Aside from this, there are four different types of stores I have noticed: street stands, street shops, markets, and department stores. Street stands are usually extremely cheap. They sell everything from fruit to newspapers, to comforter sets. Usually, there is no bargaining on food because a meal is already about $1 in American currency, which equals 6.75 PMB (Chinese currency). However, vendors will allow customers to bargain on other items.
Street shops are little shops that cater to something in specific, such as clothing, books, or pictures. They are indoors, and unlike America, they do not have cameras to monitor customers. Sometimes, the shop owner will follow you to offer help, and sometimes, they will talk on the phone and not pay any attention to you. This is probably because if you are caught stealing, you go straight to jail. I have found it difficult to bargain in street shops, but it is possible.
Markets sell food. They showcase animals ad other fresh foods. They kill the animal on the spot, so you will know it is fresh. I have yet to experience a live animal killing, and do not care to see one.
Department stores are indoors. They carry many items and do not bargain, at least not that I am aware of. People seem to be extremely friendly here, and are always willing to help you out or engage in conversation. People are also in more of hurry here. Other shoppers may bump or push you out of the way without saying “sorry” or “excuse me” (Yes, I was shocked when this first happened to me). However, this is not considered rude as it would be in the U.S. It is simply a part of their culture.
Places I Love Here: Fruit stands (They have delicious, yummy fruit for cheap)
Fashion Lady (A huge underground mall, mainly for women).
Magazine stand (They are on every street corner).
Street stands (I especially love the night vendors because you can
buy almost anything, including my favorite new snack,
glazed strawberries.
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