2010 Shopping Season Experts Share Their New Year Clothing Shopping Experience (Beijing)

China's standard "discount season" has arrived again. Discount advertisements and slogans are everywhere on the streets; everyone wants to buy more for the same price. So how can you find cheap and great deals during the discount season? Several people have shared their experiences online and in-store...LifeThere are many popular and knowledgeable shopping experts in the market who will share their personal experiences of shopping during the discount season.
Reporter: Wu Qianzi

Shopping mall expert
●Featured by: Parizati (a famous model for Ruili magazine, who has previously...)Fashion(He has hosted shopping programs on TV)
●Main focus of online shopping: Shopping malls
[Experts Show Off Their Treasures]
Plaid shirts and straight-leg jeans are my favorites this winter. Plaid shirts are trendy this season, and I love these jeans because I was tired of wearing skinny jeans and leggings, so I switched to these straight-leg jeans. They look casual and stylish when paired with high-top boots.
Shopping motto: Wandering aimlessly is a waste of life; buying is the only way to go!
Define your own style and identify brands that suit you.
[Shopping Tips]
It's best to buy during holidays.
Generally speaking,BeijingThe shopping mall hosts various events every weekend, with major promotions concentrated around holidays. Different holidays offer different discounts, with the biggest discounts typically occurring during May Day, National Day, Spring Festival, and store anniversaries. Specialty stores, such as H&M, Uniqlo, and Zara, offer discounts at...New YearDiscounts will start before and after the Spring Festival. C&A's discounts will continue until around the Spring Festival, and once a price reduction sign is displayed, it will only go lower and lower; there will be no further price adjustments. Muji is also currently having discounts, with major brands already offering 50% off. I discovered this when I was shopping a few days ago.
You should buy items specifically to match your own style.
I think you should have a specific purpose before you go shopping. You need to know what your style is, what kind of clothes you need, and then go specifically to buy them. For example, I like T-shirts, shirts, and jeans, as well as some clothes I need for work. So every time I go, I first browse the sections that fit these two criteria, then pick out a dozen or twenty items that I like to try on, and choose the ones I really like. I tend to prioritize those that offer good value for money.
Some people ask me if I ever buy the same T-shirts, shirts, and jeans repeatedly, and if I ever feel like they're "too similar." Actually, no. For example, T-shirts come in long, short, mid-length, long-sleeved, short-sleeved, batwing sleeves, puff sleeves, fitted, loose... how could they all be the same?
The worst thing you can do when buying something is to act impulsively.
The worst thing you can do is act impulsively and buy something you like right away. I've had that experience myself; I once impulsively bought a dress that cost over seven thousand yuan.skirtAs a result, I only wore it once after returning home and never wore it again. I felt that there were no occasions where I could wear it, which was a waste.
Before you buy something, you should also check if it matches your style. Otherwise, the item you buy may not be very practical, or you may feel uncomfortable wearing it and it may not be like you. In that case, it's not a success.
Land Acquisition Guide
SOGO Department Store: First of all, it's not too crowded, and there are many elevators, making it convenient to go up and down. Also, there are often different discount events, making shopping a pleasant experience. What I like most is the store layout, especially the sports brand section; you can basically see what kind of goods they have just by walking around from the entrance. Hats in the sports brand section are highly recommended.
H&M Qianmen Store: This is probably the least crowded and most well-stocked H&M store in Beijing. It's comfortable to shop there and offers good value for money. The craziest time I ever bought 10 T-shirts at H&M, haha.

