In recent years, several long-standing local businesses with deep historical roots in Hong Kong have been closing one after another. The iconic umbrella store “Sing Yick Cheong” with a 183-year history announced its closure at the end of 2025. The fifth-generation descendant of the store expressed sadness at seeing the century-old family business closing under their watch, acknowledging that it was no longer possible to continue the legacy.
Located at 314B1, Lai Chi Kok Road in Sham Shui Po, near the Pak Ho Street Market, the renowned umbrella store “Sing Yick Cheong” announced its closure at the end of December 2025.
The store is managed by the fifth-generation descendant, Yiu Yiu-wai.
According to the Hong Kong Commercial Daily, the news of the closure of “Sing Yick Cheong” sparked a rush of citizens to buy umbrellas.
Yiu Yiu-wai, known as the “Umbrella King,” described himself as a “prodigal son” and lamented that he could not continue the family business. After the official closure, he plans to clean up his ancestors’ signboard and bring it back home; if there are customers needing umbrella repairs in the future, he may offer his services when he is in a good state of mind.
Established in the 22nd year of the Qing Dynasty (1842) in Guangzhou, “Sing Yick Cheong” relocated to Hong Kong in the 1950s when the current owner, “Brother Wai,” Yiu Yiu-wai’s father, moved from Guangzhou to open a shop at Nam Cheong Street in Sham Shui Po, where the business took root in Hong Kong. Brother Wai has been immersed in the umbrella business since birth, spending most of his childhood at the shop; out of his four children, only he chose to continue his father’s legacy.
In addition to selling umbrellas, “Sing Yick Cheong” has been specializing in umbrella repairs for many years, handling over a thousand repairs annually. The shop also displays umbrella works personally crafted by Brother Wai (not for sale), and he is delighted to share maintenance tips with customers, making it one of the few traditional shops in the area that still offer umbrella repair services.
After 183 years of history, this venerable old shop decided to bid farewell at the end of the year, prompting widespread discussion online. Both local residents and netizens expressed their sorrow at the closure.
One netizen recently shared on Threads that they found a notice posted outside “Sing Yick Cheong” declaring the owner, Brother Wai, is “retiring.” The post mentioned Brother Wai’s patience in teaching customers to properly open and close umbrellas, his evident appreciation and dedication to umbrellas. The shop is currently offering a clearance sale with a promotion of “buy 3, get 1 free.” The post urged people to “buy an umbrella to bid farewell.”
Many past patrons nostalgically recalled their experiences, praising the array of styles available in the shop, the historical ambiance of the store, and the craftsmanship evident in every umbrella. Customers remembered Brother Wai’s meticulous demonstrations on how to properly use repaired umbrellas, emphasizing durability in their design.
In recent years, Hong Kong’s iconic establishments have been shutting down in succession. From Hoi Keng Congee Shop, Ming Du Restaurant to Hung Sing Chinese Restaurant… these long-standing brands not only hold memories of local cuisine for Hong Kong people but are also seen as “golden signboards” that attract tourists from afar.
On October 29, “Wah Kee Seafood” at Po Lam Market in Tseung Kwan O announced its closure through social media. Known as the “most authentic family-style seafood stall” by locals, “Wah Kee Seafood” has been a kitchen staple for numerous families with its fresh seafood offerings, consistent quality, and affordable prices over the past thirty years. The closing news left many Hong Kong residents feeling emotional.
Just a few days before the announcement of “Wah Kee Seafood” closure, another well-received local shop also announced its closure. The branch of “Tin Lung Roast Goose” in Cheung Yip Building, where the owner Ah Sing appeared in a video sharing his heartfelt emotions about the challenges of running a food business in Hong Kong amidst soaring rents, resonating with many owners of long-established businesses.
The announcement of these closures immediately sparked discussions online. Some netizens expressed that “Hong Kong’s dining industry is actually being pushed to closure by landlords increasing rents, not due to lack of business.” Over the years, several iconic establishments have shut down due to the burden of rising costs.