Basic Info on Fashion Shopping in China

Until recently, I was thinking about China as the greatest world’s factory, because it’s hard to find anything which is not “made in China”. I’m exaggarating, of course, but compared to just a few decades ago, this country has a glut of goods, especially when it comes to clothes and fashion accessories. In fact, shopping has become the new favorite hobby of the nation’s middle class. Therefore, if you come to China, you’ll be surrounded by shiny new malls and department stores, night markets and high-end boutiques.

Chinese state-run stores are called Friendship Stores and they were originally set up to sell goods to foreigners. Nevertheless, these stores are now open to public and you can find “export quality” goods there. However, if you’re looking for good value for money, Friendship Stores might not be the best solution for you.

Big department stores are usually state-run, but there are many privately owned smaller stores. Every bigger city has numerous luxury shopping malls. Nevertheless, don’t think you’ll find Fendi dress for a smaller price compared to Europe. In fact, even though it’s China we’re talking about, yes; imported goods are considerably more expensive, especially when it comes to luxury products. In larger department stores, prices are fixed. Items with discount are marked with a Chinese character and a number (1-9).

It’s important to stress out that, even the biggest department stores have rather stingy return policies in China. In most cases, you’ll be able to exchange the product if you return it within a week in perfect condition and if, of course, you’ve got the receipt. Also, it seems that it’s really hard to break the habit of bureaucracy in China, since you might be go to one floor to pay and to another to pick the items you bought.

Still not sure whether you’ll be able to buy some clothes in a store in China and get them at your door? Tiptrans, China buy agent will help get stuff to your country, even you don’t speak Chinese!