First Department Store

Updated March 30, 2026

Description

The First Department Store stands as a testament to retail heritage in its locale, offering travelers a glimpse into the evolution of shopping culture while maintaining its relevance in modern times. This shopping mall represents more than just a place to browse and buy—it’s actually a piece of living history that continues to serve both locals and visitors with a practical, no-nonsense approach to retail therapy.

Walking into this establishment feels different from those sprawling, overly polished mega-malls you might be used to back home. There’s something refreshingly straightforward about it. The building itself carries an air of authenticity that many contemporary shopping centers seem to have lost in their pursuit of becoming entertainment complexes. And honestly, sometimes you just want to shop without being bombarded by theme park-level distractions.

What strikes most travelers when they first visit is the functional layout that prioritizes efficiency over flash. You won’t find yourself lost in endless corridors designed to confuse you into impulse purchases. Instead, the First Department Store maintains a more traditional department store feel while incorporating modern conveniences that make the shopping experience smooth for international visitors. The acceptance of various payment methods—credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments—means you won’t be fumbling with currency exchange rates or searching desperately for an ATM mid-shopping trip.

I remember my first visit to a historic department store during my travels, and there’s always this interesting contrast between the building’s heritage and the contemporary products lining its shelves. The First Department Store captures that same essence, where past meets present in a way that feels organic rather than forced. It serves as a functional shopping destination while also offering a window into local consumer culture and shopping habits.

The store tends to attract a practical crowd—people who know what they need and appreciate a straightforward shopping environment. For travelers, this means you’re likely to observe authentic local shopping patterns rather than the tourist-focused retail experience you’d find in more internationally branded shopping districts.

Key Features

The First Department Store offers several distinctive characteristics that make it worth including in your travel itinerary:

• Multiple payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions seamless for international visitors who prefer contactless payment methods

• Traditional department store layout that’s easy to navigate, even if you don’t speak the local language fluently

• Products and brands that reflect local preferences and tastes, giving travelers authentic insight into everyday life and consumer culture

• Less crowded atmosphere compared to major tourist shopping destinations, allowing for a more relaxed browsing experience

• Practical goods and necessities alongside fashion items, making it useful for travelers who need to replace forgotten items or pick up essentials

• Architecture and interior design that reflects the building’s historical significance while maintaining modern functionality

• Staff who are accustomed to serving a diverse customer base, though language barriers may exist depending on the location

• Reasonable price points that reflect local market standards rather than inflated tourist pricing

• Convenient location that’s typically accessible via public transportation and situated near other points of interest

• Climate-controlled interior environment that provides respite from weather conditions outside

Best Time to Visit

Timing your visit to the First Department Store can significantly impact your experience, and I’ve learned through various shopping expeditions abroad that this matters more than most travelers initially realize.

Weekday mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday between 10 AM and noon, offer the most peaceful shopping conditions. You’ll have space to browse without navigating through crowds, and staff members generally have more time to assist if you need help. But if you’re someone who enjoys observing local life in action, weekend afternoons present a completely different atmosphere—busier, sure, but also more energetic and authentic to how locals actually use the space.

Avoid major sale periods unless you’re specifically hunting for deals and don’t mind the chaos. End-of-season sales typically draw massive crowds, and the experience shifts from leisurely browsing to competitive shopping. That said, if snagging bargains is your priority, arrive right when doors open on the first day of advertised sales.

Holiday periods present a mixed bag. The weeks leading up to major local holidays transform the store into a hub of gift-buying activity. This can be fascinating from a cultural observation standpoint—you’ll see what locals purchase for celebrations and get a sense of gift-giving traditions. However, if you’re simply trying to pick up a new jacket because yours got ruined in yesterday’s rain, you might want to wait until after the holiday rush subsides.

Weather plays an interesting role too. On particularly hot, cold, or rainy days, department stores naturally attract people seeking comfortable indoor environments. Plan accordingly based on whether you prefer solitude or don’t mind sharing the aisles with weather refugees.

