Vacant

Vacant shops is now a common sight across Hong Kong. Even in business districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui and Nathan Road. Generally an obvious sign of poor business situation.  

Some people claim that more new companies have opened than those that have closed.  Others wonder where these new business are located.  Why aren’t they taking up the vacant spaces? Perhaps the nature of the businesses have changed.  But new types of businesses also need space to operate, don’t they?

It is true that more people shop on line. Hence the demand for physical shops may have decreased.  In that case, why are new shopping centres being built?  Practically all new housing complexes come with commercial shopping centres.  Who are expected to take up those spaces while prime street front space in commercial districts stay empty?  Are people expecting a business boom sometime soon?  If so, when? and where are the signs?

Common citizens wonder and worry, but are seemingly powerless to change the situation.  How about the people with the power (and responsibility)?  What are they thinking (and doing)?