Macau Lifestyle
  • What's On

    Categories

    • Events Calendar
    • Macau Weekend
    • Monthly Hotlist
    • Giveaways
    • Entertainment

    Recent Stories

    Oxtail soup
    Weekender: Songkran Garden Party, Sommelier Nights & More
    Macau Weekend
    Macao Arts Festival
    What to Expect At the 31st Macao Arts Festival
    What's On
    Relax and Reward Package Offer Shine Spa
    Weekender: Spa & Staycation Offers, Food Surprises & More
    Macau Weekend
  • Dining

    Categories

    • Restaurants
    • Local Eats
    • Cafes
    • Bars
    • Chef Spotlight

    Recent Stories

    sponge-cake-macau-lifestyle-chinese-pastries
    Our Guide to Traditional Chinese Pastries in Macau
    Dining
    Voyages by Alain Ducasse_Gin Trolley
    Where to Have Gin & Tonic in Macau
    Bars
    pho tik pho peach tea macau lifestyle
    Delicious Noodles & Where to Eat Them in Macau
    Local Eats
  • Lifestyle

    Categories

    • Wellness
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • People

    Recent Stories

    Flora Garden playground
    The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau
    Family
    Dave Wan Working at Zawood
    Dave Wan: Keeping up the Family’s Business With Zawood
    Artist Spotlight
    Notable Macau women Sister Juliana Devoy
    8 Notable Macau Women to Be Proud Of
    Culture
  • Culture

    Categories

    • Arts
    • Heritage & History
    • Architecture
    • Artist Spotlight
    • Local Knowledge

    Recent Stories

    Macau skyline and Nobre de Carvalho Bridge
    Macau Bridges: Connecting Islands Since 1974
    Architecture
    Flora Garden playground
    The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau
    Family
    Dave Wan Working at Zawood
    Dave Wan: Keeping up the Family’s Business With Zawood
    Artist Spotlight
  • Style

    Categories

    • Fashion
    • Jewelry & Watches
    • Beauty
    • Home

    Recent Stories

    Macau Lifestyle Stephen Margaret Omorovicza
    Margaret de Heinrich: Omorovicza Skincare & Healing Thermal Waters
    Beauty
    Gucci Macau
    Best Springtime Fragrances of 2021
    Beauty
    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02
    Best Facial Treatments in Macau
    Beauty
  • Travel

    Categories

    • Macau
    • China
    • Asia
    • Oceania
    • Europe

    Recent Stories

    hong kong junk Day Trips Macau
    Best Day Trips from Macau
    Asia
    macau day trips ocean park hong kong
    Best Day Trips for the Whole Family
    Family
    kun iam ecumenic centre macau
    Weekend Walking Tour of Macau Peninsula’s Alternative Cultural Sites
    Culture
  • Hong Kong

    Categories

    • What's On
    • Dining
    • Things to Do
    • Hotels

    Recent Stories

    Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
    Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter
    Artist Spotlight
    St. Regis Hong Kong, Premier Harbour Room 08
    Best Staycation Packages in Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
    Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
    Wake Up Here: Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
    Hong Kong
  • Events
  • City Guide
  • 繁中
Culture
10 October, 2020
by Weng U Pun

Lei Fong Mercearia: The Time-Travelling Convenience Store

Lei Fong Mr Liu in Shop Macau Lifestyle

Lei Fong Mercearia (利豐便利店) is a convenience store for vintage items. It is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Liu and has been around for almost three decades. Why is it called a convenience store? The store began as a convenience store before gradually transitioning into a collectors’ paradise, where people can find and revisit nostalgic memories from decades past. You can find anything from stamps, letters, and posters to beautiful vases, figurines, and sculptures dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Read on to find out how Mr. Liu got into this interesting business and to find out what tips he has for those interested in becoming a collector!

Why did you start this shop? How did you get into this business?

I moved to Macau from the mainland in 1979 to find work. I worked for a few years before my wife and my children joined me. It was difficult. I tried looking around for a small convenience store that I could possibly take off someone’s hands. There was a small one near Kiang Wu Hospital and the business was passed over to me to manage. I worked there for eight years and with the money I earned, I bought the shop here on Rua da Tercena to continue the business.

