Before I start, most importantly, is to enjoy your day. You have just spent 2 hours getting to Luohu just to shop.
So have fun!
Hot Tips
If you are getting glasses prescription filled or going to a tailor I suggest you do this first as it takes time and they can start getting your orders ready. Just don't forget to go back and pick up your orders.
Have your game face on! Be confident (even though you're shaking in your shoes) and pretend you have been here many times.
Game face on!
|
**If you are wanting information on Kyle my personal shopping guide please click here or go to the section Personal Guides**
Lovely Kyle |
You will be called out to and asked questions all day. Just remember the people working here are competing against hundreds of other shops for a purchase. Have fun with the people here. Usually if you have a smile on your face and laugh the sales people will really enjoy it. They work very long hours for little money.
Lovely daughter |
Have in your head, or written down in your currency and Chinese Yuan how much you are genuinely willing to pay, approximately (Remember this stuff is not real but don't have stupid expectations too. This is a shopping centre, where the business owners pay rent, staff so have to make a profit too, currently rates go up an down. This all affects the price.
If you have children with you, don't let them get involved. The shop owners will take advantage of you and then you will start arguing with your kids AND the shop owners!! This is from personal experience, believe me!
Do not ever pay what the real item would be especially for running shoes and small items. They are not real and remind the shop owners that too.
Just don't be desperate for any item!
I cannot give you a percentage to go down. It depends on the shop owner. Some will charge the earth and some will be very close to cost. The shop owners I go to, I don't need to bargain much. I know the prices and they are making a usual profit to run their business. If you don't know the shop owner then 50% and more off can be the going rate. It really does depend on each shop owner. The nastier and pushier they are the more you should bargain.
You can use a credit card safely (in my opinion) If I am at a shop I am familiar with and have a large purchase I will use my credit card. There is a 4% surcharge which is fair. This is up to you though.
** please note**
Shops close, new shops open, shops move, this is ever changing and is updated whenever I get to Luohu.
Your comments on my blog are very welcome for any updates.
Shop Numbers and Prices
Ground/1st Floor (as you walk in from the train station)
Shop 1058B9 Chen Hua
Wallets, watches and little stuff. A front counter type shop. LCD watch 40 yuan ($6), Cath Kidston inspired Tri fold oil cloth wallet 120 yuan ($18).
Walk through to shops behind and there is an underwear lady directly behind her. Same shop number but different lady and different counter. Great quality Calvin Klein inspired undies, sock etc. Piles and piles of stock. She brings them out in droves. We paid 300yuan for 13 pieces (socks undies, women's men's) The women's undies fit me easily (Size 10 Australian) I think I got Large. Teen girls got medium/small.
Shop Opposite the Underwear Lady
Abercrombie and Fitch lady. Bought a very heavy grey hoodie for 250yuan. She started at 400 yuan.
Electronics Man
Next to the underwear lady was a man selling electronics and phone cases. Bought Dr Dre headphones for 150 yuan which we think is cheap as have paid a lot more at other shops. They work well. Also got a very cheap very good quality Cath Kidston phone case.
Shop 1058A1 Ivy
Very good quality London bags. 5 wallets/toiletry bags-total price 380 yuan. ($56) She started 900RMB so watch out! Also, these bags were not available at all in any markets in Hong Kong in 2012
Shop 1072
Shoes/ electronics - Great men's/ teens brand inspired sports shoes (similar to Asics, Diesel) for about 100 yuan ($20) The guy has money pinned around the counter from all over the world. Vans were 110 yuan but I fought very hard for this price and she got very cranky with me and told me that in Australia we pay $90. I told her 'but these are fake and not real and are only cheap shoes with a sticker on them' and she laughed embarrassingly, called me mean and would only take the money from my daughter. (haha!) I still got them. BEATS headphones, blue tooth 410 yuan ($60) (brilliant quality and still work. BEATS buds (not great quality and broke, but could have been the teen being rough?) 100 yuan ($15).
Shop 1085
Shoes/ electronics - Great men's/ teens brand inspired sports shoes (similar to Asics, Diesel) for about 100 yuan ($20) The guy has money pinned around the counter from all over the world. Vans were 110 yuan but I fought very hard for this price and she got very cranky with me and told me that in Australia we pay $90. I told her 'but these are fake and not real and are only cheap shoes with a sticker on them' and she laughed embarrassingly, called me mean and would only take the money from my daughter. (haha!) I still got them. BEATS headphones, blue tooth 410 yuan ($60) (brilliant quality and still work. BEATS buds (not great quality and broke, but could have been the teen being rough?) 100 yuan ($15).
