Discount malls

With shoppers heading further afield to score deals, Alice McInerney goesin search of the latest labels at three of Beijing’s far-flung discount malls

 

To put things in perspective, the pros and cons of discount outlets in China are plain for all to see. By the time luxury goods hit the PRC’s shores, their prices are already pretty inflated (compared to those of Europe) thanks to import taxes. So surely any discount must take that into account? True, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t discover some decent bargains if you look hard enough.

 

It all boils down to what kind of shopper you are. You won’t find the likes of H&M and Zara at outlet malls because these brands are already relatively affordable in China. What you will find are Guccis and Pradas galore. The malls are aimed at a certain ‘brand conscious’ crowd, but for the average shopper prepared to travel, many can still surprise.

 

Florentia Village isn’t exactly on your doorstep, but after hurtling out of Beijing South Station on the bullet train to Wuqing (between Beijing and Tianjin), we were rather surprised to find it just 20 minutes away. The complex is gigantic – this is practically a city in itself – but upon arrival there are no signs to direct you. However, a swift inquiryas to the location of the aotelaisi, or outlet mall, directed us across the street. Here lay a walled fortress of consumerism, complete with turrets blaring string quartet music from every speaker, the poshest squat toilets in the world and an enormous, largely empty car park.

 

As we wandered through the entrance, dotted  with adverts depicting Michelangelo’s David carrying shopping bags, a map pointed us to ‘Piazza San Giovanni’ and the ‘Colluseum’. It was then we realised that Florentia Village is an outlet mall with a difference.

 

For starters, it is Italian themed. You half expect to stumble upon a gondola, and lo and behold, at the ‘Grand Canal’, we spied three, although none were on duty the day we visited. The mall only opened four months ago, and this hugely ambitious project, boasting a 60,000sqm site, is still in its soft opening (or phase one) period.

 

Brands on offer currently range from the obvious to the obscure, but the standard high-end luxury items dominate. The rest of the complex is due to open soon, we’re told, with around ten new shops ranging from Nike and Adidas to Timberland and Samsonite set to fling open their doors by the end of October. But until then, stay in the light and seek out bargains.

 

Prada is well represented here and promises discounts between 30 and 50 per cent; however there’s no ‘before’ price, and the assistants proved unwilling or unable to provide us with one. With shoes starting from 5,000RMB, it’s a lot to fork out without knowing exactly what you’re saving. Fendi were much more approachable, with gorgeous spring/summer 2011 heels from 2,000RMB (originally 6,180RMB) and ties reduced from 1,080RMB to 590RMB. Bvlgari, still actively promoting its retrospective at the National Museum of China, had discounts of up to 40 per cent on accessories, while Tommy Hilfiger showed off its Argyll sweaters at 833RMB (originally 1,190RMB).

 

It takes an age to sort the deals from the duds, but for those after more affordable brands, there are some to be found. Miss Sixty jeans were 70 per cent off, with skinnies reduced to 600RMB (from 1,990RMB), while Hong Kong beauty chain Sasa had some fantastic offers on perfume and skincare products.

 

At Florentia Village, there are certainly bargains to be had, but we do hope for a more inventive selection of brands as it continues to expand. At least locals seem to be embracing the ambience, with couples strolling along the canal taking pictures. And yet, even when you’re sipping an espresso in the piazza overlooking the ‘Colluseum’, it’s not long before the squeaky plastic chairs and sounds of passersby spitting remind you of exactly where you are. But, with only a 20-minute train journey between you and home, that’s no bad thing.

 

How to get there

 

Take the train from Beijing South Station to Wuqing. The journey takes 20 minutes and costs 39RMB for a one-way ticket. Check with the station regarding times.

 

What’s on offer

In prime position for all the yummy mummies in Shunyi, Sci-Tech opened a few years ago and has a good selection of high-end luxury brands, including Burberry, Céline and Givenchy, alongside Maison Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga.

 

I.T bizarrely boasts ‘plentiful international brands encompasses’ and, when we visited, had discounts of up to 70 per cent on items by Tsumori Chisato, Sonia Rykiel and See by Chloé. We also spied some YSL cigarette pants reduced from 12,500RMB to 2,500RMB. If this still sounds rather steep, we found some incredible discounts at Steve Madden of up to 80 per cent, with last season’s heels down from 990RMB to 199RMB.

 

Bargain buy

Nike had 50 per cent off all clothing, and running shoes had been reduced to only 299RMB.

 

We feel that while Sci-Tech might have had the edge when it first launched, the newer outlets seem to be pushing the discounts further. The large amount of Chinese brands we have never heard of also appeared to water down the quality. Plus, make sure you eat before you go and only visit the Gourmet Plaza at your peril. Be warned!

 

How to get there

A free shuttle bus leaves every 90 minutes from Sci-Tech Tower on Jianguomenwai Dajie between 10am and 5pm daily. The return bus runs from 12.30pm to 9.30pm, leaving every hour.

 

What’s on offer

Surprise is more on the right track with its choice of brands and, as outlets go, appears to be considered a top spot for Chinese couples snapping their wedding pics.

 

Check out

We were looking forward to the newly opened Joyce outlet, but it seems the Lane Crawford warehouse has the edge. It can be confusing, though. Barring the initial discounts, some items have stickers to indicate a further discount, so you need good maths to bag a bargain. Nevertheless men score well and have their pick of Raf Simons, Costume National and Acne, plus some jeans were down to 100RMB (from 2,900RMB). For women, an Elizabeth & James leather jacket will set you back 1,702RMB (down from 8,100RMB) and a beaded 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt was only 1,416RMB, reduced from 5,990RMB. Joyce did have a few good items, but you should check your bag in at the counter and head upstairs. Here we found Anna Sui cropped tops down from 1,580RMB to 530RMB and Jil Sander snakeskin heels down from 5,800RMB to 1,180RMB.

 

Bargain buy

It’s not all luxury brands. When we visited, Chinese brand Wo2 had up to 80 per cent off many new collection pieces, including jersey dresses down from 298RMB to 119RMB. Bed Bath & Linen had 70 per cent off bedding and Mothercare had discounts of up to 60 per cent.

 

We like that it isn’t all big-name foreign brands, and Surprise has sourced some good local options too. Plus, with its new openings, it seems better prepared than Sci-Tech to rival the mighty Florentia Village.

 

How to get there

A free shuttle bus leaves every hour from Southeast Dawang Bridge and Ginza Mall in Dongzhimen between 8.30am and 4pm daily. The return bus runs from 10am to 9.45pm, leaving every hour.