I previously wrote of GAP’s pending arrival to China. In November they opened their doors, along with the online store – and yesterday I finally checked them out. Contrary to my prediction GAP China appears to have been localised. Prices are less than their UK and US counterparts with sizes adjusted for local proportions. In-store and online pricing is the same, with free shipping nationwide for the latter. Currently there are four stores on the Mainland:
– Beijing Wangfujing Xin Dong’An (北京王府井步行街)
– Beijing Chaoyang Joy City (北京朝阳大悦城)
– Shanghai Nanjing West Rd (上海南京西路中创大厦)
– Shanghai’s Hong Kong Plaza (上海淮海中路香港广场).
Despite the lower price tag, i’ve heard of several people complaining about its quality here. GAP quality was never anything to write home about, but compared with those sold abroad, apparel sold in China is reportedly worse (note: some of it is not made locally) . That said, it’s still proving highly popular with the locals.
In other matters, Mövenpick have now launched in Beijing with a store in Chaoyang Joy City (朝阳大悦城). Priced similar to Häagen-Dazs® (well established in China already), though with a more limited offering, this signifies an expansion beyond Mövenpick cartons already available in many hotels and specialist shops.
It’s now also my new ice-cream hangout of choice.
