Online Buying Boom: China's E-Luxury Marketplace

Dear EB,

When buying luggage in Shanghai it pays to weigh up how long you want it to last, what the purpose is and how much weight it REALLY needs to carry. There are many options from dirt cheap to very expensive.

If you are only planning for a one way trip with the luggage, you may as well get some cheap luggage that will last at least for that trip. Check out the basement at Qipu Lu which has both expensive and cheap luggage in a range of qualities and prices. The other option is one of the copy markets where you can also pick up a case of questionable quality for a very reasonable price.

For those who are looking for the real deal, the Samsonite stores are located at 221 Changshu Lu, 1145 Nanjing Xi Lu, or Shuicheng Lu, and Delsey is located at 932 Hengshan Lu. The “in” brand of luggage at the First and Business class check-in counters at the moment is the German brand Rimowa. There are two shops in Shanghai (5F, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu and their flagship store on Huaihai Zhong Lu).

For discounted Samsonite and American Tourister, check out the shop selling only these two brands in the Carrefour complex at 1995 Xietu Lu, near Dong’an Lu. Small shops in the French Concession have last seasons’ luggage at significantly cheaper prices than the big shopping centres. Check out Hot Point at 241 Changle Lu, near Shanxi Road, a medium-size Delsey, Hideo Design, Travelon, or Eminent will set you back about RMB 1,100. They stock bright colours and patterns - think lime green or pink with white polka dots so your bag will be easy to recognise at the luggage carousel!

Shopping Tours Shanghai offers set tour options or custom designed tours to cater to your needs (or the needs of your visitors). For more information, visit the website, www.shoppingtoursshanghai.com, or email Suzy on [email protected]