Closure of Historic Umbrella Repair Shop Marks the End of an Era in Hong Kong
In a poignant farewell, numerous residents gathered at a small but cherished establishment in Hong Kong’s Sham Shui Po district to honor Yau Yiu-wai, the 73-year-old proprietor known as the “king of umbrellas,” who is set to bring his family-owned business to a close after nearly two centuries of operation. The Sun Rise Company, founded in 1842 during the Qing Dynasty by the Yau family in Guangzhou, has become a symbol of artisanal craftsmanship and the decline of traditional retail in the face of modern consumer habits.
Yau announced earlier this month that he would be closing the doors of the Sun Rise Company at the end of this year. This decision comes after a long-standing family legacy that has been passed down through five generations. In recent years, the shop has faced significant challenges due to the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences, which have increasingly favored disposable over durable goods.
Yau expressed his deep regret about discontinuing the family tradition, stating, “We’ve upheld our family’s reputation, and this legacy has come down to me. It truly pains me to end it.” This sentiment resonates with many locals, who regard the shop not only as a place for repairs but as a cherished part of their community’s history. His closure has also ignited discussions on social media, where one user lamented, “Another loss of a wonderful community business,” indicating the depth of community attachment to the artisanal trade.
The Sun Rise Company has embedded itself in the narrative of Hong Kong, having survived the tumultuous decades of wartime upheaval before establishing itself in Sham Shui Po, a district known for its rich tapestry of street vendor culture. As Yau reflected on his decades of service, he stated, “(Today’s) wheel of time rolled over me and crushed me beneath its weight,” emphasizing the inevitable passage of time and changing societal landscapes.
Local residents, including student Niki Lum and 60-year-old Peter Tam, have voiced their sentiments regarding the loss of traditional shops like the Sun Rise Company. Lum noted, “He genuinely cared about selling customers a good, practical umbrella,” while Tam remarked on the nostalgic aspect of losing such historic businesses, stating, “These are all pieces of history—and we ourselves are becoming history too.”
While many retailers push for a culture of replacement, Yau has championed the ethos of durability and sustainability in the umbrella trade—a commitment to environmental stewardship that is becoming increasingly vital in today’s consumer landscape. He emphasized the importance of repairing rather than replacing, calling it a “social responsibility.”
However, with fewer than five craftsmen still practicing the art of umbrella repair in Hong Kong, Yau admits the time has come for him to step back. “I’m getting old. You have to forgive me, I just can’t carry on anymore,” he explained, revealing the toll that age and health complications, including a previous stroke, have taken on his ability to continue his work.
As Yau prepares to close the chapter on this historic family business, he urges the community to embrace both wisdom and eco-friendliness in addressing future consumer habits. His departure marks not just the end of an operational shop but also signifies a tangible loss of local heritage—one where the stories embedded within its walls will remain, even as the doors are closed for the final time.
