Hongkong may be the world’s shopping capital but Shenzen and Guangzhou is China’s. Lucky for me, my work allows me to visit both of these retail nirvanas every two months.
Shenzen in particular.
More popularly renowned as an electronic and lighting hub, the city that bridges Hongkong to the rest of China through a rail system also has ample room for an array of consumer finds–from garments, kitchen aides and furniture, Shenzen has it all.
Prices are definitely cheaper than that of Hongkong and Shanghai but slightly pricier than Guangzhou. To a seasoned shopper armed with a local guide though, haggling can blur this line.
The Huaquiang Train Station Exit B opens shoppers to one of the longest bargain boutiques in the city
Deepened my tan just by walking around, dry heatwave is definitely not my brand of choice
Sunburn in the city of Shenzen, Sun-kissed in Palawan, Philippines. Same kind of tan, different experience. Huge difference.
This clothing market in front of the station hosts the most bargain boutiques in the area
You can find pretty much anything from chic clothes to genuine leather belts and bags. Even good brands like North Face, Crocs, Adidas, CKNY, Anne Klein, Calvin Klein among others have some of their rejected stocks here.
The key is to be patient and vigilant when checking for damages.
My favorite shoe store, they have all the factory rejected pairs from Marc Jacobs,Aldo, Steve Madden and the likes. Didn’t resonate with any stock at that moment though-bad collection this month.
My favorite snag, Tempur like travel pillow for 78 RNB. The pillows sell from 98-300 RNB depending on the size, If I didn’t have to go to Hongkong to fly back to Manila, I’d have gotten myself one or two. Wouldn’t you?
Luohu Station
The border station of Shenzen also acts as a bargain mall for last minute shoppers who are on their way to Hongkong.
It’s three massive floors of cheap finds. Like with everything in China, haggling is the key. Better to shop with a local as not to be duped by cunning merchants.
Word of advice to bargain hunters, during price negotiation, stick to your guns. The proper price is always down by half the SRP. If the merchant doesn’t budge, walk away and look for cheaper options else where. Chances are, a better deal is just around the corner. With over hundreds of boutiques in the vicinity, you will never run out of choices.
I know this is a very anti-girl thing to say, but with the myriad of selection to choose from, I ended up just getting a selected few. I was never the type to enjoy being bombarded with too many options, I get claustrophobic easily. So I just got the pieces I knew couldn’t find here in Manila and at a better price at that.
To anyone though, Shenzen is a shopping haven.