Shops in Shanghai are usually open from 8.30 or 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and are open seven days a week, including on public holidays. Many large supermarket chains, such as Auchan, Carrefour and Metro have a presence in China and these open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Haggling is expected in most shops apart from large department stores and supermarkets. It is not normal to haggle when buying food. Many smaller shops will not accept credit cards, or will only have point-of-sale equipment for Chinese payment cards, so it is wise to keep some cash with you.

Distinct shopping areas have evolved over the years, with streets specialising in particular types of products. Some examples are:

• Huai Hai Lu - Luxury items and clothing
• Dong Tai Lu - Antiques
• East Nan Jing Lu - Pedestrian Mall
• Qu Yang Lu - Electrical accessories
• Fu You Lu - Accessories
• Fu Zhou Lu - Bookshops
• Heng Shan Lu - Leisure and entertainment
• Tai Kang Lu - Entertainment
• Huang He Lu - Food
• South Yun Nan Lu - Food
• South Mao Ming Lu - Cafes and bars
• North Si Chuan Lu - Traditional Chinese items
• Yi Shan Lu - Furniture

If you want your shopping experience to include a little more local colour, why not take in one of Shanghai's markets? The most famous in the Xiangyang Market in Huaihai Zhong Lu, open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and selling a huge range of clothing, shoes, accessories, bags, gifts and silk items.
The Dong Jia Du Lu Market specialises in fabrics and offers a goods choice of silks, linens and men's suit fabrics.
Puan Lu Childrens Market (10 Puan Lu, Jinlin Lu) is hidden away in the basement underneath a park, but is worth seeking out for its choice of clothes and shoes for young children.