Shopping

I had to get some new headphones for my MiniDisc player. I saw some at the Bega, the local "mall" (which looks more like a medical clinic than a shopping centre from the outside) so decided to pick up a pair.

Mmm...contraband probably illegally-imported Japanese Sony products.

I can't even figure out if they're genuine Sony headphones. The writing on the package is completely in Japanese and one earphone doesn't work. Oh, and the entire set cost 90,000 lei. About $2.75 CAD.

Bega is going through some massive renovations. We're starting to get a few more stores. Now we have a Levi's and a Stefanel. And a cosmetics store with all the North American brands I'm used to.

I quite like Stefanel, except everything is made out of acrylic or polyester. Don't European women sweat? I saw several Stefanels in Italy. It's an Italian company, and I think it's trying to compete with Benetton (official store of Italy). At least Benetton uses natural fibers. Stefanel does have some cute designs though.

I don't like their prices, however. A sweater costs about 60-70 euros. I found a tank top that was 50 euros. Even I wouldn't pay 50 euros for a shirt. I had hoped they might have adjusted their prices for the market, but I guess not.

I've noticed there's no price adjustment here, even though salaries are much much lower here than in the rest of Europe or North America. I don't buy Lancome and Clarins back in Canada because I find it foolish to spend $20.00 on a lipstick that will eventually get worn off when I eat, when a $5.00 one from Maybelline will do the same job at 1/4 the price. Here, Lancome and Clarins are in their $20-$50 glory. I honestly wonder how much business that store will do.