Cosmetics versus cellphones

When I arrived at the Huaqiangbei electronics hub in Shenzhen's Futian district for repairs to my smartphone screen early in December, the first billboard I saw read "Women's World", while one on the building opposite read "Yuanwang Cosmetics Trading Center".

I was confused by these ads bearing images of beauty products. "Did I get off at the wrong station? Isn't it the place where one can find components and get a phone fixed?" I asked.

A Shenzhen resident who had accompanied me explained: "Yes, this is Huaqiangbei. Many stalls sell cosmetics now, but electronic products still account for most of the main business."

On the second floor of the Yuanwang Digital Market, I was dazzled by stalls selling the new iPhone 12 and accessories such as USB cables and chargers, and others repairing all kinds of digital products.

While the stall owner was fixing my screen, I expressed surprise about the rise of the beauty products market.

Though it was the first time I had heard about it, the transformation had started in 2017.

The new screen cost 120 yuan ($18.60), 10 percent of the cost suggested by Apple's website.

The dealer earned my trust by discussing Huaqiangbei's recent changes, mentioning how crowded the electronics market used to be and the bleak prospects during the darkest hours.

Still, I remained wary because Huaqiangbei merchants have a reputation for being cunning and persuasive.

Some of the retailers said they no longer sell imitation phones. The iPhone 12s on sale are genuine and the quality of firsthand products is the same as in authorized stores.

After several conversations and transactions, I don't think the retailer deceived me, but I still can't guarantee that everyone in the area is trustworthy.

Before leaving, I bought a tube of Decorte face lotion at one of the beauty stalls that seemed relatively big-scale.

It was a sort of test because I have been using the product for a long time. The last time, I bought it over the counter at a duty-free shop in an airport.

At least I was able to make a basic comparison of the product's quality from different retailers.

As an ordinary consumer without any way of testing the goods, I couldn't discern any difference in the packaging or general feel of the product, but it was much cheaper in Huaqiangbei.