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Expat Shopping |
| Date Added: August 09, 2011 07:49:51 AM |
| Author: JohnCristo |
| Category: Arts: Music |
| From food and beverage to clothing to make-up to toiletries to electrical goods, each customer has a list of favourite items individually chosen by him/her. These items are available to buy from specific outlets so the customer knows where to source their goodies. It is a very well organized structure and the shopper depends on it. In third-world countries shopping is back to basics of; fresh produce, tailoring, traveling long distances to big towns or cities to outlets that supply imported goods, and now with the fast-moving internet, online shopping. The consumers in these regions are exposed to brands and designers through media like TV, world-wide magazines and internet, but do not necessarily have easy access to purchasing these items, and if they do there is normally a higher price to pay. More and more Americans, Canadians, British and Europeans have relocated into third-world countries for better lifestyles and job opportunities. Many of these job opportunities are for westerners to implement their knowledge and bring their skill-set into less developed areas abroad. From finance experts, property developers, retailers, telecommunication specialists, project managers to musicians are just some foreigners moving abroad to be part of this new growth. Many Middle Eastern, Asian and African countries are fast growing and as these areas rise so there is a lot of money to be made. However, whilst still in development many expats miss having easy access to their favourite items, be it a specific deodorant or a certain bottle of wine. Whilst expats live abroad, choice is limited as the consumer and they need to overcome obstacles whilst familiarising themselves shopping. Many rely on internet shopping, family or friends visiting who can bring supplies for them or to settle with what that country provides. Local produce like fruit and vegetables are in perfect climates to cultivate in Africa and is of much better quality than in the UK or USA which is why Africa now exports there. Whereas, for clothing and shoes it is very diverse. Sizing in Asia is completely different because Asians are shorter and smaller than westerners. For example when shopping in China a women’s standard UK size 10 is closer to a UK size 14, in western culture the Chinese would be considered petite or size 0. In smaller Middle Eastern countries Muslim cultures are very strict with women’s fashion, forbidding them to expose any skin to anyone except their husbands by wearing a full length dress with long sleeves in black called an Abaya. This filters through to even the major outlets when shopping for shorts, skirts and dresses as none are shorter than knee length. When finding a specific brand you usually buy from western shores, often the name is changed; for instance Sure deodorant in the UK is known as Rexona in Asia. Also where countries first language is not English products are not labelled in English either, therefore increasing the difficulty when purchasing; like bottles of shampoo and conditioner are very similar in shape and size, so easily misunderstood that one is actually the other. With foreigners moving into Asian, Middle Eastern and African territories they too have brought their fashion influence with and as more move into certain areas global retailers have recognized their demand of supply and starting opening stores in these regions. However, as much as western influence is incorporated into these areas, the majority of consumers are still the country’s population therefore retailers have adjusted their sizing, and adhered to cultural and religious guidelines. Pricing varies depending on the brand. On the flip side of that, most clothing manufacturers are based in Asia that supply to global retailers and the scope of materials and tailors available are immense. Sourcing a good tailor normally can be by recommendation by a local person. Material shops are generally found in certain districts of major towns and cities – mostly huge buildings with floors and floors of selection of silks, chiffon, cotton and numerous other materials. Business men and male and female singers find this a resourceful way creating exactly what style they want. Some expats also use this option to create a line of their own fashion concepts and the sell them through small boutiques in local towns or export back into their home countries. This is usually the least expensive way of shopping although time-consuming and can become a money-making venture as well. Lastly there is always the world of online shopping, a new portal. This means of buying is straight forward if you know your size for clothing of whatever brand you choose, if not it may be a hassle returning goods that do not fit properly. Buying perfume, make-up, toiletries and electrical goods is simpler for online shopping as most consumers know exactly what they want. When delivering, postal systems in foreign countries are not as advanced, so always ensure the delivery company is international and reliable, otherwise lost goods will probably not be found. Internet shopping is quite a cost-effective way of buying, as long as the courier costs are minimal. As cultures move into each other’s worlds mixing and growing together, so does fashion. Discover what tailoring, online shopping and local living can do for your wardrobe and kitchen cupboard when stepping into new destinations. Author Bio:-The author is a music band owner which offers its services to a variety of class especially five star hotels in Asia. There are several music bands which performs live shows six days a week. The band offers Singer Wanted and Musician Jobs across the world. |
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