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Published by the Consumer Council (the Council), CHOICE Magazine has a history spanning half a century, providing Hong Kong people with practical consumer information and product tests. It has widely been recognised as a trusted household name, serving as a monthly household guide for local consumers.
Starting from January, the publication entered a new chapter with its online version fully accessible for free. The Council has also partnered with Link to distribute a limited number of complimentary print copies each month at 14 designated Link malls to members of the public.
On 16 January, Chairman of the Consumer Council Clement Chan Kam-wing and Chief Executive Gilly Wong Fung-han joined representatives from Link to hand out the latest issue of CHOICE Magazine to the public at Temple Mall, sharing the latest consumer information.
Mr Chan expressed his excitement about the enthusiastic response to the distribution event, “The Consumer Council chose to partner with Link because information from product testing is closely related to everyday life. Before making a purchase, consumers would want to learn more about its strengths, disadvantages and features. Link’s shopping malls, which primarily serve the local communities and the public, provide an ideal platform for this purpose.”
Regarding the decision to offer free online access to CHOICE Magazine starting from January, Mr Chan shares that the Council had envisioned this idea as early as 2019, “We observed that many readers have become accustomed reading online. As we celebrated the Council’s 50th anniversary, we decided to implement this initiative to make consumer information accessible to everyone, anytime and anywhere.”
The Consumer Council has, at the same time, retained approximately 9,000 print copies of the magazine each month. These copies would be distributed to university and school libraries, public libraries, community organisations, and elderly centres. Limited print copies would also be made freely available at Link’s designated malls, catering to readers who prefer and enjoy reading the print version.
Mr Chan reveals that the January 2025 issue of free online CHOICE recorded 5,000 downloads on its day of publication. He anticipates further growth in both readership and downloads as public awareness increases.
For many Hong Kong residents, CHOICE Magazine has long been a trusted resource. Mr Yung, a former subscriber to both print and digital versions, praised the new and accessible arrangement, “In the past, I’ve relied on CHOICE Magazine for household product reviews, from wet wipes to refrigerators. Having this information freely available now is fantastic news.”
For elderly resident Ms Lui, print works better, “The print version is much more convenient for me. Being able to get it free from Link malls now is a bonus for sure.”
The 14 participating Link malls include Leung King Plaza, T Town, Tai Yuen Commercial Centre, Wo Che Plaza, TKO Spot, Fu Tung Plaza, Cheung Fat Plaza, Choi Yuen Plaza, Oi Man Plaza, Kai Tin Shopping Centre, Un Chau Shopping Centre, Temple Mall, T.O.P This is Our Place and Hing Wah Plaza. Limited copies are available monthly on a first-come, first-served basis.