Shop 1085
2nd Floor
209 Xin Qi Li Shoes Shop
Recommended by Kyle. Very good quality running shoes. Ugg boots and designer shoes. They had books to look through at styles. Kyle gave us suggestions for prices and how to approach the owners but he left us on our own to negotiate. They were ruthless and unless I didn't have a guide we would have paid more. As it is I couldn't get them down as low as I would have liked. We paid about $15-$25 for Vans through to NB and Nike. I gave up on the Ugg boots so went to leave and then got them for $30.
Recommended by Kyle. Very good quality running shoes. Ugg boots and designer shoes. They had books to look through at styles. Kyle gave us suggestions for prices and how to approach the owners but he left us on our own to negotiate. They were ruthless and unless I didn't have a guide we would have paid more. As it is I couldn't get them down as low as I would have liked. We paid about $15-$25 for Vans through to NB and Nike. I gave up on the Ugg boots so went to leave and then got them for $30.
They wanted $55.
Shop 261 Eva
Ivy's sister. Lovely girl. Cute little shop with great phone cases and battery chargers. Gucci battery charger only lasted one year though. Cases range from $5-$20. Battery packs range from $10-$20
Shop 2054 Ivy
Lovely Ivy. I found Ivy online and went to her shop. She is a delightful quietly spoken girl. Her prices are good but dearer than Kyle as she has a shop to rent. She has sent lots of items to Australia for me when I couldn't get them from Kyle.
Ivy's wechat number direct is +86 13430606298. Mention my name. Her quality is just divine. Bought all leather Dior bag for $100.
Gucci and Chloe AAA+ can be up to $200 though.
Shop 2087 Anna Optical
Ivy's sister. Lovely girl. Cute little shop with great phone cases and battery chargers. Gucci battery charger only lasted one year though. Cases range from $5-$20. Battery packs range from $10-$20
Shop 2054 Ivy
Lovely Ivy. I found Ivy online and went to her shop. She is a delightful quietly spoken girl. Her prices are good but dearer than Kyle as she has a shop to rent. She has sent lots of items to Australia for me when I couldn't get them from Kyle.
Ivy's wechat number direct is +86 13430606298. Mention my name. Her quality is just divine. Bought all leather Dior bag for $100.
Gucci and Chloe AAA+ can be up to $200 though.
Shop 2087 Anna Optical
3 other Anna shops. Recommended by Kyle. This is not reflection on Kyle. She was OK and we paid the same price as Peter's optical. (see further down) The only issue is I didn't like her range or quality. The glasses are great but the frames are a little boring. I bought no sunglasses from her as her range was very very limited.
As we left a good and bad thing happened.
Firstly, she threatened us to only ever go to her shop and that if we went to Peter's optical she would know and find us (what the??) We still went of course! And, secondly there was a great UGG boot shop next door. (I don't think we went to the shop on the second floor, as I can't remember, but one of the Anna shops has an Ugg boot shop next door and we got very nice suede leather Ugg boots for 240 yuan ($30). I didn't really want them (which is always a good thing when bargaining, so I said I couldn't be bothered to him as he wanted $100 Australian and then he said just tell me what you want to pay Australian, I said $30 (240 yuan) and he said ok! How many you want, I said 2 and that was that!
Jewellery Bazaar
An area full of pearls, jewellery makers. Looks like a market place rather than shops. Lots of booths all crammed in together. A lot of fashion jewellery with some beautiful pearls and semi precious stones. Remember - Nothing is necessarily real. If it is a good price and you like it.go for it.
Opposite Susie and down a little
A decent Tiffany inspired shop.
Directly opposite the Tiffany inspired shop
AAA watch shop. Give the name and model number for quicker service. 200 yuan($30) for decent AAA quality men's and around 70 yuan for women's.
Jewellery Bazaar 2D-23 Amy
Recommended by Kyle. Small shop full of current designer jewellery. Good prices and good quality. Amy is very nice. Seemed to give us very good prices or the same as last year. Tiffany inspired earrings 50 yuan, necklaces 70 yuan. LV bracelet 70 yuan. Chen Lu Lu wrap bracelets 70 yuan. large O rings (possibly really 925 silver) 100 yuan. chajh_2006@126.com
Recommended by Kyle. Small shop full of current designer jewellery. Good prices and good quality. Amy is very nice. Seemed to give us very good prices or the same as last year. Tiffany inspired earrings 50 yuan, necklaces 70 yuan. LV bracelet 70 yuan. Chen Lu Lu wrap bracelets 70 yuan. large O rings (possibly really 925 silver) 100 yuan. chajh_2006@126.com
Sunglasses similar to Fendi 70 yuan ($10)
Opposite Susie and down a little
A decent Tiffany inspired shop.
