Hong Kong Book Fair Sees Drop in Sales as Browsers Outnumber Buyers

The annual Hong Kong Book Fair wrapped up on Tuesday with more than 1,000 shoppers on its final day, but many exhibitors reported weaker sales and fewer visitors compared with last year. Several booksellers said changing consumer habits and unpredictable weather during the seven-day event hurt business. Sally Ng Wai-shan, an editor at Match Media Limited, noted that foot traffic was even lower than last year, which had already been subdued. The fair, a major cultural event in the city, typically attracts large crowds looking for book deals. However, this year, many attendees appeared to be browsing rather than buying. Some vendors offered discounts to lure customers, but overall spending remained low. The decline reflects broader trends in the publishing industry, where digital media and online shopping are reshaping how people buy books. Despite the drop, organizers remained positive about the fair's role in promoting reading. The event featured author talks, workshops, and children's activities. No official attendance figures were released, but the weakened demand has raised concerns among local publishers.