Speaking Sep 1

Describe a person who likes to buy goods with low prices

Let me see… I’m going to describe Mei, a classmate from my theoretical-physics cohort. We met in a graduate seminar, and we often revise together in the library. She is notably value-conscious: she likes to buy study essentials and household basics—notebooks, lab stationery, detergent, and small kitchen tools.

She usually shops on domestic e-commerce platforms during promotional windows, compares unit prices carefully, and sometimes joins community group-buying near campus. If something is functionally equivalent, she prefers store brands to premium labels; but for safety-critical items—like chargers—she sticks to certified products even if they’re not the cheapest.

Why does she like low-priced goods? To be honest, it’s not mere penny-pinching; it’s an explicit cost–benefit calculation. On a student stipend, every yuan saved on consumables becomes opportunity cost she can redirect to conference fees or a short methodology course. She keeps a simple spreadsheet tracking price trends and stock-up thresholds, which sounds intense, but it helps her avoid impulsive buying.

I appreciate her approach because it reflects financial discipline without sacrificing quality. Watching her optimise for price–performance has nudged me to read labels, compare unit economics, and plan purchases, rather than rely on branding or habit. At the end of the day, Mei’s “cheap” is really about efficient allocation toward long-term goals.

Let me see… I’m going to describe Mei, a classmate from my theoretical-physics cohort.
/let miː siː aɪm ˈɡəʊ.ɪŋ tuː dɪˈskraɪb meɪ eɪ ˈklɑːs.meɪt frɒm maɪ ˌθɪəˈret.ɪ.kəl ˈfɪz.ɪks ˈkəʊ.hɔːt/

We met in a graduate seminar, and we often revise together in the library.
/wiː met ɪn eɪ ˈɡrædʒ.u.ət ˈsem.ɪ.nɑː ænd wiː ˈɒf.ən rɪˈvaɪz təˈɡeð.ə ɪn ðiː ˈlaɪ.brər.i/

She is notably value-conscious: she likes to buy study essentials and household basics—notebooks, lab stationery, detergent, and small kitchen tools.
/ʃiː ɪz ˈnəʊ.tə.bli ˈvæl.juː ˈkɒn.ʃəs ʃiː laɪks tuː baɪ ˈstʌd.i ɪˈsen.ʃəlz ænd ˈhaʊs.həʊld ˈbeɪ.sɪks ˈnəʊt.bʊks læb ˈsteɪ.ʃən.ər.i dɪˈtɜː.dʒənt ænd smɔːl ˈkɪtʃ.ən tuːlz/

She usually shops on domestic e-commerce platforms during promotional windows, compares unit prices carefully, and sometimes joins community group-buying near campus.
/ʃiː ˈjuː.ʒu.ə.li ʃɒps ɒn dəˈmes.tɪk ˌiːˈkɒm.ɜːs ˈplæt.fɔːmz ˈdjʊə.rɪŋ prəˈməʊ.ʃən.əl ˈwɪn.dəʊz kəmˈpeəz ˈjuː.nɪt ˈpraɪ.sɪz ˈkeə.fəl.i ænd ˈsʌm.taɪmz dʒɔɪnz kəˈmjuː.nə.ti ɡruːp ˈbaɪ.ɪŋ nɪə ˈkæm.pəs/

If something is functionally equivalent, she prefers store brands to premium labels; but for safety-critical items—like chargers—she sticks to certified products even if they’re not the cheapest.
/ɪf ˈsʌm.θɪŋ ɪz ˈfʌŋk.ʃən.əl.i ɪˈkwɪv.ə.lənt ʃiː prɪˈfɜːz stɔː brændz tuː ˈpriː.mi.əm ˈleɪ.bəlz bʌt fɔː ˈseɪf.ti ˈkrɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈaɪ.təmz laɪk ˈtʃɑː.dʒəz ʃiː stɪks tuː ˈsɜː.tɪ.faɪd ˈprɒd.ʌkts ˈiː.vən ɪf ðeə nɒt ðiː ˈtʃiː.pɪst/

