HK sales rooms jazz up auctions as economy slows

Hong Kong auction houses are looking for novel ways to keep their sales buoyant in the face of an economic slowdown - from creating boozy bidding parties to selling items from outer space.

The recent sales season in the city saw the familiar glittering parade of art, jewelry and rare wines. But although billionaire Asian collectors have grabbed headlines with recent mega buys, takings were down at major Hong Kong auction houses.

Now auctioneers are trying to develop fresh strategies to woo increasingly picky collectors.