More Changping Changes

In the first year that we lived in Changping, we were fortunate that there were several grocery stores within a few blocks of us that we could walk to any one of them to get our shopping done as frequently or as unplanned as needed. Certainly none met all of our needs.  We still did our primary shopping at one of the larger international grocery chains, driving to WalMart in town here or Jusco a few exits on the expressway away.  For imported products, too, we would have to go into Beijing to an import grocery or order through a home delivery service.

Now that we don't live within walking distance of these grocery stores we have little reason to return to any of them.  They are mostly indistinguishable from one another with nearly identical product selection catered to the local population (read: a lot of stuff with which the average American (me) has no idea what to do).  They were nice when they were convenient, but they aren't really worth a special trip.  Except now maybe, for one, that may have changed.

The kids and I were in that area again last week one afternoon.  We had made plans to meet up with Myles' friend in the park, and before the arranged time we had some errands that we could run.  I wanted to get some coffee, Myles needed some new paints, and I knew we'd need to buy water and juice for the park. After coffee we stopped at a department store to take care of the rest of our shopping.  We entered the first floor of this department store. We immediately noticed a brand-new Watson's in an area formerly occupied by some of the make-up counters and a pharmacy.  It was as shiny, and glossy, and brightly lit as any other Watson's I've seen in China or Hong Kong.  In other words, it looked totally out of place to me in this department store in the middle of Changping.

Past the Watson's it was impossible not to notice that the grocery store, the Jian Mart,  that occupies most of the first floor looked distinctly different and dare I say--inviting. It was obvious that the store had completed a massive remodeling project recently.  Previously it had been poorly lit, poorly organized, and poorly ventilated.  In addition to the bright lights, most of the store had been resurfaced, with new floors, new walls, new everything and a working air conditioning system to boot.  It was like walking not only into a different store, but a different part of Beijing. 

Signs in Chinese and English high on the walls indicated to customers where to buy cakes, fresh produce, dairy, and meat.  The most radical change to these departments in my eyes was to the meat department--meat is now butchered in a different room and the cuts are mostly displayed behind glass. 

However, the biggest surprise was yet to come. 

We were looking for water and juice, and we nearly passed by the beer aisle.  It wouldn't have water or juice.  But something caught my eye, something so out of place, that I had to see.

IMPORTED BEER?!?!

Not just any imported beer, mind you.   Glorious, bubbly, flavorful imports from Belgium and Germany.  Four fruity flavors of Lindeman Lambic. Stella Artois packaged to give one away for every two sold. Chimay Rogue and Chimay Blanche.  Hoegaarten. Paulaner.  Are you salivating, too?

There's been a lot in the press and on blogs in the past few years about the growing market for imported wines in China. I have not read as much about appetites for imported beer.  Certainly down in Beijing proper there are many bars that pour Belgian beers, but Changping does not have that kind of scene.  It's why seeing these beers here, at the Jian Mart is so surprising.

The next day Randy wanted to see for himself.  He also browsed the wine selection opposite the beer which also was full of surprises.  White wines from the US, South Africa, and Australia sat next to the Great Wall and Changyu.  The white wines were certainly unexpected. The fancy self-described "Western-style" restaurant in Changping only serves red wines to accompany their interpretations of steak and pastas.  If there is a restaurant in Changping that regularly serves white wine, we have not yet found it.

Randy bought several bottles of  Chimay and Hoegaarten. We need to make sure they have a market, he said. I did not protest.