In the year 2000, I realized that operating a convenience store was not going to be financially sustainable in the long run. So, I slowly changed what I was selling. I kept selling things like soda and toys but I stopped selling other food like rice, biscuits, crisps, and oil. Then, I started selling nostalgic items like these.

I didn’t start collecting and selling secondhand items out of interest. I began doing so for financial reasons. It was only after a while that my own interest developed. Lots of children used to come to my shop. Old Master Q (老夫子) comics were really popular amongst them. I would stock up on those comics from the mainland because they would sell so well. One day, I noticed a secondhand bookstore near ours. I asked him where he found them. The guy collected cardboard and he would find books amongst miscellaneous things that have been abandoned to sell. I ended up doing the same thing, and I would collect boxes of books. Some days I would sell 50-60 books a day. The profit I made from selling books made up of 80% of the total profit I got from running the convenience store. Eventually, the food items I was selling got lesser and lesser and I started selling more books, old and new, and secondhand items.

Once I was in Areia Preta and there was a woman with a truckload of books. She was busy collecting cardboard. A box fell out of her truck and I picked it up but she didn’t want the books. She didn’t see the value in them. I offered to pay her but she refused to accept it. There was a guy who came by my shop who offered me MOP $100 for the books. I immediately said yes! After all, I literally got the books for free. (laughs) That was when I began to realize the worth in old books so I began collecting old books to sell. Usually, these books were collected by the previous generation but their next generation did not want them. So, they were precious to the older generation.

Now, books published during the 60s and the 70s in Hong Kong like The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射鵰英雄傳) by Jin Yong are worth a lot. They’re thin serialized books, now worth hundreds each. If you had the whole collection, they would be worth ten thousand MOP even!

I see that the shop has recently been refurbished. How did you manage to make such a big change?

Yes, a year ago an interior design company reached out to me and informed me that this shop was eligible for funding on the grounds of its cultural significance. They asked me if I wanted to renovate the shop and they offered to apply for the funding for me. I agreed and they designed and renovated the shop this July.

Lei Fong Items on Display Macau Lifestyle

Where and how do you obtain the vintage items from in this store?

I found all these items in Macau. There used to be lots of houses being taken down, and I knew a lot of the people that were involved in the process. I knew them because back then I was selling water and cigarettes, and the people that worked those jobs tend to buy those things. I just asked them to let me know when they were going to be moving or taking apart houses so I could collect items that other people no longer wanted.

I still get most of my items in that way. Mostly it is up to fate. Lately, there was an old lady who passed by, offering to sell me something. While she was looking around, she asked, “You sell old books? I have a lot of old books. Would you want them?” Turns out she’s from a big wealthy family and the books she brought over were exceptionally old.

What sort of things do you usually collect? What do you look for?

I don’t look for a specific thing to collect. It’s hard to find exactly what you want. How I come across all these items all really depends on fate and circumstance.

Lei Fong Teapot in Hand centred Macau Lifestyle

Do you have any favorite items that you have collected?

Of course, I do. (laughs) I have a teapot on display that I really like. It is very expensive and was handmade by Chinese ceramic art master Bao Zhiqiang (鲍志强). The teapot was a gift to a Hong Kong businessman but the businessman did not like the teapot. They had a shop here in Macau and they tried to sell it, and in the end, I was the one who bought it. This teapot has been auctioned before in Beijing for around MOP $2,000,000!

What is the oldest thing in this store?

I have things dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-906) and the Song Dynasty (960-1279). I’ve got these stone figurines that are from the Tang Dynasty too. I also had figurines from the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 AD) but I’ve sold those. I bought them from other shops. They’re not cheap!

You have lots of Mao memorabilia–how did you come across those?

I got them from the Macau Women’s Organisation (婦聯) when they were clearing out their storage. Someone found them and I bought it off them. During the Cultural Revolution, the Macau Women’s Organisation bought loads back and sold it to their members. These must have been what was leftover. They threw away truckloads of many posters. They threw away about 90% of what they had. I bought what I could. The posters are worth thousands of MOP now and they threw it all away! The posters that I do have now are not from Macau Women’s Organisation; I got them elsewhere.

Is there anything that is not for sale here? And why?

No. If it’s the right price it sells (laughs)

Lei Fong Vintage Camera Macau Lifestyle

How do you know how much something is worth?