Why does she like low-priced goods? To be honest, it’s not mere penny-pinching; it’s an explicit cost–benefit calculation.
/waɪ dʌz ʃiː laɪk ləʊ praɪst ɡʊdz tuː biː ˈɒn.ɪst ɪts nɒt mɪə ˈpen.i ˈpɪn.tʃɪŋ ɪts æn ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt kɒst ˈben.ɪ.fɪt ˌkæl.kjʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

On a student stipend, every yuan saved on consumables becomes opportunity cost she can redirect to conference fees or a short methodology course.
/ɒn eɪ ˈstjuː.dənt ˈstaɪ.pend ˈev.ri juːˈæn seɪvd ɒn kənˈsjuː.mə.bəlz bɪˈkʌmz ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nə.ti kɒst ʃiː kæn ˌriː.dɪˈrekt tuː ˈkɒn.fər.əns fiːz ɔː eɪ ʃɔːt ˌmeθ.əˈdɒl.ə.dʒi kɔːs/

She keeps a simple spreadsheet tracking price trends and stock-up thresholds, which sounds intense, but it helps her avoid impulsive buying.
/ʃiː kiːps eɪ ˈsɪm.pəl ˈspred.ʃiːt ˈtræk.ɪŋ praɪs trendz ænd stɒk ʌp ˈθreʃ.həʊldz wɪtʃ saʊndz ɪnˈtens bʌt ɪt helps hɜː əˈvɔɪd ɪmˈpʌl.sɪv ˈbaɪ.ɪŋ/

I appreciate her approach because it reflects financial discipline without sacrificing quality.
/aɪ əˈpriːʃieɪt hɜːr əˈprəʊtʃ bɪˈkɒz ɪt rɪˈfleks faɪˈnæn.ʃəl ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn wɪˈðaʊt ˈsæk.rɪ.faɪ.sɪŋ ˈkwɒl.ə.ti/

Watching her optimise for price–performance has nudged me to read labels, compare unit economics, and plan purchases, rather than rely on branding or habit.
/ˈwɒtʃ.ɪŋ hɜː ˈɒp.tɪ.maɪz fɔː praɪs pəˈfɔː.məns hæz nʌdʒd miː tuː riːd ˈleɪ.bəlz kəmˈpeə ˈjuː.nɪt ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪks ænd plæn ˈpɜː.tʃəs.ɪz ˈrɑː.ðə ðæn rɪˈlaɪ ɒn ˈbræn.dɪŋ ɔː ˈhæb.ɪt/

At the end of the day, Mei’s “cheap” is really about efficient allocation toward long-term goals.
/æt ðiː end ɒv ðiː deɪ meɪz tʃiːp ɪz ˈrɪə.li əˈbaʊt ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən təˈwɔːd lɒŋ tɜːm ɡəʊlz/

part3

What are the differences between shopping in a shopping mall and in a street market?

Well, I think the most obvious difference is the level of standardisation. In a shopping mall you get price transparency, after-sales service, climate control, and accessible payment infrastructure—WeChat Pay, Alipay, bank cards—so the whole experience is predictable. You know, warranties and return policies are clearer, which reduces transaction risk. By contrast, a street market is more flexible: prices are negotiable, selection changes daily, and you can engage in price discovery by comparing stalls. The trade-off is information asymmetry—quality and provenance are harder to verify, and there is a higher probability of counterfeit or variable standards. At the end of the day, malls optimise for convenience and consumer protection, whereas markets prioritise bargaining power and immediacy

Well, I think the most obvious difference is the level of standardisation.
/wel aɪ θɪŋk ðiː məʊst ˈɒb.vi.əs ˈdɪf.ər.əns ɪz ðiː ˈlev.əl ɒv ˌstæn.də.daɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

