Opatra row widens as singer recalls sales approach
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The dispute surrounding Opatra London in Hong Kong has moved beyond a single viral complaint, with Hong Kong Customs arresting two managers linked to the company and investigating suspected breaches of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. The case began after a video showed a woman kneeling outside the Sha Tin New Town Plaza branch, alleging she was lured inside on the pretext of taking photos and then pressured into spending HK$60,000. As public attention grew, singer Chiu Hok-yee was also noted by netizens for previously describing a similar sales approach and later saying that this kind of marketing would not make her want to buy anything. Opatra London’s UK headquarters has again said the Hong Kong stores are independently owned and operated by a local distributor, and that the arrested individuals are not its direct employees.
Key Points
- Hong Kong Customs arrested a 42-year-old male finance manager and a 25-year-old female administrative manager on Wednesday, 19 August, over suspected Trade Descriptions Ordinance offences.
- Customs earlier said it had received six complaints involving losses ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000, with complainants mainly middle-aged people and elderly customers.
- The viral incident involved a 58-year-old woman who said staff praised her clothing, invited her inside to take photos, and then pushed her into a HK$60,000 transaction.
- Four branches in Sha Tin, Yuen Long and Causeway Bay have suspended operations, while Customs searched a unit at Wing On Centre in Sheung Wan linked to the company’s secretary address.
- The UK headquarters said the Hong Kong Opatra stores are run by a local company under a distribution agreement, and its review of the Hong Kong distribution arrangement is continuing.
Why It Matters
The case has become a practical warning for Hong Kong consumers, especially middle-aged and elderly shoppers, about high-pressure sales tactics and the risks of signing payment documents before understanding product details and pricing. It also raises questions about accountability when overseas beauty brands operate through local distributors, particularly after the UK headquarters publicly distanced itself from the Hong Kong stores and staff under investigation.