Ladies' Street Market is the latest victim of Beijing's ongoing urban rejuvenation policy that has systematically shut down all of its centralized wholesale markets.
Clearance sales have already begun as remaining shopkeepers have been given until September 30 to vacate the premises.
The closure of Ladies' Street Market comes at the end of 16 years of service to its community, during which time it served as Beijing's first women-themed shopping outlet.
READ: Bye Bye Business: Pictures Show Favorite Hutong Haunts Before and After Bricking
Located within reach of some 10 embassies east of Sanyuanqiao Station on Line 10, Ladies' Street Market had been a popular shopping destination for white-collar workers, tourists, and expats.
The landmark shopping mall had been a favorite spot for the Beijinger to purchase Christmas trees and decorations, women's swimwear and even Nintendo Gameboys. And our praise doesn't end there. Seven years ago, the Beijinger proclaimed Ladies' Street Market as one of the city's "must-meet markets," saying the mall "lives up to its name as a shopping haven for women" for its "extensive selection of purses, shoes, jewelry, clothes, and home accessories."
READ: Beijing's Dying Traditions: City's Oldest Dry Foodstuff Store to Close After 61 Years
Unfortunately, the march of time has meant Beijing's premier destination for women's fashions has fallen behind newer shopping malls as well as its progressive high-class neighbors. And although Ladies' Street Market bounced back from a temporary closing earlier this year, it eventually succumbed to the city's urban rejuvenation policy that has specifically targeted downtown wholesale markets.
A fifth of the mall's 600 shopkeepers have already left Ladies' Street Market, many choosing to relocate to Jiayi Square.
This year has already witnessed the closing of venerable Beijing wholesale markets like Wantong Market, Beijing Zoo Market, and Alien Street Market. Tianyi Market is also closing this month.
By 2020, Beijing intends to decrease its population by 15 percent and get rid of all wholesale markets within the Fourth Ring Road, places known to serve as gathering points for out-of-towners.
More stories from this author here.
Twitter: @Sinopath
E-mail: charlesliu1@qq.com