In a shopping mall you get price transparency, after-sales service, climate control, and accessible payment infrastructure—WeChat Pay, Alipay, bank cards—so the whole experience is predictable.
/ɪn eɪ ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ mɔːl juː ɡet praɪs trænˈspær.ən.si ˌɑːf.təˈseɪlz ˈsɜː.vɪs ˈklaɪ.mət kənˈtrəʊl ænd əkˈses.ə.bəl ˈpeɪ.mənt ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃə ˈwiːtʃæt peɪ ˈælɪpeɪ bæŋk kɑːdz səʊ ðiː həʊl ɪkˈspɪə.ri.əns ɪz prɪˈdɪk.tə.bəl/

You know, warranties and return policies are clearer, which reduces transaction risk.
/juː nəʊ ˈwɒr.ən.tiz ænd rɪˈtɜːn ˈpɒl.ə.siz ɑː ˈklɪə.rə wɪtʃ rɪˈdjuː.sɪz trænˈzæk.ʃən rɪsk/

By contrast, a street market is more flexible: prices are negotiable, selection changes daily, and you can engage in price discovery by comparing stalls.
/baɪ ˈkɒn.trɑːst eɪ striːt ˈmɑː.kɪt ɪz mɔː ˈflek.sə.bəl ˈpraɪ.sɪz ɑː nəˈɡəʊ.ʃə.bəl sɪˈlek.ʃən ˈtʃeɪn.dʒɪz ˈdeɪ.li ænd juː kæn ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ ɪn praɪs dɪˈskʌv.ər.i baɪ kəmˈpeə.rɪŋ stɔːlz/

The trade-off is information asymmetry—quality and provenance are harder to verify, and there is a higher probability of counterfeit or variable standards.
/ðə ˈtreɪd.ɒf ɪz ˌɪn.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən eɪˈsɪm.ə.tri ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti ænd ˈprɒv.ən.əns ɑː ˈhɑː.də tuː ˈver.ɪ.faɪ ænd ðeə ɪz eɪ ˈhaɪ.ə ˌprɒb.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti ɒv ˈkaʊn.tə.fɪt ɔː ˈveə.ri.ə.bəl ˈstæn.dədz/

At the end of the day, malls optimise for convenience and consumer protection, whereas markets prioritise bargaining power and immediacy.
/æt ðiː end ɒv ðiː deɪ mɔːlz ˈɒp.tɪ.maɪz fɔː kənˈviː.ni.əns ænd kənˈsjuː.mə prəˈtek.ʃən weərˈæz ˈmɑː.kɪts praɪˈɒr.ɪ.taɪz ˈbɑː.ɡə.nɪŋ ˈpaʊ.ə ænd ɪˈmiː.di.ə.si/

Which is more commonly visited in China, shopping malls or street markets?

Well, I think shopping malls attract more overall footfall in most Chinese cities. They offer climate-controlled, one-stop convenience—retail, dining, cinemas, and childcare facilities—often integrated with transit-oriented hubs. You know, the payment infrastructure, after-sales service, and price transparency are consistent, which lowers transaction costs for everyday purchases. As a student, I default to malls when I need electronics with a receipt or a quiet place to read between classes. Street markets are still lively, but they tend to be event-like rather than routine: we go for snacks or seasonal stalls, not for the bulk of non-food retail. At the end of the day, formal malls dominate high-frequency consumption, while markets occupy niche and experiential roles.

Well, I think shopping malls attract more overall footfall in most Chinese cities.
/wel aɪ θɪŋk ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ mɔːlz əˈtrækt mɔː ˌəʊ.vərˈɔːl ˈfʊt.fɔːl ɪn məʊst ˌtʃaɪˈniːz ˈsɪt.iz/

