Tai Lin/Tai Un Radio Services Ltd 1946-2008
HF: I came across this company(ies) when shown the May Ming Building, (310)-312 Nathan Road which has apparently been vacant since the 1970s.
The ground floor was occupied, apparently, at that time by the Tai Un Radio Service Company. A quick online check of both the address and that company produced a wikipedia file on the Tai Lin Radio Services Ltd company.
I would be grateful if someone could clarify whether these companies were indeed one and that the confusion, in English, is merely one of a variance in translation…
Wikipedia has this on the Tai Lin Radio Service Ltd: Tai Lin opened its first store at 309 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, primarily selling radio sets. Since then, it rapidly developed its servicing, management and retail services, besides including tape recorders, gramophones and and ampligiers into its line-up. In 1957, Tai Lin became the first electrical appliance store to introduce stereo Hi-Fi to the Hong Kong market.
In the population boom of the 1960s, Tai Lin expanded its product line to television sets, refrigerators,wasing machines, air conditioners and cameras, among others, and at the same time, opening new branches to form a retail chain. In 1976, Tai Lin registered itself as a company under the name “Tai Lin Radio Services Limited.”
The 1980s and 1990s were defined as Tai Lin’s “golden age.” The chain has spent HKD50 million in 1989 to refurbish its existing branches. In addition to three stores in Mongkok and To Kwa Wan, Tai Lin made its proactive expansion throughout the Hong Kong market with new stores in Kwun Tong, Shatin and Causeway Bay. At its peak in 1997, Tai Lin had 13 stores.
After 62 years in existence, Tai Lin collapsed and succumbed, reportedly to the effects of the global financial crisis, affecting 260 personnel from thirteen branches.
“Tai Un” liquidation. Courtesy: Hong Kong Digital Vision
This article was first posted on 5th December 2015.
See:
- Tai Lin Radio Services – wikipedia
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