Shopping Finds

During the summer when I was no longer a high school student and not yet a college student, I was still very much a moron. I was convinced that SM* was an evil evil place because Henry Sy only pays his workers a little above minimum wage, does not give them benefits, etc. Then I grew up (to some extent), adapted a capitalist world view and finally understood what Henry Sy does what he does.

This afternoon, I went to shop at Shoemart SM Makati for the first time since I chose to “boycott” it. The place was given a drastic makeover last year–the interior looks more cheerful and clean and the quality of the merchandise has improved by far. Although I have been there a couple of times, it was only to accompany my sister or my mother at the shoe or household department; I never really bought anything for myself there.

The only item in today’s shopping list was a tote bag but I ended up going to the women’s department and staying there for a good hour and a half. I always had the impression that SM catered to the masses and thus, the clothes they sold were cheap, low-quality stuff I wouldn’t be caught dead in. But to my surprise, I found a lot of great-looking tops way below my budget range (I never buy tops worth more than Php 500 or $10) that I immediately began grabbing stuff off the rack (in the end, the most expensive one I got only cost Php 350). Deeper into the womens’ department were dressier clothes, and I was very happy with the designs and prices of knee-grazing skirts they had. Although I was tempted to, I didn’t buy any because I felt a bit guilty about my unscheduled shopping spree. But I’ll definitely be grabbing a couple of them in the future since Pat’s always complaining about how short my skirts are.

I had to be very careful about the clothes I chose though, because the problem with affordable, mass-produced stuff is that everyone buys them. (The same holds true with any popular store here, I suppose.) In the end, I walked away with 3 collared button-up shirts, 3 sparkly hair scrunchies, a hot pink belt, and a white tote bag. Total amount spent: $27. In the States, 27 bucks would be like, one shirt (why did I ever go shopping there?). I was incredibly happy with my purchases and I couldn’t shut up about how much I want to go back again. Even if I were filthy rich I’d still insist on going to SM for my clothes. I don’t care for brand names; all I want is stuff that looks good on me without paying a ridiculous price for it. May the exploitation continue.

* SM is the biggest department store chain in the Philippines, owned by a Chinese business man named Henry Sy. (Think Walmart of the Philippines, except SM is so huge, it’s practically a mall in itself.) This business venture made the guy so rich, he has enough money to take care of the next four generations of Sys.

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