I have talked about Sham Shui Po several times on my blog now but I just can’t resist sharing these pictures from my last visit. For those new to Sham Shui Po, it is an area in Hong Kong well-know for being a wholesale textile and craft supplies center. To get to the craft shops, simply take a train to Sham Shui Po Station and get out from A2 exit. You will be greeted with a massive chaos of people going in all directions and a stretch of bustling street stalls selling electronics, but do not be overwhelmed. Stay focused and walk straight until you hit the next adjacent street. Look out for ‘Yu Chau Sreet’ and ‘Ki Lung Street’. You will know once you are on the right street as it will feel somewhat like you’ve entered ‘craft supplies heaven’.
Once you start seeing fabric swatches displayed everywhere, you know that you have entered the wholesale textile center. These swatches are usually free to take for those who are planning to order in bulk. I still think that this is such a clever way of working! All you have to do is select the swatches that you want and call them up, tell them the serial number and they can deliver the fabric to wherever you want. Most of the people get it sent to the factory where they will have their products made. It is a really convenient system. Make sure you have your business card with you if you are planning to collect some swatches as some shopkeepers may ask.
