Shopping around the world - which country is best.

[Pushka]

Im lucky in that my size is consistent and I can buy exactly the right size online. USA all the way.

 

[marki]

So looks like the USA and Europe are out in front?

 

[Cynicor]

So looks like the USA and Europe are out in front?

Pretty much.

 

[Limewood]

Mrs Lime loves the HNL Waikele outlet stores, one item was a Coach handbag, at main store in town was near $600 purchased at outlet for $150, another place is the massive Grapevine mall just outside DFW airport, bought a white real kid leather jacket, marked down $395 to $49.

 

[oldies on tour]

Using the likes of Marks & Spencer & H&M, general everyday wear shops, that can be found in most major cities around the world, is there still a country/city that is the best price wise for shopping???
Has the on-line purchases, with delivery to your door, now made "shopping on foot" obsolete?
So, if you are a regular "round the world" traveller, where do you shop for the best priced items?

Love shopping in the USA for clothes (not high end buyer). As an Aussie we are buying the "sale" items because of the difference in seasons, so what they are clearing out fits in well with our current/coming season at home. So even if the USD is not favourable, at least the bargain prices make up for it. New York has no sales tax on clothes (up to $150??). Happy Shopping!

 

[Sprucegoose]

I was immensely disappointed with the shopping at Mall of Asia in Manila. Much more expensive that KL for example and really on a par with australia

Agree. Generally looking for 'middle class' bargains in non middle class countries produces poor results!!

 

[cove]

We went out to Ontario California for work. Yes it is a very missable place that should have taken 65 minutes but actually took 150 minutes because the 10 freeway was choked. Now the Ontario Mills Outlet Mall is there.
I still prefer going to Camarillo Outlet up the 101 north of Los Angeles in California.
I was pleasantly surprised by Off Fifth which must be Sacks Of Fifth Avenue clearance store. The one at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa around the back of Crystal Court had plenty of well priced clothes and accessories.

 

[Musongman]

I am now dreading the demise of the second pair of mid calf "shorts" I bought in Pattaya Thailand 2 or 3 years ago for $4.00 a pair. Actually they are are well known brand "Herrlich", but now unavailable. I am taking whats left of one pair and having them copied in June when I return to Thailand. I am expecting some stick from those uber brand shoppers, but I love the cottony/lineny feel and the lightness of the garments. Okay, I'm the anti-christ of shopping!!

 

[seanpodge]

I do like the US for shopping. The prices aren't that special now that the Australian dollar has dropped to about 70 cents, but the range is still much better. I have US 13 sized feet. Buying shoes in the US vs Australia is like chalk and cheese.

In my experience North America is the winner, but depends on what you are chasing. Recently a mate went to HK and China with work with the intention of buy a watch, in the end Perth international was the cheapest.

Mainland China tends to be average to poor value for western brands (irony of most of that stuff being domestically produced noted :shock: ). It's why you see stories of mainland tourists going to Paris and buying ungodly amounts of expensive things in LV, Gucci et al.

 

[Cynicor]

I do like the US for shopping. The prices aren't that special now that the Australian dollar has dropped to about 70 cents, but the range is still much better. I have US 13 sized feet. Buying shoes in the US vs Australia is like chalk and cheese.



Mainland China tends to be average to poor value for western brands (irony of most of that stuff being domestically produced noted :shock: ). It's why you see stories of mainland tourists going to Paris and buying ungodly amounts of expensive things in LV, Gucci et al.

Importation tax on luxury goods is sky high, that's part of the reason for China. And then there is the whole fake goods potential, too.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Yes you can forget China for basically any western branded genuine goods - the Chinese govt want their full cut then some. Fakes on the other hand totally diff kettle of fish.

Shopping 101: Never buy computer / electronics / phones in China - not a case you might get skun - you WILL get skun.

How is this - a true story - mate of mine based in PEK bought genuine iPhone 6+ in Apple Store in Sunlitan - phone develops a prob within a few weeks - he takes it back and it is repaired free of charge. Phone functions weirdly immediately - he tolerates it for 2 or 3 days and then it gets better of him and he takes it into a different Apple Store to check it.

Within 2 mins staff are telling him reason for his prob is it is not a real Apple phone - it's a fake! Even the dudes working for Apple Store are running a scam involving fake merchandise. Lucky he had all purchase docs and Apple did remedy it for him but what chance a visitor to China?

 

[Simo]

I have seen fake IPhones and they look and function the same as a IPhone but price is a little cheaper than a genuine one. Also Colours slightly different when put next to a genuine one. Even the same charger and OS

 

[exceladdict]

North America for clothes and cosmetics, passing through Dallas went to the massive Grapevine outlet Mall about 10min free shuttle from airport hotel, Mrs Lime purchased one of the nicest jackets I've ever seen, beautifully made, soft white eel skin (like soft leather), fully lined with zippers in arms, not a stitch out of place and fitted her perfectly (it was marked down from USD$395 to wait for it $49!! I "kid" you not. Also picked up a large suitcase was $50.

Also bought cosmetics about 1/3 price of OZ and patch dolls with individual clothing choice for our grandkids. It also had a huge food hall and restaurants, we spent most of the day there.

