One of the features of large modern cities is the number of big department stores, most of which are to be found in or near the central area. They're vast buildings many stories high, where you can buy almost anything you need, from a box of toothpicks to a suite of furniture. Most of them are very modern and are equipped with convenient elevators and escalators, and have well-planned lighting, air-conditioning and ventilation. You can spend hours wandering around in one of these department stores, and you will probably lose your way while you are doing so, in spite of the many signs pointing the way to the elevators and exits.
If you have been in one of these stores so long that you feel hungry, you and your family will not need to leave the building, for nearly all the big stores have cafes, snack bars or restaurants in them. After a meal, you can inspect the goods on sale at your leisure, and you will not be forced to buy anything, though occasionally an assistant may ask you whether he or she can be of help to you.
Another feature of Shanghai's shopping life is the chain-store, in which prices are lower than in the big store, and a wide variety of goods are offered — chiefly foodstuffs, household goods, clothing and stationery. The goods are displayed on open shelves and counters, and it is a regrettable fact that some shoplifting goes on sometimes, in spite of the vigilance of the store security guards.
A lot of the food stores in Shanghai now operate on the "serve yourself" system: you go in, pick up a basket or a cart, walk round the shop and choose what you need. At the exit there are a number of counters where you pay for all your purchases together.
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