With such a diverse amount of cultural heritage sites and beautiful shops in Macao side, it’s easy to assume that all picturesque neighbourhoods are limited to the peninsula. However, such is not the case.
The recently launched Distinctive Shops Programme started its first phase in the Macao peninsula to support local small unique businesses. This programme, one of the priority works within the scope of the Government’s Policy Address for the current year, promotes local shops with rare characteristics by certifying them as Distinctive Shops. The programme is not only a way to promote the shops’ but also as an invaluable tool for the managers’ development. Owners will be receiving training in business operations and sales, learn how to build and market stronger brands, and develop new value-added products. Besides providing the businesses with certification, this incentive aims at leaving long-lasting advantages with more competitiveness and better customer service. The programme takes advantage of the newer technologies too. The distinctive shops’ teams are provided with online marketing training, enabling some of them of establishing their first presence online.
This is a sponsored feature.
The Macao Government has continued to promote other community neighbourhoods with unique characteristics, including in Taipa and Coloane. The “Distinctive Shops Programme in the Islands” also supports micro, small and medium-sized companies in making the best use of technologies to expand their businesses and reforming their operating model. The initiative can ultimately build them a good reputation, and create interest in clients even before they visit the shops. Many of Macao’s best catering and retail businesses are also some of the oldest. With an online presence, this programme will help reinvent them and make them more visible for tourists and local visitors alike.
The distinctive shops of beautiful Taipa are mostly centred around Old Taipa Village. This iconic area has turned into a hip and happening district with many great eclectic rooftop restaurants and cafes that are ideal for a sunset drink. From small intimate bistros perfect for a romantic dinner to large enough restaurants for your whole group of friends, the dining options abound. The cuisine choices are aplenty too. From typical Chinese to contemporary western, including a selection of dessert shops and intricate baristas, there’s a place for every mood. In the mood for shopping? You’re in the right place too. Around Taipa Village, you can get everything from unique design pieces to traditional sweets and cookies.
Coloane Village is probably Macao’s best-kept secret. Maintaining the charm of old times, Coloane is still a serene, tranquil place where you can unwind by the waterside and take a deep breath. In what used to be a sea salt farm back in the Song dynasty, you can still find shops displaying salted fish for sale near the pier. Among the ancient temples, the old Lai Chi Vu shipyard and the cobblestones near the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, many distinctive shops and eateries remain vibrant. Take a walk around the village and snap a picture near the colourful murals around. When you feel thirsty, you can sit outside of a café drinking a beverage and overlooking mainland China on the other side of the river. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Chinese or Macanese fusion food, excellent restaurants are waiting for you with a relaxed environment.
Details on Taipa and Coloane’s distinctive shops and their locations are available at http://www.economia.gov.mo/lcp, so get exploring and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
