Chickeeduck to cease all ops due to mainland China supply cut and other lines 'harassed'

According to its Facebook page, the anti-government retail chain said its last branch located in Causeway Bay will be officially closed after 30 June, and the online store will also stop operating.

Herbert Chow, founder and CEO of Chickeeduck, explained that he is reluctant to close down the brand, however its supply chain in mainland China has been cut off, and the supply chains in other Southeast Asian countries have been constantly harassed as well. Therefore, he did not want his colleagues to suffer anymore.

“It means that the brand that has been running for 33 years will come to an end. It was an extremely difficult decision for us,” the statement read.

Don't miss: Chickeeduck to shut 3 remaining stores by November

He also expressed his thankfulness to customers for their support over the past 33 years. “Thanks to your support over the past 33 years, it is my honour to be able to contribute to Hong Kong, and I would have done it again, knowing the consequences of today’s closure. True Hongkongers, please accept my 90-degree bow,” he added.

Launched in 1990, Chickeeduck strives to offer quality children's wear at accessible prices. It also started to emphasise on social responsibility and value the importance of voicing out.  Until August last year, Chickeeduck decided to shutter all their stores upon the end of their current lease periods. According to an official statement, the chain’s three remaining lifestyle stores shut their doors after their leases expired, with the last store in Tin Hau closing in last November. 

The move came as its owner claimed the retail chain had been facing disturbance and unprecedented harassment. Multiple reports including the South China Morning Post, The Standard, and Hong Kong Free Press quoted Chickeeduck owner  Chow saying that the company suffered from "unprecedented harassment by unidentifiable malicious forces" in the past 18 years. He added that it was not feasible to continue the business' operations in the city due to disruptions in product supply and difficulties in securing leases.

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