When we say low-cost shopping destination in Metro Manila, we would automatically think of Divisoria. Divisoria is located at the heart of City of Manila. It is also a shopping destination for all kinds of low priced goods from accessories, to kitchen accessories, apparels, toys, vegetable.
Divisoria is actually jump packed with shoppers in May and December. It is also advisable to buy in bulk rather than in pieces because it is cheaper if you buy it whole sale.
Tips for a successful shopping at Divisoria:
- I would say before you go there you list down all the things you need and include the needs of the whole family so when you go there you could at least bargain when you buy. The more the merrier as they say. haha
- Always bargain. It is a known culture in Divisoria to always bargain with the sales girl. However when you bargain always bargain at a reasonable price so you get the price you wanted to avoid discussion.
- If you are a Divisoria Shopper or if you go to Divisoria frequently you would definitely know that going there at past 9 is difficult. Go there early so you would have more time to look around and to avoid the rush and there'll be fewer buyers.
- Don't be an impulse buyer. It is always good to canvas the prices of the other stores and so you would have an idea as to how much you would bargain for the price of the item. Here's a good tip... the farther you go the cheaper the price is. Check every corner and every roads along Divisoria before deciding where to buy.
- Don't wear jewelries, watch or any other expensive accessories. Bring the cheapest cellphone you have and of course as much as possible your money should be in hundreds, twenties and fifty pesos. This would be easier for you to pay them at exact amount and also it is not advisable to bring with you a handbag. Instead use a clutch bag if really necessary.
- Don't bring kids. So you could twist and roam freely and you can do shopping at your own pace.
- BE PATIENT! Expect that there would be huge crowds since this place offers relatively cheap good item and canvasing is painstaking but worthy.
- Wear tight jeans or tight shorts. The only reason for this is for you to feel if someone is attempting to get your cellphone or wallet on your pants. Always make sure as well not to place your money on one pocket only as much as possible pocket the 20's and 50's denomination on your pocket and the 100's denomination on your wallet (dont put your wallet on your pocket)
So here's a general map so you would know where to find some specific items: Go to Ilaya Streets if you want to buy fabrics. Tabora is a perfect place for ribbons, buttons, beads, crafts and or other notions. Also, since this is street market you would definitely see street vendors who will be selling other stuffs like native products, housewares or even clothes. Its good to ask their price because you might be surprise when you see these stuffs inside the shops just behind this street vendors. Good to note so you could bargain inside the shop and or you can go back to this street vendors and buy the said product.
This is also the best place to buy affordable wedding gowns and barongs. Next stop is the New Divisoria Mall along Tabora. It offers air-conditioned comfort with various items like apparels, housewares, balloons and the basement with a wet market and dark corridors. The corridors sell the cheapest party toys and giveaways (this toys and giveaways are really just for fun it don't last a day)
Across the New Divisoria Mall is the Divisoria Shopping Center. It also sells cheap plastics toys, wooden toys and decorative materials like artificial flowers and leaves.
Streets between Divi Shopping Center and New Divi Mall for fruits by the kilo.
168 Mall also offer almost everything from toys to apparels. It is more expensive than the other mall but of course still cheaper than any other malls in Metro Manila.
If you are shopping for t-shirts but planning to buy it in bulk Juan Luna Street is your best place.
On your way out to Divisoria is Q. Paredes St near or closest to Binondo Church offers school and office supplies.
Enjoy shopping and Good Luck!