You check its market price. Check auctions. So, if the price someone offers is not around its market price, then I won’t sell it.

Do you have any future plans for the store?

No, not really. We’ll keep the shop open till we retire.

Apart from collecting things, what do you like doing in your spare time?

I don’t really have much time. Sometimes, I exercise at 6:00am at Camoes Garden for about an hour.

Lei Fong Old Bottles Macau Lifestyle

What advice would you give someone who is interested in collecting vintage items?

Well, don’t collect expensive things from the get-go. Collect things that have the potential to increase in value. But, it’s hard to know what sort of things increase in value! If I knew, I would keep certain things and not sell them! (laughs) Ultimately, anything that is becoming less common will become valuable.


Lei Fong Mercearia 38 Rua da Tercena, Macau, +853 2892 0278

Tags

  • collector
  • Lei Fong Mercearia
  • macau
  • second hand books

Related Posts

Tunnel close to Rua de Nossa Senhora do Amparo in Macau Haunted places
Culture

Haunted Places Around Macau

Artist Wu Yi – Tang Contemporary gallery- Macau Lifestyle WY1
Artist Spotlight

Wu Yi: A Painter’s Painter

Kenneth Ho WWAVE Design Portrait close to the Plants Macau Lifestyle
Artist Spotlight

Kenneth Ho of WWAVE Design: Elevating Branding to the Next Level

oldest restaurants in Macau Fat Siu Lau
Dining

10 of the Oldest Restaurants in Macau

Trending Posts

Flora Garden playground
Family, Local Knowledge

The Best Playgrounds for Kids in Macau

Macau Weekend, What's On

Weekender: Songkran Garden Party, Sommelier Nights & More

Cafe Esplanada Wynn Macau Minchi
Dining, Local Eats

Great Places to Eat Minchi in Macau

Monthly Hotlist, What's On

April in Macau: Dining, Arts, Culture & Family Events

  • Editor's Picks

    SICILIAN RED PRAWN and OSCIETRA CAVIAR served “cru” with yuzu The Manor A La Carte Menu Monthly Hotlist

    April in Macau: Dining, Arts, Culture & Family Events

    Check out all the unmissable events April has in store for everyone in Macau. From kids activities to dining offers, read on and find out!

    Date Announcement  – Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna Dining

    Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 – Five Macau Eateries Make the Cut

    Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 decided to award 100 restaurants instead of the traditional 50, with Macau making it into the list!

    AJ Hackett Macau Skywalk giveaway Macau Lifestyle Local Knowledge

    Everything You Need to Do in Macau at Least Once

    Take a dive into this article and find out what to do to spend your precious time in Macau and maximize it to enjoy the city at its fullest!

    Featured image: Chinese depiction of a woman from atlantic countries circa 18th century Source: Review of Culture Culture

    Historic Women in Macau: Empowering Communities Across Time

    We all have an idea of what being a woman during the earlier centuries meant. These prominent women in Macau proved that their gender wasn’t a hindrance.

    LondonerMainLR Hotels

    Unveiling The Londoner Macao: The Newest Jewel in Cotai’s Crown

    The Londoner Macao is a unique addition to the vibrant skyline of Macau meticulously designed, making it a true celebration of timeless British design.

    Cuppa Coffee Macau Dining

    Good Morning Macau: Best Cafes for Breakfast

    As breakfast is the most important meal of the day, here’re our favorite cafes in Macau to head to for a hearty breakfast!

    Mandarin Oriental, Macau_The Mandarin Cake Shop_Signature Cake_Pink Bloom Cafes

    That Takes the Cake! The Mandarin Cake Shop’s Cakes for Every Taste

    The Mandarin Cake Shop’s cakes will make your heart beat faster and complement any ocassion! Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

    Sichuan Moon Chinese Restaurant Macau Dining

    The Most Outstanding Chinese Restaurants in Macau

    We’ve dedicated this page to the best restaurants serving Chinese food that entices even the most discerning palates from all over the world.

    Cotai Picture Wide Macau Lifestyle Macau

    10 Free Things to Do in Macau

    Glamorous and buzzing Macau has a lot to offer even for those on a shoe-string budget. Find out the coolest and free things to do in Macau.

