Day 7

Today began with a 3 hour lecture about global acquisitions. I found it difficult to concentrate with my computer open in front of me – email, weather, and news calling my name. Afterwards, we grabbed a very quick lunch at a supermarket (similar to our convenience store) of pineapple bread, a Coke and a Magnum bar (ice cream) all for $9.50 RMB, equivalent to roughly $1.25.

We then jumped back on the bus for a trip to two electronics retailers – Best Buy and GoMe. The Best Buy was very interesting – set up similarly to those in the US but with 6 floors. We actually ran into some managers from Minneapolis and learned a lot about the consumer electronics market in China. GoMe utilizes a slightly different model, but is much larger sales volume than Best Buy.

Then it was on to the textile market, where you can get custom made clothing. There were 4 floors with vendor after vendor displaying their goods. Many people purchased business suits, spring and winter jackets and shirts. I settled on a spring khaki trench coat for less than $50. We’ll see how the finished product is, but the one I saw was very cute! Hopefully in Hanoi I’ll be able to get some more clothing made?!

Tonight we finally met with the Cheong Kong Graduate School of Business Students. They took us out for dinner and drinks. We had a wonderful time getting to know them (must develop a personal relationship before business/school work). They sure like to drink!

Tomorrow we have a full day – visit Target Sourcing Services (TSS) in the morning, lecture in the afternoon (aka computer time), welcome dinner in the evening (previously delayed due to the period of mourning for the earthquake), and then a conference call with Polaroid later in the evening!