Opatra London Beauty Store Closes After Customer Claims Coerced HK$60,000 Purchase
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
A cosmetics and beauty appliance retailer operating as Opatra London has shuttered its Yuen Long branch after a customer alleged she was pressured into spending more than HK$60,000 at the chain's Sha Tin outlet. The case began when a middle-aged woman was filmed kneeling and crying outside the New Town Plaza location, accusing staff of using aggressive tactics and charging her credit card without authorization. Hong Kong Customs confirmed on August 18 that it is actively investigating the retailer for suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, having received six related complaints involving amounts ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000. The YOHO Mall branch was found closed and boarded up on August 19, with the storefront sign removed. Meanwhile, a second customer, identified only as Mrs. Leung, came forward describing how she was pulled into the same store by staff and pressured into purchasing a 10-session beauty treatment for HK$28,000—services she only managed to use once before the branch closed without notice. Consumer Council has urged customers to remain cautious when facing aggressive marketing.
Key Points
- Middle-aged woman alleged Opatra London staff in Sha Tin charged her credit card without consent totaling approximately HK$60,000, including about HK$20,000 in interest
- Hong Kong Customs confirmed six complaints against the retailer with涉案 amounts ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000 under Trade Descriptions Ordinance
- Opatra London's YOHO Mall branch in Yuen Long was found closed with signage removed on August 19, one day after Customs announced its investigation
- Mrs. Leung claimed she was coerced into spending HK$28,000 on a 10-session beauty package after staff pulled her into the store with a hand cream sample in mid-July
- The retailer reportedly refused refunds to customers who experienced skin irritation after using the products
Why It Matters
The closure of Opatra London's Yuen Long branch while under customs investigation raises serious concerns about consumer protection in Hong Kong's beauty retail sector, particularly regarding the enforcement of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance against高压销售 tactics. With complaints ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000, the case highlights how aggressive sales techniques can affect consumers across different income levels, prompting authorities to warn other potential victims to come forward .
The closure of Opatra London's Yuen Long branch while under customs investigation raises serious concerns about consumer protection in Hong Kong's beauty retail sector, particularly regarding the enforcement of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance against高压销售 tactics. With complaints ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000, the case highlights how aggressive sales techniques can affect consumers across different income levels, prompting authorities to warn other potential victims to come forward .