Early evening visits, around 4 to 6 PM on weekdays, hit a sweet spot for many travelers. You’ve finished your daytime sightseeing, you’re looking for an air-conditioned (or heated) environment to decompress, and you can browse at a moderate pace before deciding where to have dinner.

How to Get There

Getting to the First Department Store typically requires some advance planning, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local transportation network. Most established department stores like this one occupy central or historically significant commercial districts, which generally means good public transit access.

Public transportation usually offers the most straightforward route for travelers. Research the nearest metro or bus station to the store before you leave your accommodation. Download offline maps or screenshot directions, because relying solely on mobile data in unfamiliar places can lead to frustration when signals drop. Many cities have multi-language transportation apps that show real-time updates—these are absolute lifesavers and worth the few minutes it takes to figure them out.

Taxi services and ride-sharing apps provide alternative options, particularly if you’re traveling with companions and can split the cost. Just make sure you have the store’s name written in local script or saved on your phone to show drivers. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way after a 20-minute conversation with a taxi driver where we both increasingly gestured wildly while understanding absolutely nothing.

Walking might be viable depending on your hotel location. Historic department stores often sit within walkable distance of tourist accommodations, and the journey itself can reveal interesting neighborhoods and street scenes you’d miss underground or in a vehicle. Just account for weather conditions and your energy levels—arriving sweaty and exhausted doesn’t make for an enjoyable shopping experience.

For those renting cars, parking availability varies considerably. Some department stores maintain dedicated parking facilities, while others rely on nearby public parking structures. Research this beforehand because circling city blocks looking for parking ranks among travel’s most tedious experiences.

Tips for Visiting

Making the most of your First Department Store visit requires some practical considerations that go beyond simply showing up and wandering around.

Bring your passport or a form of ID if you’re planning significant purchases. Some department stores offer tax-free shopping for international visitors, which can result in meaningful savings on higher-priced items. The refund process usually requires documentation, and you’ll kick yourself if you miss out on 10-15% back because you left your passport at the hotel.

Check floor directories and store maps before diving in. These are usually located near main entrances and give you a strategic overview. Trust me, wandering aimlessly across multiple floors gets old fast when you’re actually looking for something specific. And unlike asking for directions on the street, language barriers can make in-store navigation genuinely challenging.

Observe how local shoppers interact with merchandise and staff. Shopping etiquette varies across cultures—some places expect you to ask for assistance before touching products, while others encourage independent browsing. Watch and learn to avoid awkward situations.

Use the fitting rooms even if you’re pretty sure something fits. Sizing standards vary wildly between countries and brands, and what’s a medium where you’re from might be labeled differently here. Plus, returning items as a traveler is complicated at best and impossible at worst.

Take advantage of those modern payment options. NFC mobile payments through your phone or smartwatch eliminate the need to carry excessive cash or worry about credit card skimming. Just verify beforehand that your device and payment apps work internationally.

Don’t feel pressured to buy anything. Seriously. Tourist guilt about “wasting” staff time is a thing, but remember—you’re exploring, and that’s completely legitimate. The First Department Store isn’t a small family shop depending on your purchase for survival; it’s an established retail operation.

Consider visiting restroom facilities here if you’re spending the day sightseeing in the area. Department store restrooms are generally cleaner and better maintained than public facilities, and you’re under no obligation to purchase anything just for using them.

Grab a shopping bag even for small purchases if you’re continuing to explore the city afterward. They’re practical for carrying other items you acquire throughout the day and often sturdier than you’d expect.

Keep expectations realistic regarding the inventory. The First Department Store stocks products geared toward its regular customer base, which means you’ll find what locals actually buy rather than curated tourist merchandise. This authenticity is valuable but means you might not find that specific international brand you’re accustomed to.

Key Highlights

• Key Features
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get There
• Tips for Visiting

Location

Places to Stay Near First Department Store

Find and Book a Tour

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First Department Store is a prominent 购物中心 located in Jinhua.

Visit us at: China, Zhejiang, Jinhua, Yiwu, Gongren W Rd, 113号天成大厦 邮政编码: 322000.