End of an Era: Hong Kong’s “King of Umbrellas” Retires After 183 Years of Service
In a poignant farewell, scores of residents gathered at a small yet storied repair shop in Hong Kong’s Sham Shui Po district to bid adieu to Yau Yiu-wai, the esteemed proprietor affectionately known as the “king of umbrellas.” At 73 years old, Yau’s decision to retire marks the conclusion of a remarkable family legacy that has endured for nearly two centuries.
Founded in 1842 during the Qing Dynasty, the Sun Rise Company was established by the Yau family in Guangzhou, a city in southern China. The business, which has operated continuously for 183 years, has been passed down through five generations. However, advancing age and changing consumer preferences toward online shopping have led Yau to announced that he will close the shop’s doors permanently at the end of this year.
“We’ve upheld our family’s reputation, and this legacy has come down to me,” Yau expressed sorrowfully. “It truly pains me to end it, and I am sorry to my ancestors.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many locals, who regard the shop as an integral part of the community’s historical fabric.
After navigating the challenges of wartime and relocating to Hong Kong, the Sun Rise Company found its niche amid the urban tapestry of meat and vegetable stalls. Despite the shop’s thriving atmosphere, Yau lamented, “Today’s wheel of time rolled over me and crushed me beneath its weight,” highlighting the inevitable shifts that small businesses face in a rapidly changing world.
The announcement of Yau’s retirement reverberated across social media, drawing emotional responses. Niki Lum, a student who frequented the shop, noted that Yau exemplified genuine care for his customers and their needs for practical, durable umbrellas—as opposed to disposable alternatives. “You could tell he put his heart into running this shop,” Lum remarked.
For many residents, the closure symbolizes the broader disappearance of traditional businesses, which offer a unique personal touch to customer service. Peter Tam, a local resident, reflected on this loss, stating, “These are all pieces of history. And we ourselves are becoming history too.” Indeed, the store’s longstanding commitment to repairing rather than replacing umbrellas speaks to a growing recognition of environmental responsibility.
Despite the decline of such repair services, Yau dedicated himself to providing quality workmanship, often taking pride in mending umbrellas that held sentimental value for customers—sometimes representing significant moments in their lives, such as proposals or birthdays. He noted, however, that with fewer than five repairmen remaining in Hong Kong dedicated to this craft, he had to make the difficult decision to conclude his operations.
“My health has declined; I suffered a stroke a few years ago,” Yau confessed. “I’m getting old. You have to forgive me; I just can’t carry on anymore.” With heartfelt wisdom, he urged future generations to embrace environmental consciousness and the importance of repairs over replacements.
As the Sun Rise Company prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a legacy intertwined with Hong Kong’s cultural history, representing both the resilience of family-run businesses and the challenges posed by modern consumer trends.
