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DB MARKET TO CEASE OPERATIONS - Final Market 7 Dec 08 |
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HKRI (Hong Kong Resorts)
has informed OPEN AIR that they have decided not to continue sponsoring
the DB Market after December 2008. November and December will be the last
DB Markets. We are very disappointed by the news after all the momentum
and community support we have achieved together. if you have nay feedback
please send to admin@openairhk.com
The following explanation has been given by HKRI - Under the forecast deteriorating
economic situation, our marketing budget has to be cut and we are instructed
to deploy resources to drive customers direct to the restaurants rather than
engaging in less direct brand-building activities at high cost. As
you know, DB Market is always positioned as a commercial centre event to benefit
the restaurants (just like events in other shopping malls) more than just a community
event. There have already been a lot of community events taking place throughout
the year, which are organized by City Management, i.e., funded by the residents. They
all know that DB Market is a commercial centre activity, hence this decision
has nothing to do with the community but is rather a pure business decision. |
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English Press Release | See
Chinese Press Release |
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| Comments |
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"Sorry I did not get a chance to write before now but
as you know this time of year is extremely busy for vendors trying obtain stock
for the upcoming season. We are relatively new to the Open Air market family
but have very much enjoyed our experience. You have been wonderful to deal with
and have helped us greatly to build up our business over the past year. We are
greatly disappointed to hear that you are being squeezed out of the DB market
but not surprised. As a resident of DB I have seen on more than one occasion
Hong Kong Resorts act in this manner. They seem to have some sort of agenda known
only to themselves but really no clear direction or resident support for their
reaction. I strongly believe they are dropping your sponsorship in order to clear
the way for themselves to continue the market under their own management as they
do with other events throughout the year. We will miss your smile and your warmth.
Please keep in touch with any new venues or just to say hi."
Jon Morgan - Secrets of Burma, 7th November 08
"I am sorry to hear of this news."
Natasha Smith - Sri Lanka Tsunami Fund, 7th November 08
"It really a bad new for all of us"
Dora Mak - Sahaja yoga, 7th November 08
"For
me the Discovery Bay Market is a way of meeting different people. I got
the impression from meeting these people that the community is very important
to the Discovery Bay residents. And the markets are a way meeting friends
from near to far. Life is very fast paced in Hong Kong but in Discovery
Bay there is an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Hong Kong Resorts
should reconsider their situation for the sake of the residents. Happy
customers mean more spending, means happy tenants. The market is a way
of pleasing all."
Claire Brownless - Not Only Olives, 4th November 08 Claire has been a vendor
of Open Air Markets since inception in 2006
"I am so sad and disappointed that Hong Kong Resort
has decided not to sponsor the Open Air Market. Open Air provides the platform
for local designers as well as support for organic vendors in the community.
I have built a great relationship with the vendors as well as the people in Discovery
Bay. They come to buy my product every month and this is one of the main business
areas for me. I do not understand why the market need to close as this affects
my business. Also, this is definitely not supporting the community. Please understand
there are no other place where we can operate so freely and also support by the
community. I am so thankful for your company where it builds the community in
Hong Kong. Thank you."
Bella - Organic Home, 4th November 08
"It is shocking to hear that the market is closing
down. As a vendor it is a big loss since it is a delight to be in Discovery Bay
every month to see friendly smiling faces welcoming you back every month. People
in Discovery Bay love to come to the Open Air Market every time due to the variety
in vendor selection. I really hope the market could be started again. I would
love to go back to Discovery Bay every month. I really hope there is a change
in the decision."
Gayatri - Aavishkar Designs, 4th November 08
"We are so sorry to hear this news .We know how hard
you guys have worked for this fair and hopefully another company will step in.
Thanks for all your efforts."
Karina Turnbull - Material Possessions, 30th October 08
"We are very disappointed to hear that DB market will
discontinue. The Discovery Bay Market has been a very positive experience for
us each time and we sincerely hope you will be able to revive this highly successful
market."
Melanie & Rita - Sono Vaso Ltd, 30th October 08
"I am personally very disappointed regarding this out
come, as Open Air market has been a lovely event to look forward to every month.
It gives small businesses a chance to promote their goods in a very relaxed manner
and for us as a charity. But please let us know if there would be another alternative
arrangement."
Bernie Deden - S.O.S. Lanka Association, 30th October 08
"What a shame, really sorry to hear about that."
Louise Rogerson - Mandarin Orange, 29th October 08
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