Mixue to relocate first Hong Kong store in Mong Kok as lease expires
Mixue's debut Hong Kong branch in Mong Kok closed on October 7 after its lease expired, with plans to reopen nearby. The brand, known for low prices, operates 10 branches in the city and is expanding globally, recently entering Mongolia and Uzbekistan.
Mixue, the mainland Chinese budget beverage chain, is relocating its first Hong Kong store in Mong Kok after the lease expired. The branch at Bank Centre Mall stopped all dine-in and takeaway services on October 7, according to notices posted at the site.
The company is preparing a new location in the surrounding area to resume operations. Staff confirmed to Sing Tao Global, sister publication of The Standard, that the decision not to renew the lease was due solely to its expiration.
The Mong Kok branch was Mixue's first entry into the Hong Kong market, opening in early 2024 and operating for nearly three years. Despite the closure, staff said business remained strong, especially during after-school and after-work rush hours, with long queues common. Top sellers included fresh ice cream, lemonade and pearl milk tea, attracting local students and office workers. While Hong Kong consumption habits differ from mainland China, the brand's low-price strategy has won broad local recognition.
Operating a physical store in Hong Kong is costly, as the city is among the world's most expensive retail markets. In Mong Kok, street-level shop rents can reach hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars monthly. Despite high overheads, Mixue has kept prices competitive. An analysis by Sing Tao Globe News found its core drinks are priced about 40 to 50 per cent lower than similar products from local rivals, with fresh lemonade and Americano coffee showing the biggest advantages.
Mixue currently runs 10 active branches in Hong Kong, including in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui.
The relocation comes as the brand accelerates global expansion. Last month, it entered Mongolia and Uzbekistan. In Mongolia, a 160-square-metre store opened on September 13 on Peace Avenue in Ulaanbaatar, generating about 43,000 yuan in sales on its first day. In Uzbekistan, two stores opened in Tashkent on September 19 and 20, in the NEXTMALL and Seoul Mun commercial districts, with menus tailored to local tastes.
With these openings, Mixue now operates in 18 countries across Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Northeast Asia and South America. Hong Kong remains a strategic gateway to the international market. After the Mong Kok branch reopens, the brand plans to deepen its presence in Hong Kong, focusing on high-quality, budget-friendly beverages.