Yiwu – World’s Wholesale Capital

September 16, 2007 Leave a comment

Since 2003, I have been hearing about this place called "Yiwu" from my business friends in Singapore. And Scott and I even got some cool stocks from this place back in 2005. I was told this is the world’s wholesale capital. You can get almost anything here. Most of the things you see and buy in the retail shops originated from this place. (Of course, that item you bought could have passed through 2-3 middle-men’s hands)

I was "warned" by Echo and Francis that 1 day isn’t enough for Yiwu. Well, I have been to many wholesale centres in Beijing, Shenyang Hangzhou and Shanghai. How "big" can this place be, I thought. 

We (Tracy, Echo and myself) drove for 3 hours – passing Jiaxin and Hangzhou – before we reached Yiwu. The minute Echo’s car entered the parking lot, I saw an endless stretch of trucks and cars. I cannot describe the size of this mega-wholesale center. It is almost like our Singapore Expo, Hall 1-6 AND 5 floors up! A local told us that there is an estimated of 25,000-30,000 shops in Yiwu. Guys, it is BIG!

We saw toys, lifestyle products, household items, electronics, car parts, accessories for women, gifts and premiums, craftworks, festive items (xmas, cny) and more! These wholesalers are nice, they welcome you to take photographs of those items that you are interested. Most wholesalers don’t provide you with catalogues or samples that you can take home. So, it is important you have to snap those items you want. Pick up their namecards and record the prices. You may call them back anytime to find out more.

Now the $$$ – Things in Yiwu are generally 500% cheaper than those you see in the retail shops. For example, a 1-foot tall lava lamp will cost you about S$60 at Parkway Parade. It is only selling at S$6 here. (minimum quantity: 50 pcs). A foldable bicycle costs about RMB1,500 in Shanghai, the same model costs only RMB400 (no minimum order!).

Guess I am going to brainwash more friends to accompany me to Yiwu. Kalinda, Meijie, Felicia, Gareth, you guys should come along too! Next time, we should book a hotel room for 2-day stay. Time to book a few containers!

Filed under Life in Shanghai

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