They offer climate-controlled, one-stop convenience—retail, dining, cinemas, and childcare facilities—often integrated with transit-oriented hubs.
/ðeɪ ˈɒf.ə ˈklaɪ.mət kənˈtrəʊld wʌn stɒp kənˈviː.ni.əns ˈriː.teɪl ˈdaɪ.nɪŋ ˈsɪn.ə.məz ænd ˈtʃaɪld.keə fəˈsɪl.ə.tiz ˈɒf.ən ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪd wɪð ˈtræn.zɪt ˈɔː.ri.en.tɪd hʌbz/

You know, the payment infrastructure, after-sales service, and price transparency are consistent, which lowers transaction costs for everyday purchases.
/juː nəʊ ðiː ˈpeɪ.mənt ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃə ˈɑːf.tə seɪlz ˈsɜː.vɪs ænd praɪs trænˈspær.ən.si ɑː kənˈsɪs.tənt wɪtʃ ˈləʊ.əz trænˈzæk.ʃən kɒsts fɔː ˈev.ri.deɪ ˈpɜː.tʃəs.ɪz/

As a student, I default to malls when I need electronics with a receipt or a quiet place to read between classes.
/æz eɪ ˈstjuː.dənt aɪ dɪˈfɒlt tuː mɔːlz wen aɪ niːd ɪˌlekˈtrɒn.ɪks wɪð eɪ rɪˈsiːt ɔː eɪ ˈkwaɪ.ət pleɪs tuː riːd bɪˈtwiːn ˈklɑː.sɪz/

Street markets are still lively, but they tend to be event-like rather than routine: we go for snacks or seasonal stalls, not for the bulk of non-food retail.
/striːt ˈmɑː.kɪts ɑː stɪl ˈlaɪv.li bʌt ðeɪ tend tuː biː ɪˈvent laɪk ˈrɑː.ðə ðæn ruːˈtiːn wiː ɡəʊ fɔː snæks ɔː ˈsiː.zən.əl stɔːlz nɒt fɔː ðiː bʌlk ɒv ˌnɒnˈfuːd ˈriː.teɪl/

At the end of the day, formal malls dominate high-frequency consumption, while markets occupy niche and experiential roles.
/æt ðiː end ɒv ðiː deɪ ˈfɔː.məl mɔːlz ˈdɒm.ɪ.neɪt haɪ ˈfriː.kwən.si kənˈsʌmp.ʃən waɪl ˈmɑː.kɪts ˈɒk.jʊ.paɪ niːʃ ænd ɪkˌspɪə.riˈen.ʃəl rəʊlz/

Is advertising important?

Well, I think advertising is important because it reduces information asymmetry and, therefore, search costs. When firms communicate price, function, and after-sales support clearly, consumers make informed comparisons rather than relying on guesswork. You know, for small enterprises—and even student start-ups—targeted ads create market entry that would otherwise be impossible. Beyond commerce, advertising also carries public-interest messages: health campaigns or scholarship calls reach large audiences quickly. That said, effectiveness depends on truthfulness and transparency; without clear disclosures and basic data-protection guardrails, the efficiency gains are offset by distrust. At the end of the day, responsible advertising improves consumer welfare and allocative efficiency.

Well, I think advertising is important because it reduces information asymmetry and, therefore, search costs.
/wel aɪ θɪŋk ˈæd.və.taɪ.zɪŋ ɪz ɪmˈpɔː.tənt bɪˈkɒz ɪt rɪˈdjuː.sɪz ˌɪn.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən ˌeɪˈsɪm.ɪ.tri ænd ˈðeə.fɔː sɜːtʃ kɒsts/

When firms communicate price, function, and after-sales support clearly, consumers make informed comparisons rather than relying on guesswork.
/wen fɜːmz kəˈmjuː.nɪ.keɪt praɪs ˈfʌŋk.ʃən ænd ˈɑːf.tə seɪlz səˈpɔːt ˈklɪə.li kənˈsjuː.məz meɪk ɪnˈfɔːmd kəmˈpær.ɪ.sənz ˈrɑː.ðə ðæn rɪˈlaɪ.ɪŋ ɒn ˈɡes.wɜːk/

