Vintage Store Owner Preserves Hong Kong’s Forgotten Stories

Alfred Lee, a 27-year-old vintage enthusiast and owner of the store SapGau, has spent years collecting items that tell the story of Hong Kong’s history. His shop, located in an industrial building in Tsuen Wan, is filled with toys, common objects, and memorabilia dating from the 1960s through the 1990s. Lee’s passion for collecting began in childhood, with classic Hong Kong-made toys and popular items like Beyblades and Gundam figures. Over time, his collection grew, leading him to relocate his store to a larger space where he could better showcase his treasures.

One of Lee’s most notable collections is his assortment of Coca-Cola yo-yos. His journey with these items started when his father gifted him a unique tin yo-yo, which turned out to be one of the first made in Hong Kong. This discovery sparked a mission to collect all 300 designs from Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, and Mexico, created between the 1960s and 2000s. Lee now estimates he owns over 1,000 of these yo-yos.

Lee’s goal is to preserve and share the everyday stories of Hong Kong’s past. He believes that museums often overlook common items, but these objects reveal how people lived during different eras. His shop has become a place where adolescents discover not just Pokémon cards but also older items that spark curiosity about life in the past. Lee sees his work as vital for preserving sentimental belongings that might otherwise be discarded.

Whether it’s tracking how piggy banks reflect changes in saving habits or showcasing decorative pieces from past decades, Lee’s shop offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s evolving culture. He finds joy in learning the history behind each item and passing these stories on to others. As he puts it, his mission is about preserving a story for everyone.