1. Designer Heaven

With millions of potential customers its no surprise that every designer brand you can name has a store in Hong Kong. Many have "Flagship" stores in a central location and a few others in urban shopping centres.

Hong Kong Island (houses some famous Hong Kong scenic spots) has a high concentration of designer brands and the majority can be found at the prestigious Landmark building in the heart of the Central district. I've been to every major shopping mall in Hong Kong and The Landmark shopping centre, probably the largest in Central is also the most upmarket in my opinion. Sadly I'm only a window shopper but its fun to watch the rich and famous spend their money.

The Armani store is the largest in Asia. Other brands represented include Balenciaga, Burberry, Celine, Chanel, De Beers, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zega, Escadea, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik, Max Mara, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co, Tommy Hilfiger and Vivienne Tam.

Iconic Italian brand Gucci have recently opened their flagship store at the adjacent Landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel on Queens Road. The 1000 square meter store is on two levels and stocks everything "Gucci". Harvey Nichols also have a store located here offering a large range of luxury items spread over five floors. (In late 2011 Harvey Nichols opened a flagship store in nearby Admiralty at Pacific Place)

What to buy: Special occasion one-off designer items.

NOTE: Opening hours are shorter than other shopping centres 11am to around 7 or 8pm. Probably best to check closing times with specific store.

What to pay: Lots and lots and lots and lots of $$$

2. Antique Street

If you like antiques to buy after Hong Kong tours or just admire there are a few stylish and reputable antique shops on Hollywood Road and also along "Cat Street" (Upper Lascar Row). Clustered mid way between the Sheung Wan end and the Mid Levels Escalator these showrooms stock a large selection of traditional Chinese lacquered furniture and porcelain including Ming and Tang Dynasty pieces.

If your budget does not stretch that far there are also trinket shops selling much smaller items such as mahjong sets and scaled down versions of terracotta horses and warriors. Obviously the cheaper the item the cheaper the quality so don't expect to find anything authentic. You can also buy newly minted "old" coins.

Along with antique shops there are some art galleries to browse through making this a pleasant area to stroll through and window shop along, during the day preferably. Continue along to Sheung Wan if possible as the old streets of this area are quite facinating (see my Sheung Wan review).

What to buy: Porcelain vases.

What to pay: Unlimited amounts. Large items could be shipped to your home subject to quarantine and customs laws. These would need to be insured especially fragile items.

More others: Hong Kong travel guide and China guide