"Father's Day is no big deal, certainly not like Mother's Day," a 20-year-old university student said.

A 20-something administrative officer echoed her sentiments. "I have never bought gifts on Father's Day," she said.

Businesses, however, are hoping that will change this weekend.

With the global economy in the doldrums and their sales flagging, a number of plazas, stores and hotels have put more emphasis on Father's Day in the hope that their children will respond.

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"Last year we had nothing but this year a giant Jungle Chess game will be built on the open piazza," said Times Square promotions and advertising officer Winnie Leung.

Similar Father's Day promotions are also being staged at Elements, the Peninsula Hong Kong and Langham Plaza.

" Sales on Father's Day last year were almost a third less than on Mother's Day even when complimentary gifts were offered," flower shop salesman Jack Leung said.

He added this could be due to the presumed lesser role of the father in bringing up the children.

"But the promotions this year look tempting," 30-year-old legal officer Sarah Po Mei-ching said.

Chinese University sociology professor Ting Kwok-fai believes fathers get a raw deal because they are seen as the disciplinarians in the family.

"In addition, fathers spend more time at work while most mothers spend more time tending to their children. As such, children grow apart from their fathers," he said.

"It will take time to change this impression," he added.