Small shop shopping expert
Being a good online shopper also requires knowing when to buy.
Shopping motto: Live the most luxurious life with the least amount of money.
●Featured Influencer: Miss (22 years old, online shop owner, well-known shopping expert on Sohu women's community)
●Main target areas for bargain hunting: Zoo area and various trendy boutiques
Land Acquisition Guide
zoocenturyTianle Underground: The basement level has a wide variety of items, mainly clothing.
Zoo Julong Foreign Trade: This is my favorite place to browse; I can find some export bags here.jewelrySmall accessories are cheaper than at Century Tianle, and the selection of accessories is also more complete there.
Wangjing's Wangjiao Shopping Mall, Xinjiekou's Tianmei Department Store, Wudaokou's Jinma Building, and Xidan's small shops are all great and each has its own unique charm. While the Beijing Zoo area is famous for wholesale, its smaller shops are also worth exploring. Sometimes, the prices in these smaller shops are even lower than at the zoo, and the items have already been handpicked by the shop owners, with pre-selected combinations available for reference. For those who aren't particularly adept at bargain hunting, trendy small shops can also help you find suitable items.
[Shopping Tips]
The period before the Spring Festival is the zoo's "discount season"!
The cheapest time to buy is before the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) because many shop owners go home for the holidays and then have a clearance sale with new stock before leaving. Other times of year are seasonal sales, usually February-March and July-August, when you can find many cheap and good items. I think during the sale season, you can look for things you've always wanted but couldn't afford, or buy versatile and timeless items like base layers, cardigans, and other small accessories.
Learn how to style clothes from magazines before shopping online.
Many people frequently visit zoos and various small shops but find it difficult to buy things, mainly because they lack self-awareness. Since you can't try things on at zoos, even if something is cheap, you might end up buying something you can't wear. Choosing the right style depends heavily on your personal fashion sense; fashion websites, forums, and magazines are excellent sources of inspiration. I find the season's trending elements there and combine them with my own features to find affordable yet stylish items. I highly recommend online shopping, especially for export goods; this reduces the chance of wearing the same thing as someone else, ensures good quality and fit, and offers a price advantage.
Buy big brands first, then shop at the zoo.
I prefer a mix-and-match approach, bringing together both high-end and budget brands. This elevates the overall look of the high-end pieces, while the smaller, unbranded items allow me to express my individuality. During sales seasons, I first head to large department stores with international brands, such as Financial Street Shopping Center, Joy City, Oriental Plaza, and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, which all offer attractive discounts. There are also large-scale designer outlet sales where you can buy designer brands at affordable prices. For this information, keep an eye on shopping forums; they have the most comprehensive and up-to-date information.
When shopping in wholesale areas like those near zoos, if you see something you like but want to wait before buying it, be sure to write down the shop's number. Relying on memory won't guarantee you'll find it again, as they all look very similar. It's best to go early to avoid crowds, get better prices, and find the most complete selection. Be wary of pickpockets when shopping in these areas; bring minimal valuables or keep them close to your body.
When funds are limited, investing in accessories can actually create a wider range of effects. Accessories aren't very expensive, but choosing high-quality ones that suit your needs is crucial.
You must try on hats. Don't buy them just because they look good on models in magazines, because everyone's face shape is different, and the effect will naturally be different.shoeComfort and a good fit are crucial. Never compromise on size just for style. I used to do that all the time. Many imported shoes looked nice, but they didn't have all sizes available. Even if they were a little big or small, I'd still buy them, only to find they were unwearable and just sat there, a complete waste of money. Clothing is actually quite simple. Women always seem to lack clothes in their wardrobes. We buy clothes to comfort and reward ourselves when we're in a good or bad mood, and I did that too. But why do we still feel like we need more clothes even when we have so many? Regularly cleaning out your wardrobe is important. Knowing what kind of clothes you wear repeatedly allows you to avoid buying them again. Write down what you feel you're missing on your shopping list and focus on buying those items.

HongkongShopping expert
Doing your homework is very important
Shopping mantra: There's no limit to how much you can splurge! Buy what you like and bring home what you love most!
●Featured by: Ren Jia (24 years old, editor, famous shopping expert on YOKA.com)
●Main target for scouting: Hong Kong
Land Acquisition Guide
Joyce Warehouse: An unassuming shop directly opposite Times Square in Causeway Bay, offering Armani tops for just over HK$100, Miu Miu shoes and Prada handbags for under HK$1,000, and all of them are authentic.
Citygate Outlets: It mainly has a lot of sports brands, so it's the most cost-effective place to buy shoes.
Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui: There are several electronics stores on the west side of Nathan Road, where you can find the latest models of electronic products.
Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui: It mainly exports ready-made garments at low prices.
Milan Station: A place to buy and sell secondhand designer goods. Items purchased here for over HKD 1000 can be bought back at 70% of their original price within three months. Occasionally, you can even find brand new products.
[Shopping Tips]
Clothing: Different types of clothing for different places
For major brands, it's best to buy from large shopping malls in Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, or Admiralty, as they are significantly cheaper than in mainland China. If you're not focused on the latest models and only consider...classicFor versatile styles, several outlet stores in Hong Kong are worth a visit. If you're on a tight schedule, try Citygate Outlets, which is relatively convenient to get to and has a wide selection of goods.
Hong Kong or the wholeworldIt's the largest garment transit hub, with many outlets selling exported garments. You can visit Mody Road, Carnarvon Road, Cameron Road, Granville Road, Observatory Road, and Austin Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Bargaining is highly recommended.
watchThe prices of well-known brands are not much different from those in mainland China.
In Hong Kong, Rolex and other well-known watch brands in mainland China have become very popular, with prices not much different from those on the mainland. In comparison, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Blancpain, Audemars Piguet, Bosch, and Maurice Lacroix offer lower discounts. You can visit the Grand Shanghai Watch Shop in front of Times Square in Causeway Bay, there are many watch shops in Mong Kok, and many in Tsim Sha Tsui, but the prices are slightly higher.
Cosmetics: Tsim Sha Tsui is cheaper than Causeway Bay
For buying cosmetics, you generally only need to frequent three large chain stores: Sasa, Bonjour, and Watsons. Sasa offers very affordable high-end cosmetics, skincare products, and perfumes, and is trustworthy; Bonjour offers mid-to-low-end cosmetics and skincare products, especially those from [unclear - possibly a specific brand or brand].JapanSouth Korean products are diverse and inexpensive. Watsons' business scope differs slightly from Sasa and Bonjour; for example, Sasa doesn't sell dental floss. For sets, I recommend the DFS Duty Free Shop opposite Harbour City; the products are fresher, and there are many discounted sets, often costing about half the price of those in mainland China. In Hong Kong's three major commercial districts—Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay—you can find Sasa, Bonjour, and Watsons everywhere. Prices vary; cosmetics stores around Tsim Sha Tsui are usually cheaper, but may experience stock shortages. Sasa and Bonjour in Causeway Bay have a full range of products, but are relatively more expensive. It's essential to visit several stores and compare prices to find the best value.
Electronic products: Warranty issues to be aware of
For electronic products, warranty coverage is often a disadvantage if purchased in Hong Kong. If the prices are similar, it's better to buy them in mainland China. Since electronic products are updated very quickly and have many functions, it's best to prepare beforehand at home and research online.materialFirst, consult professional magazines that introduce the products and ask knowledgeable friends to narrow down your choices. Try to remember the basic specifications and package details of each product so you have a clear understanding. Electrical appliances are divided into "official" and "parallel import" products. For mainland tourists, even the after-sales service of official products isn't very significant, so parallel imports often become the preferred option. Some shops will display both official and parallel import prices in their window displays, while others will only list official prices. It's best to ask the shopkeeper if parallel imports are available before purchasing.

