Opatra London sales controversy in Hong Kong

The British skincare brand Opatra London is facing scrutiny in Hong Kong following allegations of aggressive, high-pressure sales tactics. The controversy intensified after a video circulated on social media showing a woman, surnamed Tam, alleging she was lured into a Sha Tin branch and pressured into spending over 60,000 Hong Kong dollars. The woman also reported skin irritation and a denied refund request.

Following the backlash, multiple retail locations, including branches in Sha Tin’s New Town Plaza and YOHO MALL in Yuen Long, suspended operations and were removed from mall tenant lists. The UK-based headquarters of Opatra London issued a statement distancing itself from the local operations, clarifying that the Hong Kong branches are independently owned and operated by a local distributor who is solely responsible for staffing, pricing, and customer contracts.

Hong Kong Customs is investigating potential violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Authorities have received six related complaints involving amounts ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000. An investigation into a registered address in Sheung Wan revealed it to be a secretarial firm with no actual retail operations.

In a recent development, Hong Kong Customs arrested two managers—a 42-year-old male financial manager and a 25-year-old female administrative manager—in connection with the investigation. The arrests follow reports of consumers being pressured into high-value purchases, including a 72-year-old woman who was allegedly steered into a Yuen Long branch and pressured into spending approximately HK$30,000.