Report: Hong Kong Supermarket Owners Wanted to ‘Take Care of Customers’ but Got Caught Gouging
Former Hong Kong actress Veronica Yip recently explained the impetus behind her husband’s decision to keep their supermarkets open during the COVID-19 crisis, ultimately leading to severe disciplinary action by the city.
In a lifestyle article posted to celebrity website Jayne Stars, it’s revealed that Veronica Yip and Jeffrey Wu kept open the Hong Kong Supermarket chain to “take care of customers.” Yet, many customers of the Hester Street location complained of, and reported, the opposite – gouging the most coveted of supplies, which were reportedly ordered in bulk.
“We have to take care of our customers and provide necessities and food products,” Yip noted. “During this time, it’s most important to mutually support each other!”
Apparently, the owners imported massive quantities of face masks, gloves, and tissues, some of which were purportedly donated. However, city officials caught wind of over-charging and last week issued 139 violations of price gouging face masks, gloves, disinfect wipes and hand sanitizer. The fines levied by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection total $69,500.
Wu founded the Hong Kong Supermarket chain in 1981, with the first store located in Monterey Park, California.
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