2nd October 2026 – (Hong Kong) Hotstone Yoga, a chain known for hot stone yoga classes, has shut all branches without notice, triggering a wave of complaints from customers who had purchased pre‑paid packages. Hong Kong Customs said it mounted a special enforcement operation today targeting unfair trade practices by yoga centres, arresting a 61‑year‑old male company director on suspicion of the offence of improperly accepting payment under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. By 5.00pm, authorities had received 381 reports involving about HK$4.07 million, with individual cases ranging from HK$1,000 to HK$46,000.
Consumers also turned to the Consumer Council, which by 5.00pm had recorded 286 complaints linked to the closure, amounting to HK$3,909,444. One affected performer said an online group for alleged victims has grown to around 800 people, reflecting the scale of prepaid losses across the city following the sudden halt of services.
The company, which had operated for more than a decade and once claimed over 100 instructors and as many as seven locations offering yoga, dance and fitness classes, announced on Wednesday, 30th September that it would close with immediate effect, citing business and practical considerations. Customs said a dedicated taskforce contacted more than 100 complainants over the past two days, gathering case details while examining the company’s background and operations.
Investigators allege the business continued to sell courses and accept prepayments shortly before closure, potentially breaching the law by taking money without reasonable grounds to believe services could be provided within the stated timeframe. The case remains under investigation, and further arrests have not been ruled out. Officials urged affected consumers to report promptly and reminded traders to comply with the Ordinance; upon conviction, the maximum penalty for the offence is a HK$500,000 fine and five years’ imprisonment. Consumers were advised to patronise reputable providers, consider carefully before committing to prepayment schemes, and retain receipts and contracts for any future claims.