Parkson at Huaihai Road

Shopping in Shanghai: double rebate, double happiness

Another round of departments stores brought back a nice oneliner I heard from one of China's private enterpreneurs, about ten years ago:

Chinese do not mind to have international quality, as long as they can get it for a Chinese price.

Quite some foreign companies came to China to get what they call "added value" out of the Chinese wallets. And while that might now be possible for a part of the millionaires when they buy cards or appartments, for the Shanghai masses this does not count.
First, a visit a Cloud Nine at Zhongshan Park was cut short. "They do not have it," said my shopping expert. I decided to investigate what "it" was and proposed to go to Time Square, where Lane Crawford will close down next week. Where I expected eager Shanghainese customers helping the Hong Kong store to clear out its last clothes against a stiff bargain, there was only bored staff. Hardly any shoppers and most certainly no bargains.
Fortunately, Pacific Ocean was around the corner: another department store, another chance. But even the many discount cards did not attract too many people. It was busier, because the atmosphere was more attractive for the shoppers who wanted to leave the winter cold behind. But no purchases. We moved on, down the street.
Paris Printemps had it, and my expert could explain what "it" was. Apart from a rebate from the manufacturer, indicated at the different stores, Paris Printemps also had a second rebate by the store itself. For every 300 renminbi in purchases, they would give you a rebate of 150 renminbi. Some of the stores have decided to pass on a part of the rebate they get from the manufactures to the customers.
That means a bit of calculating, but just leave that up to the Shanghainese when they are looking for a bargain. But Parkson, at the other side of the road, was even better: they gave you 100 renminbi back for every 199 renminbi you spend. It was almost impossoble to fight a way through the crowds. We managed, even despite Frosty the snowman.
One moment I found myself back in an almost empty corner of Parkson. It took a moment, but then found the explanation: it was the tiny men's department. Everybody can make a mistake.