Category: 买东西 | shopping | 쇼핑

Hi, welcome to the shopping page. There’s probably not as much here as there could be. But then I try and buy less but better stuff nowadays.

Shopping isn’t only about the transaction, but the experience. That’s what separates Selfridges or Lane Crawford from Amazon. I like the serendipity of a great retail experience.

Whether its rifling through secondhand records and discovering a gem, or trying a sample and buying something new – Amazon’s recommendations can’t give you the same feeling. It’s primal like foraging or hunting.

A retail experience is also a signifier of culture and history.

I remember experiencing a department store experience similar to what my parents would have known in 1960s Ireland. This was the far side of the world at the former Wing On department store in Cityplaza, Taikoo Shing. Hong Kong held norms and traditions that western Europe had moved away from. This was also signified in the focus on more formal business dress, even in the creative industries.

So you might find more about experience here rather than items purchased.