Directly opposite the Tiffany inspired shop
AAA watch shop. Give the name and model number for quicker service. 200 yuan($30) for decent AAA quality men's and around 70 yuan for women's.
3rd Floor
Come
out of the lift and go straight ahead and there are quite a few nice clothes
and shoe shops.
Restaurant - BBC
Turn right at the lift and head to the end of the building and you come to a restaurant called BBC. This restaurant serves western food.
Shop 3060B
Restaurant - BBC
Turn right at the lift and head to the end of the building and you come to a restaurant called BBC. This restaurant serves western food.
Shop 3060B
Marc Jacobs bags and co.
Shop 3039
I haven't been but recommended for pearls
Shop 3111 Leordao (Leo)
This used to be a jeans shop?
Shop 3239 Peter's Optical (main shop)
3140 (just near the escalators)
They sell a large range of designer inspired sunglasses and glasses frames. If you don't have your prescription they will test our glasses lenses if you have them with you too. It takes about 1 hour to have your lenses put into your new frames. We paid about 170 yuan ($25) for designer optical frames and sunglasses.
The optical frames are beautiful quality and come with cases.
I haven't been but recommended for pearls
Shop 3111 Leordao (Leo)
This used to be a jeans shop?
Leo
does prescription glasses. He sells better quality frames and will advise you.
I took Mum’s prescription and had 2 pairs of glasses with graduated lenses
made. He polarized the second pair. This took 5 days to do. If you want normal
lenses it takes about 2 hours. The frames and lenses for both glasses cost
A$270. Just the frames for one pair in Brisbane were A$699. He also sells
quality fakes but wants too much for them. Leo
is only a few shops left of the lift when you come out. He is actually at the
bottom of the escalators.
Shop 3239 Peter's Optical (main shop)
3140 (just near the escalators)
They sell a large range of designer inspired sunglasses and glasses frames. If you don't have your prescription they will test our glasses lenses if you have them with you too. It takes about 1 hour to have your lenses put into your new frames. We paid about 170 yuan ($25) for designer optical frames and sunglasses.
The optical frames are beautiful quality and come with cases.
They are really nice and helpful but I think they drive a very hard bargain. Designer inspired sunglasses similar in design to Vivienne Westwood, Prada, Gucci, Dior, Oakley, Porsche (Hmmm?) Fendi, Chanel etc.
We paid 380 yuan ($56) for gorgeous Prada inspired optical frames including prescription lenses inserted and other broken glasses fixed free in 20 minutes.
Finally, as we were leaving, and I don't know why they did this, but came rushing back from his other shop and whispered to us that he had the 'real deal' Now I am little skeptical here, but its all a game, isn't it? He pulled out some Dior's and Ray Bans. They were 'unbelievable'! Not real, but awesome.
Finally, as we were leaving, and I don't know why they did this, but came rushing back from his other shop and whispered to us that he had the 'real deal' Now I am little skeptical here, but its all a game, isn't it? He pulled out some Dior's and Ray Bans. They were 'unbelievable'! Not real, but awesome.
We had also bought some Ray ban inspired sunglasses at another shop and holding and feeling these we could tell the quality was amazing. The logos were perfectly positioned, laser engraving on the glasses lenses, tags attached, cases, cleaning cloth the whole thing. So we ended up paying 170 yuan ($25) for the real Ray Ban's ?? LOL!
I paid $40 for my "real" Dior and 4 years later I have not regretted a cent. They are simply beautiful, heavy with lovely diamante sides.
It was funny, however, that as we were leaving the prices dropped for better quality!!!
** Please note that Peter's optical prices have gone up substantially. The experience is still great but the glasses are more expensive. I would go back again. Got the most stunning current Tiffany optical glasses with lenses with a beautiful case and lens cloth. $60
Shop 3192
AAA amazing quality bags. The lady would rather take your blood than bargain and she is exhausting. Don't pay any more than 780 yuan ($120) for a handbag. If you have a picture it is so much easier and quicker. The newer your picture the more likely they will have it. Always check the zips and leather inside and out carefully and slowly.
AAA amazing quality bags. The lady would rather take your blood than bargain and she is exhausting. Don't pay any more than 780 yuan ($120) for a handbag. If you have a picture it is so much easier and quicker. The newer your picture the more likely they will have it. Always check the zips and leather inside and out carefully and slowly.
