Flea market closes after 17 years saddened locals

Reported by: Talja Blumenthal, Olivia LI Cin-hang, Kate Chan Hiu-ying

Edited by: Kate Chan Hiu-ying

A flea market in Kam Tin closed permanently on Jan. 31 after 17 years of operation due to the development plan of the Northern Link, leaving many visitors and merchants saddened as they attended its farewell.

Located a few meters away from Kam Sheung Road Station, the Kam Sheung Road Flea Market has been a local landmark, renowned for selling nostalgic snacks, second-hand items and handmade clothes across nearly 200 colourful stalls every weekend since 2008.

"I feel lost about not coming here on weekends anymore," said Liu Chau-king, 68, who has sold handmade crafts at the market for 17 years. 

Liu is reluctant to leave as she has become close friends with some merchants and customers. "I've known some of them since they were kids and I watched them grow into adults." 

Liu said she is considering moving to a new bazaar or selling her products in her daughter's shop in the future. 

A few stalls away from Liu’s stall, Tiffany Lam, a 50-year-old apparel manufacturer, said that discussing fashion styling with female customers who frequently visited her booth was part of her life after 16 years of the market, and now has come to an end.

Lam said she will not continue her business after the closure as she plans to retire.

A longtime local visitor, Connie Wong, 60, said this flea market cannot be replaced. "This place is special because what they sell is very unique and nostalgic, so it’s a pity that it is shutting down.”

"There used to be many flea markets in Hong Kong, but now one of the larger ones is gone as well,"she said.

After the closure of the Kam Sheung Road Flea Market, only a few second-hand grocery bazaars remain in Hong Kong, including Apliu Street Market and Stanley Market.

“I feel this market is quite different now from when I visited as a child because more booths are closed and it’s sad to see it so empty,” said Lui Man-hei, 17.

The flea market, originally scheduled to close on Saturday, remained open until Feb. 1 due to rainy weather.