Taiwan airport plans theme stores

Nicole Mezzasalma

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Hakka and Aboriginal cultures showcased in new retail spaces

Two theme shops representing local culture will be opened this week at Taiwan Taoyuan International airport. Visitors will be able to purchase Hakka and Aboriginal products from Thursday at the new stores, which are operated by Ever Rich Duty Free Shop Corp and located next to each other.

According to a Council of Hakka Affairs press release, the Hakka theme store will sell traditional Hakka textile products, tea sets, various food products and music. One third of the 89sq m (958sq ft) retail space will be devoted to a display of Hakka culture, including video presentations of local customs and handicrafts. Performing arts groups will also be invited to perform from time to time.

The Aboriginal shop will showcase Taiwan’s native cultures and will have a totem poll as its centrepiece. A traditional wooden Tao boat is also on display, in addition to hand-made clay containers and equipment for making moachi, a traditional Aboriginal dessert made of millet. "We want visitors to experience the rich cultures of Taiwan from the moment they step foot in the airport," the news release added.