Shop 3226A Ming Hong
Shop 3368 Angie Optical
Kyle's friend. Good range an dprices
Shop 3311 Jacky
His
mobile is +81 13510691698. Many frequent business travellers call him
when the gets to Shenzhen and he meets and gets whatever they want. VERY
reliable.
4th Floor
**The cleanest toilets on this floor**
Shop 4064A
I haven't been here but it is recommended for AAA quality handbags for about 600 yuan ($80).
Shop 4083 - Joe
Ipod speakers that work!
Shop 4089 Kay Kay
Designer clothing with tags ripped out. Dolce and Gabbana $10 linen top
absolutely stunningShop 4139 Lin
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Bags. Someone will then walk you to a ‘closed shop’ which looks like a tattoo parlour. These are ‘Real fakes’ so they are not cheap ($HK 350+)
Shop 4161 Jacky Optical
Great men's optical frames. Very small selection but great for men. He made up optical Ray ban frames in about an hour using hubby's lens. Hubby happy.
Shop 4293A
Very cheap Longchamp backpacks $8
Shop 4284
Kyle's friend. Beautiful Gucci inspired running shoes. All leather, beautiful fit. Gorgeous glam shop. Very happy with these. $70.
Shop 4338
Kyles friend. Gorgeous lady. Lovely wool Burberry scarves, Chinese silk bath robes.
Shop 4302 Nancy
Shop 4338
Kyles friend. Gorgeous lady. Lovely wool Burberry scarves, Chinese silk bath robes.
Shop 4302 Nancy
We were sent here from Owen jeans and this is the sister. She was delightful, with a cute little shop and lots of chairs!! She had a library of books where we showed her our pictures, then she showed us her pictures, radioed through to somewhere and miraculously these items appeared in minutes. I must have looked at 12 handbags in 1 hour. I specifically asked for different qualities as I had already bought AAA quality in Guangzhou. I bought the most amazing denim backpack, only AA quality compared to Guangzhou, for 400 yuan ($60) The quality was brilliant for the price. I had asked her for this quality as well. She had the same one in AAA quality for 700 yuan ($100) Also bought fabric inspired designer bags for 240 yuan ($30). The originals are fabric as well. Great quality. She also had beautiful jewellery similar to Tiffany ( I'll let you know in a year!) She had all the pictures to choose from (too easy) Cuff links 60 yuan ($8) Key ring 90 yuan ($12), key 150 yuan ($22) small open heart 70 yuan ($10), Larger Flower cuff bracelet 120 yuan ($17), bead necklace 150 yuan ($22) She didn't bargain much but I was happy with the price.
Shop 4334 Jenny Michael
Not bad jeans. A bit aggressive. ok fit.
Not bad jeans. A bit aggressive. ok fit.
Shop 4335
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Closed Shop for shoes. This shop appears to be a Manchester shop. $HK250+for one pair. If you buy multiple pairs expect to pay $HK175-200. Be Prepared to walk!
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Closed Shop for shoes. This shop appears to be a Manchester shop. $HK250+for one pair. If you buy multiple pairs expect to pay $HK175-200. Be Prepared to walk!
Shop 4138 I.T. Jeans/Owen
Still the best fitting jeans. Great prices. Have gone up to 120yuan which I am happy with. Very nice polite people.
Great jeans and closest to Western sizes. I got the same size as I would in Australia and the girl knew her sizing perfectly. Each jeans (like the originals fit different age groups)
Seven for all mankind were the 'kindest' to my body shape. True Religion were not so forgiving but the same applies to originals. I actually told them that I had paid 90 yuan at the jeans wholesalers in Guangzhou which was true, so they straight away dropped their prices to this. They allowed us to try them on behind a sheet. Very awkward, especially when you fall over! We bought jeans similar to True religion jeans and shorts, Diesel inspired jeans, Abercrombie inspired shorts. Great quality and fit. They even had the tags and prices ready for sale somewhere in the world!
Bags
here are good quality and generally cheaper than other places if they have what
you want. $ 150-250HK
Dianne von Hersenberg, Chloe, Anna Sui, Celine designer dresses with tags ripped out. (Maybe samples?) Priced from $10 and up. Some normal dress shops intermingled. A number of sizes as well. Loved this shop!!
Anna Sui |
Tag ripped out |
5th Floor
Restaurant Laurel Dim Sum
Shop 65 Ben Anna Jackie
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Tell them you want the quality Tizziana gets. They sell Tiffany, handbags, watches. The mentioning of Tizziana usually gets you a good price but BARGAIN HARD.
Shop 5072 Molly and Tarly - Tailor
(Catherine S. recommendation)
To get there come out of the lift on 5th floor, turn left and left again and walk to the back wall of the building and turn right. Molly will take you to the fabric market and help you negotiate prices. She is also good at knowing how much fabric you will need.
