Hotstone Yoga complaints rise as customs probes closure
HK01 · 7 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hotstone Yoga, a chain known for hot-stone yoga classes, abruptly announced on Wednesday that it would cease operations immediately, making that day its final business day. The closure has triggered a growing wave of consumer complaints over prepaid classes that could no longer be redeemed, prompting both regulatory complaints and a criminal investigation. By 6pm on Sunday, Hong Kong Customs had received 694 reports involving about HK$7.8 million in service contracts, while the Consumer Council had received 416 complaints involving HK$5,424,536 by 5pm the same day.
Key Points
- Hotstone Yoga said on Wednesday that, after considering business operations and other practical circumstances, it had decided to close immediately.
- Customs arrested a 61-year-old male company director on Friday on suspicion of improperly accepting payment under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
- Customs said it is examining the merchant’s operating and financial position before closure, and whether unusual sales activity took place.
- Reported losses rose quickly: Customs logged 381 reports involving HK$4.07 million by 5pm on Thursday, then 627 reports and about HK$7 million by 6pm on Friday.
- The Consumer Council said by 5pm on Sunday it had received 416 complaints involving HK$5,424,536 related to the closure.
Why It Matters
The case affects Hong Kong consumers who paid in advance for services and are now trying to recover losses through complaints, investigations or other channels. It also puts renewed attention on the risks of prepaid service contracts and on whether businesses continue taking payments when they may no longer be able to deliver.