July August 2009.pub - Qingdao Expat Group

Jimo Lu Trek:
Carla Vassmer
Qingdao by
A
s an avid shopper at Jimo Market over the past two years, I decided to make an investigative
trip with my friend Irene Weng, along with a notepad and compass. My usual trips to Jimo are
to my “set” booths of vendors — the ones I have bargained with and succeeded in buying quality
goods for the lowest prices possible. With the pushing and shoving of the masses, I have
never continued walking down those long dark aisles, to investigate what new treasures might be beyond
my comfort zone.
Perimeter
Jimo Market is bordered by Linqing Lu, Gaohang Lu, Liaosheng Lu and the
Qingdao Theatre (purple building on the south end). Since Jimo Market’s exterior
was renovated, shops have filled the perimeter on all four sides. We concluded
if you do not want to go inside, you can find almost everything you need
on the outside, with the same prices (I compared!). Our best find in one of
these shops, is the “rhinestone lady” (#39-40). If you are missing a rhinestone
from jewelry or clothing you should visitthis shop. Irene had a small stone
replaced on her watch, including glue & labor for 1 yuan. Shops were also selling
zipper pulls, wrapping paper and pull ribbons, pizza, chops, cross stitch, tea sets and more!
Basement 2 (B2)
Next up, into Jimo Market and down the two sets of escalators to the lower basement
(B2). In the past I had seen so many shops selling jeans, but never considered
them as just figured there would be no chance of fitting correctly not only
size but length. I learned that the huge jean shop behind the escalators has a
tailor sitting at the entrance. She does alterations and hemming for 5 元 .
Out & About in
Thanks to Irene, I have learned what the ceiling signs now point to, too! Walk
towards the “underground” aisle (gold with red characters sign hanging from
ceiling says “fabric”) you will find a huge hat store on your left, then fabric vendors.
Next on your right, you can enter “Korea Town” (silver sign). It may have
originally been Korean stores, now are Chinese owned. In this area you will find
cross stitch kits, wall clocks, watches, clothing and in the “back left side” a huge
stationery store, with a large selection of wrapping paper, the “pull” Chinese ribbons
(10 for 3 元 ), etc.
Walk back to the escalator “central” area, walking down the aisles you will find shops selling – jeans,
souvenirs, silk flowers, towels, men, women and children’s clothing (including, t-shirts and North Face
jackets), woven goods, men’s ready-made suits (no alterations), and silk items (shops #108-110) to
name a few. In this “back section” it seemed about 20% of the shops were empty, but you never know
what might open up in the future. Down one of these aisles you will find a single escalator used as up
and down stairs.
Basement 1 (B1)
Up to B1, close by (#6) is a very nice pajama store where the shop keeper told
me she “has pj’s that would fit me”, so sizes to fit westerners, too! Walking to
the “back” or away from the central double escalators in the far distance, you
will find a shop with formal gowns (#29). They measure to order not only evening
wear, but outfits women could use for Halloween or costume parties including
an authentic hat (160 元 ).
Price of red gown: 360 rmb
Second Floor 2F
Walking back to the central double escalator you pass bedding, seat covers, clothing, etc. Take the
escalators up to the 2 nd floor. This is where the copies of designer purses, wallets, back packs and
12 QINGDAO EXPAT MAGAZINE