    Coloane hiking trail Culture

    Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails

    Coloane is home to most of the hiking trails in town. We walked them all and came up with the most comprehensive Coloane hiking trails guide.

    African Chicken from Riquexo Macau Lifestyle Dining

    Macanese Craze: Where to Get African Chicken in Macau

    African chicken is a truly Macanese dish, even though it doesn’t sound so. We’ve toured Macau looking for the best and here they are!

    caffe b italian restaurant macau lunch dishes Dining

    New Set Menu at Caffé B Macau: What’s for Lunch?

    Our favorite casual Italian restaurant, Caffé B Macau, recently launched new lunch sets. We headed there to taste the recent additions.

    Collage of Calcada do Amparo Area Wall Paintings Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Colorful Macau: Best Street Art Hotspots

    Looking for something different to discover in the city? Explore the lesser travelled paths of Macau to find stunning local street art.

    The Moss Natural Life - handmade soaps sustainable shopping macau Wellness

    Sustainable Shopping in Macau

    If you are looking for places to shop for packaging-free, eco-friendly and sustainable items in Macau, here is a good list to embark on your journey.

    quarter square coffee on table exterior Dining

    The Ultimate Guide to Macau’s Best Coffee Shops

    Coffee makes the world go round and even if you don’t fancy it, it definitely brings people together so here are the best coffee shops in Macau!

    The Cheesecake Factory Macao pancakes Cafes

    Great Places for Pancakes in Macau

    Looking for pancake places around Macau? Hunting for butter-browned, soft and fluffy pancakes? We think you’ll be satisfied with our list!

    10-things-to-do-in-coloane-chapel-francis-xavier Culture

    10 Beautiful Catholic Churches in Macau

    Other than the glitz of the casinos and hotels, the beautiful Catholic churches show a different, historical side of Macau.

    Zics Macau Brand Source Facebook page Fashion

    Macau Fashion Brands: Celebrate Local Design

    Discover some Macau fashion brands that are making waves due to the fabulous designers behind each of their fresh and genius creations.

    The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge Gin Collection Bars

    Best Places for Happy Hour in Macau

    After a long day at work, you need a relaxing place to unwind. We have the best places in Macau for happy hour deals on drinks and snacks!

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association single shot x Macau Lifestyle Arts

    Macau Youth Street Dance Association: Jarvis Mo on the Local Dance Scene

    We speak to Jarvis Mo, the president of the Macau Youth Street Dance Association, about the street dance culture in Macau, and more!

    Waffles with Coffee at Rooftop Macau Exterior Macau Lifestyle Cafes

    Best Waffle Spots in Macau

    Best shared with your friends or perhaps on a first date, here are the best waffle places in Macau for your next catch up session.

    Cinco de Mayo Macau Mexican dancers, Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Old Mesilla, Las Cruces, New Mexico USA Culture

    Everything You Need to Know About Cinco de Mayo

    Some people mistake Cinco de Mayo as Mexican Independence Day. What is it exactly? And how do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Macau?

    Mighty Green Featured Cintia and Guilherme Lifestyle

    Mighty Greens: The Powerful Micro-Greens Making Their Way Across Macau Restaurants

    Guilherme Martins and Cintia Milk, behind Mighty Greens has an indoor farm in Macau producing nutritious tiny plants called “micro-greens”.

    Maria do Leste Bloody Mary from St Regis Macao Updated Photo 2020 Bars

    Shaken or Stirred: Macau’s Best Cocktails

    The world of mixology often proves to be as diverse and surprising as the one of gastronomy. Exercising talent and immense creativity, Macau’s bartenders keep creating signature cocktails that impress us with both flavors and presentation. If you are tired and bored with mojitos and negronis and need tips on what else to try, check out our guide to Macau’s best cocktails. 

    Macau Lifestyle Morpheus Spa_Couple Spa Suite_02 Beauty

    Best Facial Treatments in Macau

    With so many world-class spas in Macau, we recommend that you indulge in a facial treatment that will make you feel good at the start of 2021!

  • About
  • The Team
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us

COPYRIGHT © 2021 • MACAU LIFESTYLE

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Receive Macau Events Agenda, the Hottest Giveaway Offers and the Latest Article Updates!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok