Shanghai - Qipu Wholesale Market
By: Yu Shan
Think you've discovered truly low prices at the ubiquitous Shanghai street-side stalls or its hip independent shops that ship items in from Hong Kong, Korea and the States?
Think again. All these places get their fashionable togs from QiPu Wholesale Market at low prices by virtue of bulk buying, and who’s to say us chic mortals can’t steal a slice of this delicious, budget-friendly fashion pie?
Prices are low even if you don’t buy in bulk, and you don’t have to brave the Shanghai heat to shop here as the entire market is mostly indoors and air-conditioned, though it may be rather stuffy in the summer.
The market is made up of three multi-storeyed buildings located within steps of each other which stock every thing from socks, caps and jewelry to bags, clothes and shoes. Most of these items are meant for sales overseas, so you would most probably find items that wouldn’t look out of place at Old Navy or BCBG (sometimes even, mysteriously bearing their labels) hanging in between dresses that look like they belong at the Salvation Army. It’s thrift-shop rat heaven, as the pleasure comes mainly from spotting the many gems amongst the many ordinary garments.
Prices range mostly from 50 to 100 RMB (RM25 to 50) for graphic T-shirts (think Paul Frank like cartoon tees), and 50 to 70 RMB (RM25 to 35) for fun, functional caps. Shoes retail between 50 to 500 RMB (RM25 to 250) with dresses tending to be pricier, ranging from 200 to even 1000 RMB. Feel free to bargain as some shop owners try to take advantage of non-locals by raising their prices.
The prices for apparel here are so addictive, you must reserve a whole day for this place. You won’t be able to bring yourself to stop, even for lunch!
Convinced yet? Now just some pictures to cinch the deal.
Dresses for every occasion.
A younger look for summer
Notice the piles of clothes below the racks wrapped up in plastic coverings-those are clothes to be sold in bulk.
Lady like separate pieces
Comfy cute tees for everyone
All the denim you could possibly dream of.
A shoe addict's fantasy come true.
Accessories galore…
And finally, heaps of cute souvenier gifts that are within your budget, because you already spent the rest of your money shopping.
