A beloved AEON $12 store in Hong Kong is closing its doors for good, triggering a massive clearance sale that has shoppers flocking to grab Japanese household goods, stationery, and kitchenware for as little as HK$6 each.
The closure, confirmed by the popular Facebook community page “Aeon Channel” within the “AEON Stores 關注組” group, affects the DAISO JAPAN Living Plaza branch at Shek Lei Shopping Centre (Phase 2) in Kwai Chung. The store will cease operations on July 12, and from now until that date, every single item in the shop is being offered at 50% off—effectively turning the usual HK$12 price tag into a mere HK$6.
A Beloved Bargain Hunter’s Haven Says Goodbye
For years, AEON’s Living Plaza outlets—often referred to as “$12 shops”—have been a go-to destination for budget-conscious Hongkongers seeking affordable Japanese imports. From stationery and kitchen gadgets to cleaning supplies and home decor, the stores built a loyal following by offering consistent quality at a fixed low price.
The closure of the Shek Lei branch marks yet another exit in a series of Living Plaza shutdowns across the city. Located at Shop B233, 2/F, Shek Lei Shopping Centre (Phase 2), 110 Tai Loong Street, Kwai Chung, this outlet has been a neighborhood staple for years. Its impending closure has sparked an emotional response from regular customers, many of whom have taken to social media to express their disappointment.
The Clearance Sale: What You Need to Know
The store is currently running a storewide 50% discount that will last until the final day of operation on July 12. This means that every item—from Japanese stationery and kitchenware to cleaning products and everyday household goods—is now priced at just HK$6 each.
Key details at a glance:
- Location: Shop B233, 2/F, Shek Lei Shopping Centre (Phase 2), 110 Tai Loong Street, Kwai Chung
- Sale period: Now through July 12, 2026
- Discount: 50% off all items (effective price: HK$6 per item)
- Store hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
Important terms to note:
- The offer is valid only at this specific branch.
- It can be combined with AEON member appreciation days, company discount days, and exclusive member shopping days, but not with other promotions.
- Exchanges are limited to items of equal value; refunds will deduct the discount difference from the receipt.
- The promotion does not apply to online store purchases.
Why This Closure Matters
This is not an isolated incident. AEON has been quietly consolidating its Living Plaza footprint in Hong Kong over the past year, with several branches closing amid shifting retail dynamics. The Shek Lei outlet’s shutdown adds to a growing list of shuttered locations, raising questions about the sustainability of fixed-price retail models in a market increasingly dominated by online shopping and discount chains.
For local residents, the loss is personal. “I’ve been coming here for years to pick up Japanese snacks and kitchen tools,” said one shopper who visited the store on Wednesday. “It’s sad to see it go. At least the half-price sale gives us a chance to stock up one last time.”
What Shoppers Should Know Before Heading Out
If you plan to take advantage of the clearance, here are a few practical tips:
- Go early: The store opens at 10:00 AM, and early birds will have the best selection.
- Bring cash or card: The store accepts standard payment methods, but expect longer queues during peak hours.
- Check for exclusions: While the sale covers most in-store items, online purchases are not included.
- Combine with other offers: The discount can be stacked with AEON member perks, so bring your membership card if you have one.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for AEON in Hong Kong?
The closure of the Shek Lei branch is part of a broader trend. AEON has been reassessing its physical retail network in Hong Kong, with several Living Plaza locations closing over the past 18 months. Industry analysts point to rising rents, changing consumer habits, and increased competition from online platforms like Taobao and local discount stores as key factors.
For now, bargain hunters have just over a week to snap up deals at this location. Whether you’re looking for Japanese kitchen tools, cleaning supplies, or quirky stationery, the half-price sale offers a rare opportunity to stock up at rock-bottom prices.
Will other AEON $12 stores follow suit? The company has not announced further closures, but shoppers are advised to keep an eye on official AEON channels and community groups like “Aeon Channel” for updates. In the meantime, if you’re in the Kwai Chung area, this might be your last chance to experience the charm of this particular Living Plaza—at half the usual cost.