The cost of life in Shanghai. Are Stores Profiteering? Some Facts to Remember: How Prices are Calculated

"But of lament over the increasing cost of living there is no end. The letters we have recently published are only an index of talk that is heard in every circle; and if the cause of expense of living is not always correctly gauged, of the fact there can be no doubt."

"Having taken no part hitherto in the controversy, we have now made some independent inquiries, referring to the manager of one of the principal department stores here. The prices in all the chief stores here are so nearly on a level that one is a sufficient guide to all. At the outset it may be noted that non of the big stores has much inducement to overcharge as ther are Chinese competitors nowadays always look-out to undersell them. The manager we went to was perfectly frank and showed all figures that could in any way influence local prices." 

The Laid Down Cost

Some Telling Comparisons

The Marketman's Imposition