There’s a price for that bargain

Here’s this week’s tip on Korean language and customs:

Q:
Why won’t the sales ajummas at Dongdaemun market let customers try on the clothes they might want to buy? People aren’t likely to buy something if they cannot try on.

A:
Stores at Dongdaemun Market may be open for retail customers during the daytime, but most of their business transactions are in fact wholesale, taking place in the early-morning hours. That explains why the merchandise sold at Dongdaemun Market can be priced low and still be trendy.

The wholesale business involves bulk sales to shop owners or distributors, not retail sales of single pieces that individuals try on for size.

The wholesalers’ low margins also means their “stores” do not include fitting rooms and customer service you’d find in a department store. So you’d better know your size and preference in color and style if you’re planning on shopping in the older sections of Dongdaemun Market at night or early in the morning.

During daytime business hours, though, some wholesalers let customers try their items on, but add a small fee. The newer shopping malls targeting retail customers are now equipped with large fitting rooms on each floor.