Retail closures hit heritage tea house in Penang and Tian Ren Ming Cha in Hong Kong

Several long-standing or popular tea-related businesses are closing due to lease expirations. In Penang, the Guangtai Lai Tea House, a Hainanese coffee establishment with over 90 years of history, will cease operations on September 26. The third-generation owner, Chen Ying-chao, decided to retire rather than relocate after being notified that the current premises would be sold.

In Hong Kong, the Taiwanese tea brand Tian Ren Ming Cha announced that its branch at Tai Po Market Station will close on August 31 following the end of its lease. This marks the fourth store closure for the brand this year, following previous closures in Sheung Wan, Tai Wo, and Nam Cheong. Despite these closures, the company maintains over 50 locations across Hong Kong.