Notes from China

After several years of somewhat stagnant growth, Anqing has been developing at a good pace recently, both in the commercial and residential sectors. For example, for years the city had only one major supermarket chain called Jin Hua Lin. Now however, we have two new international stores (Carrefour and Auchan, both from France) and RT Mart from Taiwan. Furthermore, there are two more major ones slated to open in the next year or two. Needless to say shopping is much more enjoyable now for both the residents of the city and the few laowai like me who call this city home. The French chains carry a good array of Western products such as cheese, sauces, pasta, and imported wines. However, what is particularity noteworthy about these fresh shopping alternatives is that each one provides their own daily shuttle service (see pic) from various points in the city. As each of these stores only has one location in the city, they have realized the need to bring in the shoppers from outlying areas. There is even a shuttle from the new campus of our college. After all there are more than 20,000 students there who love to shop.
So the thought occurred to me that this would be a great idea for IKEA in my home town of Ottawa. There is but one location of this iconic store in the nation’s capital, in the west end of the city. For many, it’s a long trek, whether buy public or private transit. Thus, upon my return to Canada, I shall speak to the management. One never knows. I might even be rewarded a free breakfast for the suggestion.

Stephen Chappell
Footprints Alumnus
Anqing Teachers' College
Anqing ,China