European label C&A has been providing affordable ready-to-wear fashion since 1861, and their threads are now available here in Beijing.

Their 1,500sqm store in Wangfujing’s APM mall stocks a vast selection of womenswear, menswear, lingerie and kidswear. The layout of the store is busy – with so much inventory it feels like an outlet rather than a store – but who cares when you can purchase a trendy evening dress at around RMB 200. Five of C&A’s brands are represented here, including Clockhouse, which offers inexpensive street fashion, mostly T-shirts and jeans. Meanwhile Yessica boasts a selection of up-to-date looks, such as a yellow babydoll trench coat (RMB 269). Gents should look out for Angelo Litrico’s well-cut shirts (RMB 199) and polka-dot slim ties (RMB 49).

The kids’ collection really stands out, boasting trend-setting style and superior quality. The icing on the cake, however, is their “one-month” returns policy, in case you change your mind.

C&A

2/F, APM Mall, Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District

6526 1163

(thatsbj.com April 17, 2008)