HONG KONG: Local retailers are voicing optimism concerning prospects for the coming May Day holiday.

Shopping malls introduced different strategies aimed especially at mainland shoppers, to increase pedestrian flow and spur sales.

Irene So, Retail Marketing & Promotions General Manager of Sino Property Services, believed the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme, as well as a series of promotional activities, would boost the foot traffic and hence revenue.

She expected the number of visitors to the Olympian City during May 1 to 10 to be around 2,950,000, up 11 percent over last year.

Among the visitors, 25 percent will be mainland tourists, 5 percent more than last year's "mini Golden Week". Revenue could be expected to come up 8 percent to HK$70.5 million.

She predicted each four-member family would spend around HK$5,000 to HK$8,000.

The mall has spent HK$2 million solely on mainland promotion, including cooperation with media and travel agents. It will enhance its promotion among mainlanders by offering increased discounts on sales above a specified amount.

"Some shops offer very attractive discount to customers which can help raise the sales," So added.

A mall under Sun Hung Kai Real Estate Agency, APM, also expected a brisk market. Leasing General Manager Maureen Fung predicted the traffic flow would jump 15 percent to one million during May 1 to 3, while revenue surges 13 percent to HK$27 million.

The company has been organizing tours with mainland travel agents and over 1000 mainlanders have visited so far.

"We offer free shuttle bus and it's a big attraction to them. Some visitors only come to buy just a bottle of soybean sauce," Fung said.

She expected mainland tourists to account for 15 percent of the total visitor number.

In addition, Fung believed the relaxation of travel restrictions for Taiwanese will lure more tourists.

(HK Edition 04/21/2009 page1)