Wellcome is a Hong Kong chain of supermarkets that can be found all over the country. I saw their signage multiple times but didn't really know what it was until I stepped foot one afternoon to purchase some soft drinks. I asked one of my travel mates where to go as our hotel didn't have a convenience store and she advised me to come here.
Staying at the City Garden Hotel, this Wellcome location came in very handy as it's just across the street. It's a little tricky as the store is inside from the outside entrance - - they share the entrance with another business.
When glancing through this relatively small supermarket, they carry many food items, including raw ingredients. I was surprised they do carry some imported products from other countries on their shelves.
It was fun checking out what the locals consume as I did notice some products that I grew up with, such as Cadbury, Horlicks and Ovaltine.
Personally, I did find Wellcome to be cramped with many items on display with narrow aisles. I primarily came here for drinks and snacks so it met my needs.
Octopus cards (prepaid smart cards) can be used during check out so it was very convenient. Traveling from country to country it was difficult at times with their currency system. When I obtained my Octopus card at 7-11,, I used it there. In addition to 7-11 stores, I could ride the MRT, bus and also use my Octopus card at Wellcome.
If I were a resident of Hong Kong, Wellcome can be too small of a supermarket with limited selections. But if I lived in one of the many apartment buildings nearby, Wellcome is sufficient with grocery shopping without traveling far.
Being such a small store, the number of staff is minimal with just 2 or 3 employees. My cashier wasn't number savvy as I was trying to use up all balance on my Octopus card. I informed her in Cantonese I was about to leave the country and would be paying the difference with HK dollars. She told me I didn't have enough on the card and therefore couldn't do my sale. Clearly I had purchased more with snacks to take home and consume on the plane. I had to repeat myself and this time the lightbulb went on and informed me the balance due after scanning my Octopus card.
Overall, a great find near my hotel, as this store has a larger selection than what you find at a 7-11 or average convenience store. read more