Retail rift: Hong Kong shops plead for rent relief, landlords see improving market

Retail sales in Hong Kong increased over 10% year-on-year in the first five months of 2026, but ongoing shop closures highlight conflicting perspectives between tenants facing financial struggles and landlords observing an improving market. Tenants attribute their stagnation and losses to economic pressures requiring price cuts, while landlords remain optimistic about the retail leasing market.