After hearing a few disturbing stories about the evil Hong Kong humidity destroying friends'…read moreleather shoes and handbags - in their apartments - I knew I needed a dehumidifier, stat. Also on the shopping list: a new TV as I've just moved into my new flat! Seeking a one-stop shopping experience, my online research suggested that I hit up Fortress in the Time Squares mall. Well I'm glad that I did my research prior to visiting the store because of course the eager sales associate tried to up-sell me on a larger-than-necessary TV. Look, my apartment measures 460 square feet so I knew that a 40-inch TV would be more than fine. When I asked him if they carried something in my price range, he said 'no'... and then I inquired about the off-brand model I had seen online. Ahhh, that! Something like a miracle, as all of a sudden he knew the what and where on the TV in question. I then perused the dehumidifier section, and a different sales associate tended to me there. I'm guessing there's different sales jurisdictions based on the product training the associates receive? About 10 minutes later, sales associate #1 was ringing me up and arranging the free delivery for the TV. Pro tips: + Do your research online, as the store is quite small and a good portion of the inventory resides in a New Territories warehouse. Know exactly what you want before arriving! + Pay for the installation if they offer it. I didn't and what should have been an easy assembly - connecting the TV to the stand - wasn't. The manual directions and diagrams were terribly unclear - and 4 of the 8 screws were missing. Pricing at Fortress isn't the most competitive, but I guess you're paying for the convenience of one-stop shopping.

I purchased a dehumidifier​ online. Price was good, process was easy, even using mainland union…read morepay card. Arranged to pick up at the store. Big mistake. Got to the store, and they looked at me like I was some sort of alien (I am). The pickup process was extremely difficult. They wanted a printout of the receipt, and I don't have a printer. Never again.

A&A Audio & Video Centre in the Pacific Place mall, is a very pleasant and spacious electronics…read morestore, selling a range of cameras, lenses, speakers, headphones, and other audio and video products. The feature brands like Leica, Panasonic, Canon, and Nikon. I do like that this store is well laid out, and easy to navigate around. Whilst there are many products in stock, the displays are spacious and clean, which means you don't get assaulted by gadgetry and information. However, it does mean that if you do want to look at a product, you will have to ask the staff to show you. This means you have to engage with the staff, which, when it comes to browsing electronics, I really dislike. The staff are pleasant enough, but not hugely knowledgeable about their product lines. If you've done your research, you could probably decipher their mumblings. What I don't like about the staff here, is their attention span. I think they must be on a very aggressive commission only salary, because as soon as a mainland Chinese buyer enters the store, you will be ignored in favour of the quick and expensive sale from across the border. A&A Audio & Video Centre in fact lost a sale of a camera to me, because the staff did exactly that. I was so aggrieved I walked out of the store, however, when I returned to ask whether or not the sale had been made to the other customer, It had not which made me laugh - a lot! I ended up buying my camera from Fortress. Don't let me put you off shopping here, I do like the fact that you can get very hands on with the equipment, much more so then with some other stores, where they start to fidget impatiently if you haven't decided on a purchase within two seconds of touching the product. Word of warning, shop around for a good price. I suspect that their rent is very high here, so they will charge as much as possible for their products. I recently found an identical product in Lane Crawford (HKD1200), which was surprisingly HK$400 cheaper then A&A Audio & Video Centre (HKD1600).

In need for anything household related? Head to Japan Home Center. Yeah, you can also visit IKEA…read morebut you may want to avoid the crowds, the long way to the counter or the trip to Causeway Bay. And chances are that there is a HJC closer to you than you think. I must admit my new place is 80% IKEA, but for the other 20% my bet is JHC. What this 20% is composed is: kitchenware (pans, pots and lunch boxes), plates and mug and cleaning products for kitchen and bathroom. There's little design in their products, but prices are so cheap, that it feels fair. The best thing though, is that their quality is good, especially their kitchenware (pans and pots JHC branded). Every single item I've bought there has turned out to be good: no chipped plates, no sticky pans, no rusted hanger... They even run offers from time to time but pick up a leaflet outside of the shop for reference as they don't advertise themselves anywhere else. I wouldn't recommend this place to furnish your place entirely (unless you want it to look too...cheap?), but if you happen to miss some plates, or glasses, you're not fussy about the design and you're on a budget, JHC is the place.

Always in pole position for selling crappy stuff, with low customer service (none of the workers…read moreare here to help you in your purchase), annoying music and dated assortment. Every time I'm going here, I'm leaving without finding anything I was looking for. Last example? A digital cooking scale. The last one I bought from another JHC is dead after a few months. The one they currently have is even worst; lowest quality and not really cheap. What's the point selling garbage if they are not dirt cheap? Usually their assortment is poor and ugly. Oh and also, instead of having a more comprehensive houseware assortment, they sell toys and school furniture. For those nostalgic of the 80's, definitely yes, for those looking for bargains, rather go on Chinese cookware stores, there is plenty in Wan Chai. Hope JHC is next to be killed by Amazon. They will not survive because they are NOT customer centric.

There are several of these stores located around Hong Kong. They are bright colored, gadgety…read moremerchandise and reasonable prices. From clocks, to rice cookers, to fans, to stuff for your work desk, to ear phones, to table top speakers....this is the kind of gadgety stuff they sell. Cool for you, cool as a gift, just a cool little store. Nothing exceptional, but a cool little gadgety store.

A off brand store for electronic trinkets. I came here and bought a battery pack. Nothing here you…read morecan't find at a major electronic store but if your in a hurry and happen to bump into this store know that you can find cellphone and other electronic accessories here.

Bought TV online - Delivered and when we opened the screen did not work and was damaged…read more Tried to contact customer service multiple times - no response for a week. Had to get TCL to come and do inspection - confirmed broken Provided all documentation to company within 10 day guarantee period - However Refused to refund or replace - stated we could have broken taking out of box? Really? The worst customer service experience I have ever had - DO NOT BUY FROM THIS COMPANY is my advice!!!!!!!! Thankfully was not an overly expensive TV - however more principle and the disregard they have for the customeris remarkable. Truly awful experience!

Fortress is everywhere around the city. But I really like this location. Staff is friendly and…read morevery helpful, especially when I don't speak Cantonese. I've shopped here for a vacuum, humidifier, heater, and a T.V. T A typical scenario is, "Hello, I like this T.V. and this T.V. What makes this one more expensive? and Why is this one not as good?" They answer with a non-bias response and then give me their honest opinion of which choice I will get the most "bang for my buck". They never pressure you as well. They will tell you the information and if you decide not to buy...then it's OK! See you later Fortress!

If quirky electronic gadgets are your thing then this is a great store to know…read more The ubiquitous connectivity offered by USB (and iPhone) connectors has paved the way for all manner of cool and, in some cases, even useful attachments to further personalise and enhance your devices. This little store in Queensway plaza (a handy covered walkway connecting the Bank of America Tower, and other Admiralty office buildings, to Pacific Place) has been a great source of gifts. Nicely priced - not markets' prices, but not Pacific Place prices either - and suitably different. Brightly coloured phone cases and laptop bags share shelf space with desk fans and speakers. Cards and a good selection of English language magazines are also on offer as are funky notebooks.