Lately, I have become a regular at Roundabout. I don’t live nearby. Well, I suppose I do, relative to the size of Beijing, but a 30-40 minute drive up to Shunyi was never something I would have volunteered to do in the past. In the spring, I went there for the first time with my Chinese mother-in-law, and she’s since asked me to take her back several times. She is formally convinced that all foreigners leaving Beijing have no idea the value of their possessions. I just laugh. When the same destination pleases your MIL and your kids, not to mention offers you possible treasures, I just nod and point the car north.
Roundabout is a second hand store whose proceeds go to many different charities. Their stock is always rotating and many items are donated by expats. As a devout thrift store shopper, I highly recommend it.
Particular for this season, is the incredible Halloween stock they have. A whole rack of butterfly and angel wings, much to my daughter’s delight, and bins of wigs, masks and other costume essentials. Of all the garments, buying a Halloween costume second hand makes total sense. It’s most likely only been worn once before!
Roundabout also has a great house wares, furniture, clothing, and recreation area. Their toys section had my daughter squealing for several reasons, but she settled on a huge bag of Playdoh supplies priced at only RMB 25. As a result, my weekend much quieter with an occupied three-and-a-half year old. And I scored myself a pair of Hunter rain boots priced at only RMB 20. Thanks Roundabout!
Photos: Courtesy of Ember Swift
