Transcript
C: Hello, Justin
J: Hello, Cherie
C: We recently watched the movie “Little Brother Cheung,” right?
J: Yes, it was directed by Fruit Chan and filmed in the streets of Portland Street and Shanghai Street in Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong.
C: The movie beautifully captured the essence of this old neighbourhood. Yau Ma Tei is known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. The streets of Portland Street and Shanghai Street are lined with traditional shops, bustling markets, and unique architecture. I think it’s a reminder of the charm that these old streets hold.
J: There are some installations and spaces in older neighbourhoods that may disappear in the future. What space do we choose that will be vanished?
C: The space that is vanishing is Hoi Fat Stationary company, located at 330 Shanghai Street in Hong Kong. It is a traditional stationary store with a distinct Hong Kong-style name and a crowded interior filled with stationery products.
J: Why is it vanishing? How do we know that it will no longer exist in the near future?
C: There are several reasons why Hoi Fat Stationary Co. is vanishing.
Firstly, the store has been in operation for nearly half a century, and the building it occupies is old and visibly run-down, as seen in the video. The building may require extensive repairs or even demolition in the future, which would necessitate the store to relocate or close down.
Secondly, the store is facing the challenges posed by the societal trend of digitization and paperless practices. With the advancements in technology, an increasing number of people are opting for digital tools to replace traditional stationery items. For instance, electronic mail and digital notebooks are being used instead of physical letters and notebooks. This digitalization trend reduces the demand for stationary stores and further contributes to their vanishing.
Lastly, the rise of online shopping may lead to the vanishing of stationary stores. With the widespread accessibility of the internet and the growth of e-commerce, more people are choosing to online stationery. Online shopping offers convenience and the ability to order products from the comfort of one’s home or office, with the added benefit of home delivery.
C: What do we know about its past and present?
J: Prior to the proliferation of the technology, handwriting was the major way people record and display essential information. Pens, books, correction tapes, and office supplies, etc. were commonly used in various perspectives. The board range of target consumers, which includes students, white-collar workers, blue-collar workers, and other individuals, had facilitated their development and maintained their crucial status in society. However, with the evolution of electronic devices, the demand for stationeries has decreased significantly over time. Portable devices provide greater storage and more convenient approach for users to work in which it has eliminated the restrictions of using traditional stationeries such as larger space. Moreover, it reduces the cost for companies or individuals because the period of use of a computer has at least 3-4 years. Constants repurchase of new pans or books is not required. The abandon of traditional stationeries is more observable in the workplace, where computers allow workers to facilitate the working process and assist them with complicated calculations. Meanwhile, students, as a major group of consumers, also has a decreasing demand for stationeries due to the promotion of e-learning and the establishment of the concept of environmental protection. Furthermore, online shopping has become the trend in Hong Kong, which inevitably increases the level of competition for traditional stationery shops. People prefer to purchase through online platforms due to the convenience and the wide variety of goods.
C: Who will be affected when it no longer exists? What are their feelings and attitudes toward this?
J: The owners of stationery shops will be negatively influenced by this phenomenon. Having understood that the demand for stationery is gradually decreasing, it provoked the income of owners to decline. Meanwhile, the inflation and the downward economic has impacted them, which render to the increase of the costs such as the rent. How to cover the cost with limited income would become their major concern. In this situation, they will feel frustrated due to their limited market power. To prevent the shops from shutting down, they might try to request the government to assist them. Apart from the owners, the government will be affected as well. Due to the fact that the majority of the stationery shops are local businesses. As long as they disappear from the streets, the government will suffer from the pressure from local communities as local businesses are representatives of their spirit and identity. Under this situation, the government has to respond to it proactively by providing various support.
In contrast, companies who are selling substitutes will benefit from the disappearance of stationery shops. Corporations such as MINISO and UNIQLO also offer stationery for customers. Due to the fact that they have higher market power and their diversity, they will not be impacted by the proliferation of technology easily. With the shutdown of traditional stationery shops, the competition within the market will decline significantly. A higher portion of consumers will be attracted to those international companies, which render the rise of their profit and the popularity of their brands. They will be delighted with their disappearance and encourage the demolishment of traditional stationery shops.
J: What is being done about its impending disappearance?
C: In response to its impending disappearance, the Stationary has taken steps to diversify its business. For example, the store has expanded its services to include printing and custom stamp services. By offering additional services beyond traditional stationery products, the store aims to attract customers and adapt to changing people needs. Additionally, the store has actively engaged with the local community, particularly student groups in the nearby area. The store owner has sponsored these student groups, and in return, the students have helped promote the store online through their social media channels. This collaboration has increased the store’s brand visibility and made awareness among potential customers. However, it is important to note that the long-term viability of the store in the face of the aforementioned challenges remains uncertain. However, it is important to note that the long-term viability of the store in the face of the aforementioned challenges remains uncertain.
Reference
Lau, Y. T. (2020). Community Care Fund Assistance Programme –Provision of Subsidy to Needy Primary and Secondary Students for Purchasing Mobile Computer Devices to Facilitate the Practice of e-Learning (Assistance Programme). Education Bureau. No.55/2020. DOI: https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/applicable-to-primary-secondary/it-in-edu/ite-ccf/ccf_index.html
Little Brother Cheung. (2021). Directed by Fruit Chan [Film]. Nicetop Indepedent