A Hong Kong children’s clothing chain has opened a new store to sell merchandise related to the city’s pro-democracy protest movement despite its CEO acknowledging that it was risky business.

Chickeeduck’s new location in Tin Hau sells products with protest slogans and iconography — such as miniatures of the Lady Liberty statue that has become a symbol for the movement — alongside its own branded clothing items. The store provides a platform for local artists and like-minded people with the aim of reminding Hongkongers not to lose hope, said CEO Herbert Chow.

“A lot of places wouldn’t dare to sell these products, but I hope this store can provide a platform,” Chow said at the store’s official opening on Wednesday.

The store received a warm reception during an earlier weeklong trial run, with many people lining up for iron-on patches bearing protest slogans, Chow said.

Pro-Beijing newspaper Wen Wei Po condemned the store on its opening day and quoted legal researcher Willy Fu, who said that Chickeeduck’s products were advocating Hong Kong’s independence and could incite violence.

Fu, who is also vice chairperson of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation executive council, said the shop’s proprietor and staff may have committed secession under the national security law — a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Despite the risks, Chow said he would persist until the end. “Some people say I’m inviting trouble. I’m not trying to be pretentious, I just want to do my part as a businessman,” he said.

Chickeeduck was previously told to take down a two-meter Lady Liberty statue at its Tsuen Wan store. The store was ordered to vacate the premises after Chow refused to comply. The statue has now been relocated to the new Tin Hau location.

After the statue incident, Chickeeduck had to close six stores as a result of disputes with landlords, Chow said.

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