appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Simpson Cheung

UK-based beauty chain Opatra London has distanced itself from a Hong Kong distributor accused of using “deceptive sales practices”, even after the local branch said it offered to refund about a quarter of a HK$60,000 (US$7,650) shopping bill on skincare products.
The company said on Monday night that it deeply regretted if any customers had a “distressing experience associated with our brand”, and revealed it had initiated an independent review of the local distributor.
The move came after local distributor Sayles Retail hit back at growing accusations that it engaged in “deceptive sales practices” by allegedly duping a woman into paying more than HK$60,000 for beauty products at a branch in Sha Tin.
The distributor also said it tried to offer a partial refund to a woman.
In a statement issued late on Monday night, Opatra London said it was handling the matter with utmost seriousness, but added that its Hong Kong outlets were independently owned and operated by a local company under a distribution agreement.
“The independent distributor is solely responsible for its own staff, sales practices, pricing, customer contracts, and refunds,” it said.
Opatra London said it had formally requested “a comprehensive written account” from the distributor and initiated an independent review of its sales conduct. It promised to take decisive action based on the results of the review.
A video circulating on social media last week shows a woman kneeling and crying outside the Opatra London outlet in the New Town Plaza shopping centre in Sha Tin, claiming she had been cheated into paying a large sum that included HK$20,000 in interest.

In its own statement on Monday, Sayles Retail said that after reviewing its transaction records, it found it had never engaged in fraudulent sales, manipulative selling or interest-scamming misconduct.
“The online claim that our store defrauded the customer of over HK$20,000 in interest is entirely groundless and inconsistent with the facts,” it said.
The statement said that after considering the customer’s hardship, the shop had exercised discretion and refunded HK$16,000 to her, as a “goodwill gesture”.
But the company accused the customer of failing to accept the resolution, saying she repeatedly went to the store, caused what it described as “deliberate disturbances” and published defamatory remarks online. It threatened to take legal action against her.
Sayles Retail reiterated that the entire transaction was legal and transparent, with the customer voluntarily confirming it.
“Furthermore, our premises feature floor-to-ceiling glass with the main entrance kept open during business hours. All transactions are conducted on a voluntary basis,” it said.
“Under no circumstances had we detained customers, forced purchases or coerced payments. All visitors are free to choose whether to make a purchase or leave the store.”
It added that it welcomed public oversight of its operations.
Hong Kong customs said on Sunday it was actively following up on the case.
Business registration records in Hong Kong showed at least four local outlets operating as “Opatra London” – all overseen by Sayles Retail.
According to Hong Kong’s Companies Registry, Sayles is owned in equal shares by Omri Sayles, a Portuguese passport holder, and Naftali Yehonathan Gamliel, a Bulgarian passport holder. Both listed the same residential address in Singapore.

Sun Hung Kai Properties, which manages New Town Plaza and Yoho Mall, said it would not comment on tenants’ business in its shopping centres.
The Consumer Council expressed concern about the relevant press reports on the controversy, but said it had not received any complaints.
According to the records in Companies House in the UK, Opatra was incorporated on March 10, 2010, as Oro Gold Limited. It changed to its current name in 2013.
But Opatra London earlier said it had no ownership of, control over or commercial partnership with Orogold or any other brands mentioned in recent media coverage.
Efraim Salhov, 46, is currently the sole director of Opatra. His registered nationality is British with a correspondence address in London.
In 2020, Opatra London faced a public backlash in Singapore after an elderly female cleaner was allegedly coerced into buying S$13,000 (US$10,150) worth of beauty products with “aggressive and unethical” sales tactics.
A partial refund was made after she filed complaints with local police and the Consumers Association of Singapore.


3 stray mongrels captured after cyclist dies in suspected dog attack

Nearly 50% rise in drug seizures by Hong Kong customs in first half of year

Barristers dismiss calls for solicitors to gain senior counsel status in Hong Kong

Hong Kong school told to review arrangements after alleged Cantonese video ban

Hong Kong society

Opatra London distances itself from Hong Kong firm over deceptive sales allegations

A shuttered branch of Opatra London on Russell Street in Causeway Bay. Photo: Nora Tam

The Hong Kong distributor for Opatra London has said that after reviewing its transaction records, it found that it had never engaged in fraudulent sales, manipulative selling or interest-scamming misconduct. Photo: Nora Tam

 A Hong Kong distributor for beauty products is facing allegations of “deceptive sales practices”. Photo: Getty Images

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council has expressed concerns over the press reports, but has not received any complaints. Photo: Handout

Customs steps in after woman claims beauty chain Opatra cheated her out of HK$60,000

Opatra London’s 4,700 sq ft outlet on Russell Street in Causeway Bay. Photo: Nora Tam

The outlet posted a notice saying it was temporarily closed. Photo: Threads/ hereherehe&#xA;

Over half of tested reading glasses fail to list key details to prevent eye strain

The watchdog found that most glasses lacked the labelling and warning statements required under European standards. Photo: Getty Images

(From left) Professor Lan Hon-ming, a member of the council’s research and testing committee, and CEO Alaina Shum. Photo: Edmond So

News

Hong Kong

Society

London-based beauty chain says it deeply regrets if any customers have had ‘a distressing experience associated with our brand’


London-based beauty chain says it deeply regrets if any customers have had ‘a distressing experience associated with our brand’.


Opatra London distances itself from Hong Kong firm over deceptive sales allegations

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}London-based beauty chain says it deeply regrets if any customers have had ‘a distressing experience associated with our brand’

London-based beauty chain says it deeply regrets if any customers have had ‘a distressing experience associated with our brand’