You know, for small enterprises—and even student start-ups—targeted ads create market entry that would otherwise be impossible.
/juː nəʊ fɔː smɔːl ˈen.tə.praɪ.zɪz ænd ˈiː.vən ˈstjuː.dənt ˈstɑːt.ʌps ˈtɑː.ɡɪ.tɪd ædz kriˈeɪt ˈmɑː.kɪt ˈen.tri ðæt wʊd ˈʌð.ə.waɪz biː ɪmˈpɒs.ə.bəl/

Beyond commerce, advertising also carries public-interest messages: health campaigns or scholarship calls reach large audiences quickly.
/bɪˈjɒnd ˈkɒm.ɜːs ˈæd.və.taɪ.zɪŋ ˈɔːl.səʊ ˈkær.iz ˈpʌb.lɪk ˈɪn.trəst ˈmes.ɪ.dʒɪz helθ kæmˈpeɪnz ɔː ˈskɒl.ə.ʃɪp kɔːlz riːtʃ lɑːdʒ ˈɔː.di.əns.ɪz ˈkwɪk.li/

That said, effectiveness depends on truthfulness and transparency; without clear disclosures and basic data-protection guardrails, the efficiency gains are offset by distrust.
/ðæt sed ɪˈfek.tɪv.nəs dɪˈpendz ɒn ˈtruːθ.fəl.nəs ænd trænˈspær.ən.si wɪˈðaʊt klɪə dɪsˈkləʊ.ʒəz ænd ˈbeɪ.sɪk ˈdeɪ.tə prəˈtek.ʃən ˈɡɑːd.reɪlz ðiː ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si ɡeɪnz ɑː ˌɒfˈset baɪ dɪsˈtrʌst/

At the end of the day, responsible advertising improves consumer welfare and allocative efficiency.
/æt ðiː end ɒv ðiː deɪ rɪˈspɒn.sɪ.bəl ˈæd.və.taɪ.zɪŋ ɪmˈpruːvz kənˈsjuː.mə ˈwel.feə ænd ˈæl.ə.keɪ.tɪv ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/

What are the disadvantages of shopping in a street market?

Well, street markets often lack standardised warranties, clear return policies, and reliable after-sales service. You know, provenance and traceability can be opaque, so it’s harder to verify authenticity or safety—especially for electronics, cosmetics, or children’s items. Prices are negotiable, which some people enjoy, but it also creates information asymmetry and a higher transaction cost for the buyer. As a student, I also need official invoices for reimbursement; markets frequently cannot issue them, which makes legitimate purchases difficult to document. At the end of the day, the absence of formal consumer protection is the main drawback.

Well, street markets often lack standardised warranties, clear return policies, and reliable after-sales service.
/wel striːt ˈmɑː.kɪts ˈɒf.ən læk ˈstæn.də.daɪzd ˈwɒr.ən.tiz klɪə rɪˈtɜːn ˈpɒl.ə.siz ænd rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl ˈɑːf.tə seɪlz ˈsɜː.vɪs/

You know, provenance and traceability can be opaque, so it’s harder to verify authenticity or safety—especially for electronics, cosmetics, or children’s items.
/juː nəʊ ˈprɒv.ən.əns ænd ˌtreɪ.səˈbɪl.ə.ti kæn biː əʊˈpeɪk səʊ ɪts ˈhɑː.də tuː ˈver.ɪ.faɪ ˌɔː.θenˈtɪs.ə.ti ɔː ˈseɪf.ti ɪˈspeʃ.əli fɔː ɪˌlekˈtrɒn.ɪks kɒzˈmet.ɪks ɔː ˈtʃɪl.drənz ˈaɪ.təmz/

