Hong Kong has long been renowned as "The Shopping Paradise"; hence many tourists are attracted to shop here. The retailing industry plays an important role in the economic development of Hong Kong. As reflected by the information provided by Census and Statistics Department of the Government, retailing is the second largest service industry in Hong Kong. Two thirds of the employees employed in this industry are involved in sales while the rest in supportive teams such as administration, marketing and merchandising.
Hong Kong's retailing industry consists of enormous shopping centres, department stores, chain stores, supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores and bazaars, etc. Varying in type and size, they form a retailing network in Hong Kong and provide different kinds of merchandise and numerous employment opportunities.