Shop 65 Ben Anna Jackie
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Tell them you want the quality Tizziana gets. They sell Tiffany, handbags, watches. The mentioning of Tizziana usually gets you a good price but BARGAIN HARD.
Shop 5072 Molly and Tarly - Tailor
(Catherine S. recommendation)
To get there come out of the lift on 5th floor, turn left and left again and walk to the back wall of the building and turn right. Molly will take you to the fabric market and help you negotiate prices. She is also good at knowing how much fabric you will need.
For
Capri cottons etc expect to pay $HK 15 per metre and depending how much work is
in the pants, expect to pay $HK50-90(AU$9-20). They don’t generally make in one
day but will VERY cheaply courier to your hotel. This is not risky if you are
having something copied but if you are unsure get a final fitting before you
leave to go back!
Shop 5049 Calvin Chiu - Tailor
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Just near Molly is an excellent tailor
if you want jackets, trenches etc made.
Calvin's work is excellent and has a range of books etc. Take photos if
you have something you love.
– I have used him heaps and he delivers to HK hotels or mails to Australia.
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Great sunglasses( the fakes are under the counter) At the best prices $HK 40.
Shop 5086 Lili
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Leather Goods. Lilli will take you upstairs to her warehouse. The quality of the bags is very good, therefore prices are expensive, but it will be difficult to tell the difference. Once again depending on the quality and quantity you buy, expect to pay $HK 350+
Mont Blanc wanderer
(Catherine S. recommendation)
Around near the fabric markets. He wears a suit! Expect to
pay $HK 5 for the original or $HK 13-35 for the latest Moonwalkers and Fountain
pens.
*Real Mont Blanc refills
available at Chung Lee, Lock Rd, Kowloon.
Shop 5138A Adah - Tailor
Fixed price.
Here is her email address: hhuagang.adah@163.com
Adah is delightful and now has her sister-in-law working with her. They both speak excellent English and are very honest. Adah is pretty with "same same".
Here is her email address: hhuagang.adah@163.com
Adah is delightful and now has her sister-in-law working with her. They both speak excellent English and are very honest. Adah is pretty with "same same".
Our clothes arrived in Australia approximately 3 weeks later via EMS postal service.
So take your favourites from home and have them copied exactly. If you ask her to make something from a picture, you are risking disappointment.
Once you have shown her your clothes, her sister-in-law will take you to the fabric market to pick out the fabric. I only bought from the first 2 ladies and they were brilliant. What ever I asked for, they pulled out. They seemed to know exactly what I was looking for. I even asked for vintage designs which they had.
I paid about 50 yuan ($7) for 2 metres of most fabric. They will then measure your outfit and cut the fabric. You then go back to Adah where she will offer you 2 options; either deliver to your hotel in 2/3 days or send back to Australia. We opted for Australia as we had run out of time. She will add postage to your package.
Adah took my clothes and then took a pattern from them, it took about 4 hours for her to finish the pattern. When we went back in 4 hours (yes, we were still there!!) she had all my original items ready to give back to me.
Prices were 80 yuan ($10) for shorts, 180 yuan ($26) for stunning 1950's type dresses. 100 yuan ($14) for mens paid long shorts. Watch the crutch as one pair was a little long. Men's suit pants 250 yuan ($36) You can also get uniforms made there. Men's pants were a disappointment as they think we are all "Harry high pants!!" Dresses were great though.
Shop 5138 - June
Shop 5138 - June
(Adah's friend) Great DVD's. Bought whole ten years of Friends for 180 yuan ($26) She also sells Tiffany type jewellery and watches. Don't go to her rooms out of the building as it is too far and she works with another shop and it is too messy to work out.
Level 5 - Department store
(Catherine S. recommendation)
When
you come out of the lift on level 5 you will see something that resembles a
department store. If you go in and walk to the back you will come across a counter
full of top quality Polo, DG, Christian Dior, Burberry tops and jeans. They are
a little more expensive but their quality is very good. The more you buy the cheaper they are.
Leaving with 2 roller bags full |
Other items
- Pay about 70 yuan ($12) for everyday shoes.
- Iphone cases are about 12-35 yuan ($2 to $5)
- Ipad accessories are cheap. Ipad/iphone keyboards and anything you plug into them check they work on your iphone as I checked a couple and they all didn't work at all and the girl just shrugged her shoulders. The ones in Hong Kong did work.
- Clothes on the 4th floor had the tags cut out of them. They are very small sizes.
- Dvd's (5th floor)