Prices are negotiable, which some people enjoy, but it also creates information asymmetry and a higher transaction cost for the buyer.
/ˈpraɪ.sɪz ɑː nəˈɡəʊ.ʃi.ə.bəl wɪtʃ sʌm ˈpiː.pəl ɪnˈdʒɔɪ bʌt ɪt ˈɔːl.səʊ kriˈeɪts ˌɪn.fəˈmeɪ.ʃən ˌeɪˈsɪm.ə.tri ænd eɪ ˈhaɪ.ə trænˈzæk.ʃən kɒst fɔː ðiː ˈbaɪ.ə/

As a student, I also need official invoices for reimbursement; markets frequently cannot issue them, which makes legitimate purchases difficult to document.
/æz eɪ ˈstjuː.dənt aɪ ˈɔːl.səʊ niːd əˈfɪʃ.əl ˈɪn.vɔɪ.sɪz fɔː ˌriː.ɪmˈbɜːs.mənt ˈmɑː.kɪts ˈfriː.kwənt.li ˈkæn.ɒt ˈɪʃ.uː ðem wɪtʃ meɪks lɪˈdʒɪt.ɪ.mət ˈpɜː.tʃəs.ɪz ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt tuː ˈdɒk.jʊ.ment/

At the end of the day, the absence of formal consumer protection is the main drawback.
/æt ðiː end ɒv ðiː deɪ ðiː ˈæb.səns ɒv ˈfɔː.məl kənˈsjuː.mə prəˈtek.ʃən ɪz ðiː meɪn ˈdrɔː.bæk/

How do you buy cheap products?

Well, I buy inexpensive products by optimising price–performance rather than chasing the absolute lowest number. Let me see… first I set a quality threshold—minimum specs, safety certifications, and a viable return policy—so I don’t fall for a false economy. Then I compare per-unit prices and check price-history charts on major e-commerce platforms; timing purchases to seasonal promotions or student discounts lowers transaction costs without compromising quality. I also consolidate orders to reduce shipping fees and use digital coupons, but I evaluate the total cost of ownership—durability, energy consumption, and maintenance—because a slightly higher upfront price can still be the cheapest over the product’s life. At the end of the day, “cheap” means cost-effective and reliable, not disposable.

Well, I buy inexpensive products by optimising price–performance rather than chasing the absolute lowest number.
/wel aɪ baɪ ˌɪn.ɪkˈspen.sɪv ˈprɒd.ʌkts baɪ ˈɒp.tɪ.maɪ.zɪŋ praɪs pəˈfɔː.məns ˈrɑː.ðə ðæn ˈtʃeɪ.sɪŋ ðiː ˈæb.sə.luːt ˈləʊ.ɪst ˈnʌm.bə/

Let me see… first I set a quality threshold—minimum specs, safety certifications, and a viable return policy—so I don’t fall for a false economy.
/let miː siː fɜːst aɪ set eɪ ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti ˈθreʃ.həʊld ˈmɪn.ɪ.məm speks ˈseɪf.ti ˌsɜː.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz ænd eɪ ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl rɪˈtɜːn ˈpɒl.ɪ.si səʊ aɪ dəʊnt fɔːl fɔː eɪ fɒls ɪˈkɒn.ə.mi/

Then I compare per-unit prices and check price-history charts on major e-commerce platforms; timing purchases to seasonal promotions or student discounts lowers transaction costs without compromising quality.
/ðen aɪ kəmˈpeə pɜː ˈjuː.nɪt ˈpraɪ.sɪz ænd tʃek praɪs ˈhɪs.tər.i tʃɑːts ɒn ˈmeɪ.dʒə ˌiːˈkɒm.ɜːs ˈplæt.fɔːmz ˈtaɪ.mɪŋ ˈpɜː.tʃəs.ɪz tuː ˈsiː.zən.əl prəˈməʊ.ʃənz ɔː ˈstjuː.dənt ˈdɪs.kaʊnts ˈləʊ.əz trænˈzæk.ʃən kɒsts wɪˈðaʊt ˈkɒm.prə.maɪ.zɪŋ ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti/