Online shopping expert
Online shopping is not about finding bargains.
Shopping manifesto: The internet has greatly broadened my shopping horizons, extended my shopping radius, saved shopping time, improved shopping efficiency, and made money worth more.
●Featured Celebrity: Liu Yan (Editor, Best of 2009)fashionCommentator, Taobao Diamond Buyer
●Main focus of Taobao shopping: Online shopping
Land Acquisition Guide
Lianyou Shoe Shop: I bought three pairs of boots here this winter, which basically equips my family. The boots here are very cost-effective and of great quality.
Martial Arts World: This boot shop is also very good. I bought a pair of boots from them in a flash sale. The owner is from Beijing and runs an online store in Hangzhou.EntrepreneurshipThe shop's notices and replies were quite interesting.
Shenyang Yongfa Hat Industry: A legitimate hat manufacturer with guaranteed quality. They offer excellent value for money, and provide standardized measurement methods and clear size selections, making it easy to find the right size.
[Shopping Tips]
Targeted searching is the key to finding "good quality at a low price".
I always search online with a purpose, rather than browsing aimlessly. Before online shopping, I often had the experience of wanting something but not knowing where to buy it, or not being able to find satisfactory products. Online shopping solved this problem for me. As long as the search is specific, I can get many choices, and I can carefully vet the products offered by sellers all over the country. China is the world's factory, and there are many surplus export products online that are unique, cheap, and not available in the market. But again, the first thing is to have a purpose.
It's best to try it on in a store before buying it online.
When shopping online, it's best to have a specific purpose in mind. Online purchases generally cannot be returned or exchanged, or returning or exchanging them will at least incur the cost of round-trip shipping. Unlike shopping in a mall, you can't make impulsive purchases and return them later. Some brands have physical stores in malls, where you can try on the products before buying. Also, it's best to communicate with the seller beforehand, such as whether returns and exchanges are possible, and about quality details. Try to choose products with many pictures and clear details to significantly reduce the risk of buying something risky. Have a discerning eye to identify high-quality products, reliable sellers, and trustworthy shops. Don't shop online expecting to find a great deal; the adage "you get what you pay for" holds true. Carefully selecting sellers and shops can reduce the chance of overpaying, but the possibility of getting something worth 100 yuan for 1 yuan is extremely rare. Don't have overly high expectations; online shopping can be more enjoyable.
For example, when buying clothes online, the fit and style become crucial. I rarely buy based solely on pictures, unless it's through a personal shopper. Clothes I've tried on in a store, when purchased online through a personal shopper, often have brand guarantees and are usually 20-30% cheaper. Clothing is the top-selling item on Taobao, and many large-scale stores can produce very attractive photos. Don't be fooled by artistic photos; carefully examine the detail photos. If there are few or no detail photos, I doubt the quality and workmanship can be guaranteed. Think of it like buying from a wholesale market.
I recently bought a lot of export-quality shoes online because it's difficult for me to buy shoes in stores. Online export shoes often come in larger sizes. It's difficult for me to buy larger sizes, and it's also difficult for manufacturers to sell them—a win-win situation! When buying shoes, you should read reviews and see if other buyers found them comfortable.

When shopping online, a measuring tape is essential. You should measure the dimensions according to the seller's description to ensure accuracy and reduce errors.