In early 2025, the USA imposed new trade tariffs on global products, notably increasing China’s tariff from 10% to 20%. In response, Chinese wholesalers took to social media, encouraging consumers to shop directly with them.
Although these tariffs didn’t directly impact the UK, British social media users were intrigued by videos showcasing luxury items available at a fraction of the brands’ prices, straight from Chinese factories and wholesalers. These items ranged from designer clothing to furniture and home goods.
NHS Dr Shirley Bekker was among those who saw these TikTok videos and was inspired to book a spontaneous shopping trip to China in May 2025 to furnish her future flat.
She travelled to Foshan, a city renowned for its significant manufacturing contribution to the world, boasting 30 towns each specialising in specific industries such as furniture, machinery, and beverages.
Shirley decided to document her shopping adventure on TikTok, highlighting the big savings she was making, which ended up being more than she’d expected.
While she’d initially been sceptical about whether the shopping trip to Foshan would be worthwhile, Shirley quickly changed her tune upon discovering her ‘dream’ coffee table.
“It’s built on a solid wood platform, real glass on top, it’s really heavy, really durable, and just looks so luxe,” she explained while showcasing her new table, which features wooden geometric patterns under the glass.
Although the table looked well made and expensive, she shared that she’d ‘only’ paid £150 for it, comparing it to how it was less than what she spent on her ‘HD frontal weave’ for her hair.
In a follow up video, she excitedly shared her purchase of a wooden dining table for only £80 and personalised chairs that complemented the new sofa she snapped up for £340. Eager to fully furnish her future home, Shirley also picked out matching lamps and artwork for decoration.
Even though the total expenses added up quickly , upon returning home, she drafted a presentation that highlighted the tremendous savings made by comparing the items found in China against similar items currently being sold in UK stores.
She began with the £80 wooden dining table from China, which she compared to a lookalike model retailing at B&Q for £349.99. While she didn’t mention the import costs at this time, Shirley happily pointed out that she’d saved of £269.99 from the table alone.
She went on to share that the pair of custom made dining chairs she’d bought for £65 each would have set her back an exorbitant £990 per chair had they been purchased in the UK.
As Shirley tallied up the potential cost differences across all her bought items, she was surprised at the substantial savings she had made from her shopping trip.
“So in conclusion, you jetted off to China armed with nothing more than a Monzo card, Google Translate, and praised hands. You embarked on a six-day shopping spree, acquiring enough items to furnish a bedroom, balcony, renovate a bathroom, and even amass dinnerware fit for hosting the Royal family,” the voiceover on the video narrated.
The commentary continued: “Had you opted to make these purchases in the UK, this venture would have set you back a staggering £21,800. However, by taking the bold step to shop in China, your total expenditure amounted to just £3,690.56.”
Although Shirley’s savings calculation did not factor in the shipping costs from China to the UK, she still managed to save an impressive £18,109.04., which will likely cover any shipping expenses and more.