I also consolidate orders to reduce shipping fees and use digital coupons, but I evaluate the total cost of ownership—durability, energy consumption, and maintenance—because a slightly higher upfront price can still be the cheapest over the product’s life.
/aɪ ˈɔːl.səʊ kənˈsɒl.ɪ.deɪt ˈɔː.dəz tuː rɪˈdjuːs ˈʃɪp.ɪŋ fiːz ænd juːz ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˈkuː.pɒnz bʌt aɪ ɪˈvæl.ju.eɪt ðiː ˈtəʊ.təl kɒst ɒv ˈəʊ.nə.ʃɪp ˌdʒʊə.rəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti ˈen.ə.dʒi kənˈsʌmp.ʃən ænd ˈmeɪn.tən.əns bɪˈkɒz eɪ ˈslaɪt.li ˈhaɪ.ə ˌʌpˈfrʌnt praɪs kæn stɪl biː ðiː ˈtʃiː.pɪst ˈəʊ.və ðiː ˈprɒd.ʌkts laɪf/

At the end of the day, “cheap” means cost-effective and reliable, not disposable.
/æt ðiː end ɒv ðiː deɪ tʃiːp miːnz ˌkɒst.ɪˈfek.tɪv ænd rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl nɒt dɪˈspəʊ.zə.bəl/

Do you think things are more expensive in big shopping malls?

Well, I do think prices in large malls are often higher, mainly because you’re paying for the overhead and the service bundle—prime-location rent, climate control, security, generous return policies, and trained staff. You know, premium brands also protect brand equity by maintaining a firmer margin structure in malls than they would at outlets or street markets. That said, malls sometimes offset this through price transparency and official promotions, so the “expensive” label isn’t universal. At the end of the day, the uplift reflects better consumer protection and convenience, not just profit-seeking.

Well, I do think prices in large malls are often higher, mainly because you’re paying for the overhead and the service bundle—prime-location rent, climate control, security, generous return policies, and trained staff.
/wel aɪ duː θɪŋk ˈpraɪ.sɪz ɪn lɑːdʒ mɔːlz ɑː ˈɒf.ən ˈhaɪ.ə ˈmeɪn.li bɪˈkɒz jɔː ˈpeɪ.ɪŋ fɔː ðiː ˈəʊ.və.hed ænd ðiː ˈsɜː.vɪs ˈbʌn.dəl praɪm ləʊˈkeɪ.ʃən rent ˈklaɪ.mət kənˈtrəʊl ænd sɪˈkjʊə.rə.ti ˈdʒen.ər.əs rɪˈtɜːn ˈpɒl.ɪ.siz ænd treɪnd stɑːf/

You know, premium brands also protect brand equity by maintaining a firmer margin structure in malls than they would at outlets or street markets.
/juː nəʊ ˈpriː.mi.əm brændz ˈɔːl.səʊ prəˈtekt brænd ˈek.wɪ.ti baɪ meɪnˈteɪ.nɪŋ eɪ ˈfɜː.mə ˈmɑː.dʒɪn ˈstrʌk.tʃə ɪn mɔːlz ðæn ðeɪ wʊd æt ˈaʊt.lets ɔː striːt ˈmɑː.kɪts/

That said, malls sometimes offset this through price transparency and official promotions, so the “expensive” label isn’t universal.
/ðæt sed mɔːlz ˈsʌm.taɪmz ˌɒfˈset ðɪs θruː praɪs trænˈspær.ən.si ænd əˈfɪʃ.əl prəˈməʊ.ʃənz səʊ ðiː ɪkˈspen.sɪv ˈleɪ.bəl ˈɪz.ənt ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.səl/

At the end of the day, the uplift reflects better consumer protection and convenience, not just profit-seeking.
/æt ðiː end ɒv ðiː deɪ ðə ˈʌp.lɪft rɪˈflekts ˈbet.ə kənˈsjuː.mə prəˈtek.ʃən ænd kənˈviː.ni.əns nɒt dʒʌst ˈprɒf.ɪt ˈsiː.kɪŋ/

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