Sales at major Hong Kong retail chains declined as much as 50 percent during the bulk of the Chinese National Day holidays. which began on Oct 1, after protests disrupted the shopping season, according to a survey.

Sales dropped at least 15 percent during the first five days of the long holiday known as Golden Week, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association said in a statement on Monday, citing a survey of its members.

Retailers selling watches and jewelry were among the most affected, according to the group.