City's super places to shop
- Source: Global Times
- [14:31 June 17 2010]
- Comments
A customer browsing at FeiDan. Photo: Cai Xianmin
Quanzhou supermarket
This Japanese supermarket chain has two locations, one in Jing'an Temple adjacent to the metro station and a less crowded store in Xintiandi. The latter is very popular with the city's Japanese expats, which is some indication of the authenticity of its produce.
Why: The good part about Quanzhou is its comprehensive choice, including almost every daily basic food and beverage. The imports are not only from Japan, but also Korea, Europe and the US. There are several healthy choices here exclusive to the store including seasoned seaweed chips with wasabi and sesame (55 yuan per can) and Hokkaido Hidaka Milk for 38 yuan a 1-liter bottle. The Marusan soy milk at 25.3 yuan a 1-liter bottle is the best deal here, costing five yuan less than either Carrefour or Lotus. Other speciality goods include the Lilac Fish Onigiri and the Plum Origiri at only five yuan each, red bean buns for six yuan and cod fish roe and potato for 12 yuan. The in-store bakery offers Pao Pao Buns for eight yuan, with some baked in the shape of Expo mascot and kid's favorite Haibao. Bakery manager Hong Shen told the Global Times: "our chef is Japanese and we don't use water in our buns, only Hokkaido Hidaka milk and imported soy milk.
Why not: The most problematical aspect of the supermarket is its confusing layout. Navigating even the most basic foodstuffs can be an ordeal.
Price check
Barilla Basilico pasta sauce: 34 yuan per can (400g)
Barilla penne rigate: 18.3 yuan per pack (500g)
Blueberries: 42.8 per bag (125g)
Add: 222 Madang Road, close to Zizhong Road
1618 Nanjing Road West, Jiuguang Shopping Mall
City'super
The opening of City'super in Shanghai marks a new era for supermarkets in the city, announcing the concept of "grocery shopping as a lifestyle."
Why: Located in the Shanghai International Financial Center, the 2,700 sqm Hong Kong brand City'super is divided into several sections: the international food market section provides high quality food and wines from all around the world, while the life section sells cooking and kitchen appliances. The "superlife culture club" provides a space for food lovers to share their cooking experiences and recipes. Every month the store hosts at least one wine event, as well as a healthy lifestyle talk and gift idea discussions.
There's even an art gallery there, created by a famous Hong Kong designer and known as 27 Gallery.
Why not: The company's so-called "lifestyle" concept comes across as a rather lame marketing ruse, and one that means little to shoppers who just want to grab some milk and eggs. Lotus, just a block away, might also provide City'shop with some serious, no-nonsense competition.
Price check
Roasted chicken with herbs (half): 38 yuan
Organic blueberry (125g): 50 yuan per pack
Add: 8 Century Avenue, Shanghai International Finance Center, Pudong district
