Opatra Sha Tin branch shuts amid sales tactic probe
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Opatra London’s New Town Plaza outlet in Sha Tin has suspended operations after a viral complaint alleged aggressive sales tactics and more than HK$60,000 in disputed credit-card charges. Police and Hong Kong Customs are following up the case, and reports said the brand’s Yuen Long YOHO Mall branch also appeared to have stopped operating.
Key Points
- A 58-year-old woman surnamed Tam was filmed crying and kneeling outside the Sha Tin branch, saying she had lost over HK$60,000.
- She said staff first complimented her clothing and invited her inside for a photo, before promoting multiple products and applying them to her face.
- The woman said she signed for HK$60,000, later developed facial redness and swelling that required medical treatment, and then reported the case to police.
- After she returned to the shop to argue the case, she said the store was only willing to offer HK$18,000 in compensation.
- The New Town Plaza branch posted a “Suspended Operations” notice and remained closed, while outlets in Yuen Long’s YOHO Mall and another Sha Tin location were also reported shuttered.
Why It Matters
The case has triggered wider public concern because social media users said they had heard of, or experienced, similar tactics involving compliments or free offers used to draw customers into beauty shops. Customs said it is actively investigating and may take enforcement action if the Trade Descriptions Ordinance was breached, so the dispute could develop into a broader consumer-protection case.