I loved that mall. If flying via DFW, it's very convenient to rent a car and spend the day shopping.

 

[jimmyinoz]

I travel to US regularly and buy my clothes there at the big department stores. Around the last week of each month they tend to run 'take 50% off' campaigns, even on already discounted lines. This includes the 'named' brands. Look for Dillards, JC Penney for mens clothes. I've found golf polo shirts for $5 men's dress shirts for $10. Trousers and slacks similar priced. The 30% increase in the US $ value against the AUS$ has hurt the bargain, but still better than locally purchased.

 

[Limewood]

If you are buying online from USA and they don't ship that particular item to OZ like some things from Amazon, we've used long established PRICEUSA and they are located here too. They act as middleman, offer excellent services, charge a minimal fee. (I have no association with them).

 

[m4mir]

I agree that North America seems to be the best place to shop. Even with the current exchange rate of .7, shopping in a mainstream department store many bargains. Visiting a premium outlet centres e.g Woodbury Common near New York and the Virginian one ( Leesburg think) offers another 40 % off and if you happen to time your visit near one of the holiday weekends you get an additional 20- 30 % off. I was just in the US and received the additional discount in both Waikele ( Hawaii) and Leesburg for the President Day long weekend.

 

[windycityf]

mrsmart I can concur with burrco. I did extensive research on Rimowa. The cheapest place by far is German. Forget about buying it in the US. I picked up Topas at the Lufthansa World Shop in Frankfurt Airport, but from what I gather there is a better selection in town. Also I would not recommend pre-ordering as it will take away your ability to claim the vat refund.

I have found my various travels, it's cheaper to purchase items in country of origin. Especially lately, it's been advantageous for Americans to purchase luxury items in Europe, because after the tax refund, it's basically 1 for 1. But even before, when the Euro was quick high, it was still better value.

Now being in Australia, I miss my Amazon. But I've learned that most of my favorite stores will ship to Australia, even for free. I've just had to pay the import duty. And I can still take advantage of the US sales, etc.

Fortunately, I'll be back and forth for a bit, so I am sure I'll be loading up when I am back stateside.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

mrsmart I can concur with burrco. I did extensive research on Rimowa. The cheapest place by far is German. Forget about buying it in the US. I picked up Topas at the Lufthansa World Shop in Frankfurt Airport, but from what I gather there is a better selection in town. Also I would not recommend pre-ordering as it will take away your ability to claim the vat refund.

I have found my various travels, it's cheaper to purchase items in country of origin. Especially lately, it's been advantageous for Americans to purchase luxury items in Europe, because after the tax refund, it's basically 1 for 1. But even before, when the Euro was quick high, it was still better value.

Now being in Australia, I miss my Amazon. But I've learned that most of my favorite stores will ship to Australia, even for free. I've just had to pay the import duty. And I can still take advantage of the US sales, etc.

Fortunately, I'll be back and forth for a bit, so I am sure I'll be loading up when I am back stateside.

I've done some price checking of late and since Rimowa (like Apple) has standard prices globally, it's actually the same price in AUD to just buy it at Hunt in Melbourne (one of the few retailers locally).

As soon as my beloved little black Muji hard case cracks I'll do the upgrade.

I was in Berlin in December and asked around a few department stores and no one had a Topas. I was told the "Chinese bought them all"... :shock:

 

[trixydoza]

since Rimowa (like Apple) has standard prices globally, it's actually the same price in AUD to just buy it at Hunt in Melbourne (one of the few retailers locally).

I find prices in Japan a fair bit cheaper than at Hunt, and they will sell duty-free at any of the Tokyo stores.

Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Black 73cm Multiwheel | Hunt Leather

$1320

マルãƒãƒ›ã‚¤ãƒ¼ãƒ«ã€€86Lã€SALSA DELUXE】 |リモワ通販ãªã‚‰ã€æ­£è¦è²©å£²åº—ã®æž—五

JPY86,400 for the newer model, including the tax that gets waived.

That's pretty comparable to what I saw for other sizes and lines.

That said, Topas 98L is AUD1,750 vs. ¥151,200(税込), so maybe the difference is bigger for the lighter versions.

Anyway, definitely worth including as an option. I'll be buying my next one in Tokyo.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

I find prices in Japan a fair bit cheaper than at Hunt, and they will sell duty-free at any of the Tokyo stores.

Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Black 73cm Multiwheel | Hunt Leather

$1320

マルãƒãƒ›ã‚¤ãƒ¼ãƒ«ã€€86Lã€SALSA DELUXE】 |リモワ通販ãªã‚‰ã€æ*£è¦è²©å£²åº—ã®æž—五

JPY86,400 for the newer model, including the tax that gets waived.

That's pretty comparable to what I saw for other sizes and lines.

That said, Topas 98L is AUD1,750 vs. ¥151,200(税込), so maybe the difference is bigger for the lighter versions.

Anyway, definitely worth including as an option. I'll be buying my next one in Tokyo.

Thanks trixy! Hadn't considered Japan, but they've got to be one of the biggest markets considering how many you see in their airports.

Might be in Tokyo in June so will have a look then.

After the smaller cabin-sized Topas so could work well!