History of The Peninsula Boutique
1928
THE OPENING OFTHE PENINSULA HONG KONG
The Peninsula Hong Kong opened its doors with the ambition of being the finest hotel east of Suez – located directly opposite the quays where ocean liners arrived, and close to the train terminal from which one could travel as far as Europe via land.
1920s - 1980s
THE GROCERY STORE
Since The Peninsula Hong Kong’s opening, guests have been able to purchase rare, imported produce, including bread and cold cuts, from the hotel. In those early days, the shop selling these items was known as The Grocery Store, and later The Cake Shop, and was a favourite outlet for locals who desired the best for their home tables.
THE CAKE SHOP
The bakery was kept busy producing bread and cakes for local residents. Every food item available at The Peninsula Hong Kong could be purchased in The Cake Shop, including salads, sauces, sausages and meat loaves.
PENINSULA CHOCOLATES MADE AVAILABLE TO OUR GUESTS
Since 1954, a small corner of the extensive Peninsula kitchen was set aside to produce the territory’s first handmade chocolates by a specially trained chocolatier. With no air-conditioning or refrigeration, chocolates could only be made during winter in the old days.
1980s
THE PENINSULA EXCLUSIVITIES
During the 1980s, The Cake Shop changed its name to The Peninsula Exclusivities and expanded its offering to include the finest selection of teas, wines and spirits, pastries, bread and chocolates, delicatessen items and gourmet delicacies from around the world.
1988
LUXURY HOTEL-TO-BOUTIQUE RETAIL CONCEPT — THE PENINSULA BOUTIQUE WAS BORN
With the surge of tourists visiting Hong Kong, there was increasing demand for gourmet treats and mementoes. To meet with this demand, The Peninsula Boutique was conceived as the most specialised hotel boutique in Asia, to replace The Peninsula Exclusivities. More than just a souvenir shop, guests could choose from a range of exquisite treats and products, including high quality silverware, china, table linen, bathrobes, leather goods and scarves.
1995
THE PENINSULA BOUTIQUE RECEIVED A FACELIFT
Demand continued to grow, and The Peninsula Boutique had become one of the most popular retail outlets for Japanese tourists. In order to accommodate new collections of gifts and gourmet food, the Boutique underwent a renovation to upgrade the shop fittings
2002
New Gourmet Collections
Two new collections launched – The Peninsula Chocolatier and The Peninsula Connoisseur – the latter of which included a range of gourmet items from cookies to candies, jams and sauces.
OUR ESTEEMED TEA COLLECTION WAS EXTENDED
The Peninsula Hong Kong’s tea tradition, served in The Lobby, continued with the introduction of Classic, Chinese and Flavoured Tea at The Peninsula Boutique. The most popular classic selections were The Peninsula Blend and Earl Grey, while Jasmine and Pu Er topped the list for Chinese teas.
2002
DEBUT OF THE PENINSULA MOONCAKES
Since its inception at Spring Moon in 1986, the Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes have been overwhelmingly popular. To cater to the ever-growing demand, The Peninsula Boutique produced Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes based on the exclusive recipe originated from Spring Moon for those wishing to take a memento home, or send as a gift to family and friends abroad. Each mooncake is individually packed, making it easier to travel.
2004 - 2010
opening of THE PENINSULA BOUTIQUE BEIJING and SHANGHAI
As The Peninsula Boutique continued to grow in popularity, it opened its first boutique in mainland China at The Peninsula Beijing in 2004, followed by a boutique at The Peninsula Shanghai in 2010.
2012 - 2014
BRAND NEW IMAGE AT THE FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE
Following a three-month renovation, The Peninsula Boutique unveiled a brand new look in November 2012 with the debut of a tempting selection of merchandise, including Artisanal and Signature Chocolates, a premier tea collection, a selection of Chinese sauces and unique gifts. Since 2014, pop-up boutiques have been introduced around Hong Kong, in locations such as Lee Gardens, Harbour City and the ifc mall , to coincide with major festive periods and add shopping convenience for our customers.
2015
EXPANDING OUR TRAVEL RETAIL
To expand the travel retail business, a boutique was opened at the Hong Kong International Airport within the “I Love Hong Kong” retail area. The aim is to provide departing passengers a last chance to purchase gifts and memories from The Peninsula, with each item offering a taste of Hong Kong.
2016 - 2018
EXCITING SEASONAL COLLECTION
The Peninsula Boutique’s journey continued with exciting seasonal collections for different festivities including Chinese New Year, Spring and Summer, Mid-Autumn Festival and the holiday season.
2018
NEW FACE FOR THE PENINSULA BOUTIQUE
We are pleased to launch a range of new products in elegant packaging adorned with images of the gargoyles from The Peninsula Hong Kong’s grand lobby. This new packaging icon is designed to evoke fond memories of our legendary original hotel, the “Grande Dame of the Far East”.
2021
Introducing The Peninsula Boutique & Café
A refined yet cosy new dining and lifestyle destination – The Peninsula Boutique & Café crafts and curates exceptional gourmet experiences, delicacies and specialty gifts in an alluring space reflecting the sophistication of the legendary hotel.
2023
Opening our First Boutique & Café in Europe
The Peninsula Boutique & Café at The Peninsula London opened its doors, the relaxed retail space features a gourmet grab-and-go concept that welcomes shoppers and residents in the surrounding enclave of Belgravia.
2023
Welcoming our New Flagship in Mainland China
The Peninsula Boutique & Café opened at Shanghai Xintiandi, marking the company's first flagship in the Chinese mainland, the immersive lifestyle destination combines exquisite retail and dining experiences, nestled within the captivating architectural backdrop of historic Shikumen buildings.