Take a Trip Down Memory Lane at Wellcome's Latest Nostalgia-Themed Stores
- Editor
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Towards the beginning of the year, Wellcome surprised shoppers with a nostalgia-themed concept store in Yau Ma Tei that felt less like a supermarket and more like a trip down memory lane. Now, the city's longest-running supermarket chain is expanding the idea, unveiling two new "Time Machine" locations in Kennedy Town and Mong Kok, each inspired by a different slice of Hong Kong life. While most people visit Wellcome for groceries, these revamped stores invite customers to slow down, soak up a little nostalgia, and, of course, snap lots of selfies!
In Kennedy Town, the Victoria Road branch pays tribute to Hong Kong’s beloved ding ding trams. Vintage green and yellow tones run throughout the store, while tram tracks stretch across the floor, and a retro tram stop installation creates a nostalgic photo spot. Each detail is designed to evoke a sense of familiarity, from childhood rides home with an ice cream in hand to after-school adventures with friends. The experience continues with a series of playful throwbacks, including the return of the mobile ice cream cart, the Sunshine retro vending machine, and a Millennium- era Yes! Card photo booth, each adding to the sense of discovery and forgotten memories. As well as this, a store-exclusive Wellcome Lightbox Sign Magnet, valued at HKD$68, is also available at the Victoria Road branch and can be redeemed for just HK$28 with any spend of HKD$100 or above. To complete the experience, a themed Wellcome tram will travel across Hong Kong Island until 11 July, extending the concept beyond the store and into the city itself.
Over in Mong Kok, the Sim City branch draws inspiration from other icons of local culture: the dai pai dongs and cha chaan tengs. Spread across two floors, the store recreates the lively atmosphere of old Kowloon, complete with neon signs, corrugated metal, milk tea kettles, and nostalgic photographs of Nathan Road during its neon-lit golden era. Product category signs along the aisles are designed in the style of old Hong Kong minibus route boards, adding to the layers of local detail to the shopping experience. Throughout the space, quaint touches can be found, including a retro arcade-style ping pong spring pull machine, which can be played for free with any purchase, as well as photo spots inspired by iconic Hong Kong references such as Tung Choi Street, also known as Goldfish Street; a funhouse mirror, and a classic mosaic staircase. To complete the offering, the Sim City store also features a Wellcome Phone Magnetic Accessory, valued at HKD$68 and redeemable for HKD$28 with any spend of HKD$100 or above.
Beyond the décor, both stores extend the nostalgic concept through a selection of exclusive souvenirs and familiar local snacks that celebrate Hong Kong's flavours and shared memories. Shelves are stocked with classic favourites such as Wah Yuen treats, Koon Wah snacks, and White Rabbit candies, alongside Hong Kong-themed magnets and keychains that add a giftable aspect to the visits. For anyone searching for a quirky souvenir or a taste of childhood, the selection offers small, but meaningful reminders of local culture.
The expansion follows the success of Wellcome's first nostalgia concept store in Yau Ma Tei, hinting that Hong Kong's appetite for heritage-inspired experiences is far from fading away. In a city where landmarks and traditions are constantly evolving, and sometimes sadly disappearing, these stores offer something rare: a chance to revisit the moments that helped shape Hong Kong's identity. If you're stopping by for groceries, hunting for snacks you used to love or simply looking for a unique photo spot, Wellcome's latest concept stores prove that sometimes the most interesting journeys can begin with a supermarket trolley.
📍 Victoria Road Branch
Address: Shop 3-7, Block 2, Centenary Mansion, 1 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
📍 Sim City Branch
Address: G/F, Chung Kiu Commercial Building, Sim City, 47-51 San Tung Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Opening Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.wellcome.com.hk
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