the Plaza. Elsewhere, customers will find special designated zones for wellness products, pet products, coffee, cosmetics and Japanese sake. In recent years, the Sino Group has actively introduced more potential vendors. Take “TASTE x FRESH” as an example; apart from the concept store located at tmtplaza, there would be a brand new one coming in March 2023 at Island Resort Mall. The new store would introduce different features to offer customers more shopping surprises and intimate experiences.

Restaurants in the Plaa have reported a 90% booking rate for the winter solstice. Foodies will have a field day at the new eating establishments, including Gathering which specializes in trendy Cantonese delicacies; Siu Siu Cuen which serves authentic Sichuan skewers; Tempura Tendon Tenya which offers a myriad of favorite dishes based strictly on Japanese standards and recipes; and THE MATCHA TOKYO which prides on its organic matcha offerings.

Tmtplaza is currently running a Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Winter Adventure promotion, including meet-and-greet sessions with the 7m-high Pokemon mascot and the three new starter Pokemon who are appearing in Hong Kong for the first time – Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly. There is also a Pokemon Winter Shop that fans can’t afford to miss as some of the merchandise are on special delivery at strictly limited quantities.