Yashow Market Closing Dec 31 – What’s up for Grabs?

If yesterday’s implementation of Beijing’s transport price hike is placing that little extra strain on your wallet, here’s some good news – at least you can bag your next (counterfeit) goods up to 80 percent off.

From December 31, as part of Beijing’s new development plan, Sanlitun’s heavily foreigner-directed Yashow clothing market will be emptied due to expiration of contract and is expected to reopen next April, bigger and more glamorous than ever. Another feature that won’t be the same is the majority of vendors, who say they will most likely not return due to the impending major increases in rent costs and lack of certainty and information regarding the redevelopments occurring. What has been said, though, is that the pipes and bathrooms within the complex will refitted during the closure.

Yashow Market made its debut 12 years ago with little or no modification since, and has been filled to the brim with vendors selling almost anything one could need under the sun at variable qualities and quantities. Refurbishment will begin in January to “avoid the security risks and guarantee the market’s safety,” according to a notice sign posted up at the market.

So what are the best deals and bargains available at Yashow at the moment? Our undercover journalist spent a night in the market, feigning interest in various items. We can report that although the market is busier than you ever thought possible and mild-to-heavy groping should be expected, the novelty of having items reasonably priced (!) and the downright refusal of many vendors to barter is a welcome change.

So, what’s up for grabs?
3 x synthetic silk qipao-style bathrobes = RMB 100 with room for bargaining
3 x patterned U-neck shuiyi dresses = RMB 55 yuan (lowest price), or one for RMB 20
Adidas sports sweaters and hoodies = RMB 50-60 
Pleather Prada wallet (slanted stencil, overall poor quality) = RMB 50
Genuine leather Chanel wallet = starting price RMB 300 yuan down from RMB 800, bargained further to RMB 150
20 x black hair clips = RMB 5
Michael Kors handbag = RMB 350, further bargained down to RMB 200
Assorted casual clothing = RMB 30 with some room to bargain
3 x items of clothing (Paul Frank monkey, sweaters, cardigans in maximum US size 6-8) = RMB 25
Synthetic wool sweaters and jackets with fake wool lining = RMB 50 down from over RMB 300
Plain long sleeve shirts in various colours = RMB 30 each or RMB 100 for 4, try your hand at bargaining
Down jackets and vests (adult) = RMB 100-150 with space for bargaining
Down jackets (children) = RMB 50
The North Face down jacket = RMB 50 down from RMB 600
Assorted bags = RMB 50 each
3 x men’s button down collared shirts (on the retro side) = RMB 100 with room to bargain
D&G coats with trademark Burberry tartan pattern lining = RMB 120 with space for bargaining
Thick synthetic wool jackets = RMB 80 and possible further bargaining

As expected, all shops bear signs instructing no refunds, no exchanges, and final days of sale. However, trying your hand at a further discount is possible. As New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, vendors are expected to accept even lower prices as they finalise sales, particularly on the last day. So why not try your luck and grab some things you may – or may not – need for a bargain price?

Photos: Debby Ng