OPATRA London shuts Hong Kong outlets after arrests
On.cc · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
OPATRA London, a beauty chain that was accused in August of forcing sales on customers, has since seen all of its Hong Kong branches close one after another. The Consumer Council said it received 16 complaints alleging unfair trade practices involving the merchant, with total disputed spending of more than HK$1.274 million. Law enforcement later said it had received at least 38 related reports, with the total amount involved exceeding HK$3 million, and arrested three people. The brand's UK headquarters said it was handling the matter directly and had begun an independent review of sales conduct at Hong Kong OPATRA-branded stores
Key Points
- In mid-August, a video circulated online showing a woman kneeling and crying outside the chain's New Town Plaza branch in Sha Tin
- She alleged staff charged more than HK$60,000 to her credit card without consent, including about HK$20,000 in interest
- After using the products, she said she suffered a skin allergy, was refused a refund, and reported the case to police
- Investigators later arrested two managers and one former frontline beauty consultant over suspected breaches of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance
- Branches in Sha Tin, Yuen Long YOHO Mall and Citylink Plaza later posted suspension notices or ceased operations
Why It Matters
The case adds to long-running public concern in Hong Kong over beauty-industry consumer traps, including pressure selling and sudden shop closures. For customers who prepaid or financed purchases, the widening gap between complaint figures and the larger amount in official reports points to potentially broader financial exposure