Hong Kong customs arrest woman for aggressive skincare sales tactics at former Opatra London outlet

Hong Kong customs officers have arrested a woman on suspicion of using aggressive tactics to sell skincare products at a local beauty chain formerly operating under the Opatra London brand, bringing the number of arrests in the case to three.

The Customs and Excise Department said on Wednesday that the beauty consultant, 22, allegedly pressured a customer into making purchases at the now-closed Sha Tin New Town Plaza outlet, which was formerly operated by Sayles Retail.

The local woman reportedly used excuses such as “the facial treatment is not yet finished” to keep the customer in the shop before persuading her to buy products, the South China Morning Post has learned.

“When selling beauty products, the saleswoman exerted undue influence and engaged in improper business practices that led the consumer to make a purchase decision she otherwise would not have made,” said Leung Ka-ho, senior investigator of customs’ trade descriptions investigation bureau.

He said the department had received 38 calls for help linked to the chain. The reported losses amounted to more than HK$3 million (US$382,629), with individual cases ranging from HK$1,800 to more than HK$200,000.

Customs officers last month arrested two staff members – a 42-year-old Hong Kong man and a 25‑year‑old woman, both managers linked to the brand – over similar tactics. They were later released on bail.