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Laments over vanishing trades as HK’s ‘king of umbrellas’ retires
The Straits Times
|December 28, 2025
Scores of residents flocked to a cramped shop in Hong Kong’s old district to bid farewell to the city’s “king of umbrellas”, who is retiring after spending decades repairing umbrellas at his family business.
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Established in 1842 during the Qing Dynasty, the Sun Rise Company was founded by the Yau family in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.
The current proprietor, Mr Yau Yiu-wai, 73, announced earlier in December that his 183-year-old family business would close its doors at the end of the year.
The family-run shop has been passed down through five generations, but due to shifting consumer habits towards online shopping and his advancing age, it has to cease operations.
“We've upheld our family’s reputation, and this legacy has come down to me... It truly pains me to end it,” Mr Yau said. “I’m sorry to my ancestors.”
This story is from the December 28, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
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