[deansbattlers]

Hi all,

I am visting HK next week i am there for 6 days, I am staying in Kowloon. (the Marco Polo Prince). I have a few questions about where to buy certin things. (i am asking so when i arrive i know exactly where to go)

1. Cheap suits made (male and female)
2. Cheap shoes (females size 40+)
3. cheap cloths (male and female)
4. Computer/PS2 software
5. Cameras and mobile phones.

Anyones thoughts would be greatly appriciated.

Look forward to hearing the replys.

Deansbattlers

[jimbo]

Computers and PS2 software.

For PS2 software then theres only one place to go and thats the goldencentre in sham shui po. follow the signs from the station and when you go up the exit I think its C off the top of my head then its on the corner right in front of you.

Computer stuff you have a much wider choice and its going to be the computer centre in wanchai which is exit a4 of wanchai mtr station. Top of the stairs and turn left and its right in front of you.

Theres some computer stuff on the ground floor of golden centre too.

Oh and of you want to go there avoid evenings and weekends as it will get rammed and the sales staff will be too busy to help you.

As for cheap suits if you're only going to be here for 6 days then it could be a little bit tight for turnaround. You'll need to go pretty much on your first day and maybe pay a premium to get it rushed through on time before you depart. and no doubt there may be about 2/3 fittings inbetween.

Camera's as in digital I assume?

If so then wanchai computer centre and for phones then you'll need to go to Mongkok and that will be sincere house.

[deansbattlers]

Hi.

Thanks alot.

Do you know any really good cheap tailors in Kowloon or Hong Kong? is shenzhen better for suits? I dont mind paying a little extra to get it on time.

Thanks for the advise on computer software, PS2 and mobiles.

Any word on shoes (female)?

Regards,

[Peachstyle]

Shoes... eugh. I'm a size 40-41 and have real trouble. The only places I've found for good fits are in Stanley market (I'm sure lots of girls go there) or the more expensive shops in Central.

Kowloon-side there's a couple of shops called "Koo See", one off Nelson Street in Mong Kok, and one just off Jordan Road. They have some Clarks shoes in larger sizes. Stanley's probably your best bet if you have a day off though - I'm off there tomorrow for that reason. Good luck!

[deansbattlers]

Thanks, Ill give Stanly market ago.

I have heard alot about Shenzhen? Is this the best place to shop? What time does it open?

Can anyone tell me much about it?

Regards

[tex]

Shenzhen can be great and it can be awful. It can be tiring and a rip off or it can be so worthwhile, knowing what you're doing is key!

You're in luck because next Wednesday the YWCA is putting on a Shenzhen trip in which a bus takes you there with a knowledgeable guide, leaves you to shop, and brings you back. The trip's emphasis however is homewares, not sure if you're looking for crockery, lamps, etc . You can look on the YWCA (English Speakers section) if you want to check it out.

Happy shopping!

[deansbattlers]

Thanks,

I am confussed about Shenzhen, Is it worth while going there. What are the main things to buy in Shenzhen.

Does anyone know what time it opens and close's?

Is it more shopping for male or female... (while the ladys go to shenzhen i might go to the races!!!)

any help would be great.

Regards,

[lorem ipsum]

Deans,

In my experience, Shenzhen is great for jewellry such as freshwater pearls (obscenely cheap), materials and tailoring (generally HK30 a metre for cotton, cheaper if they know you) and "premium" fakes.

To expand - strings of freshwater pearls can be bought at around HK30 - 60, which is cheaper than HK, although there are a couple of shops in Sham Shui Po that are also good, if not as cheap. (Pearls in Australia are 5 - 10x the cost!)

Tailoring - you need about 2 m for a male shirt, then there's labour costs. Eg, 10 shirts, 4 slacks, 1 skirt cost my wife and I HK1300, including delivery to HK. Very happy with results. You buy the material from the materials hall, and then take it to the tailor. NB, our tailor typcially charges between HK800 - 1000 for a suit. If interested it's Zhang Yu Lian, shop 5069 (ie fifth floor).

Premium fakes - these aren't really that cheap (usually bags are around HK650) but the quality of the leather (for eg Miu Miu?? bags) is beautiful. The zips and buckles tend to let it down sometimes.

I love shopping in LCC (the commercial centre next to the train station) in Shenzhen, but some people *hate* it. I love it because the people there aren't really *that* desperate, so you don't feel like your killing them, and there's lots of interesting shops in among the fake tiffanys, dodgy "iPods" and DVDs. By the same token, certain areas are really pushy (missy missy DVD??) and physically grab you as you walk past (only certain spots), and it gets a little confusing re bargaining - some places totally try and rip you off (for them), and other places don't bargain more than 10% (eg tailor, materials) or at all (eg premium fakes) - and my cousin is HK born so she speaks fluent Canto & Mandarin, so it's not just Clueless Gweilo getting ripped off!