Metro
About
Metro (麦德隆超市), 1 Maidelong Road, Ningbo City, 宁波麦德隆路1号 Tel: +86-(0) 574-88208888. Strictly speaking this is a wholesale store for restaurants and caterers. But shelves do stock smaller quantities of most items. In addition to food related items, you can for example, buy reliable quality underwear, shoes and jackets etc. One criticism often heard on the lips of foreigners is that supply of stock is sometimes unreliable. But given the opening hours of the store which are appropriate for caterers and restauranteurs (early in the morning to late at night) its possible that some items are simply sold out and that day time re-stocking activities frustrate customers making their way down aisles. Have no fear for parking - there is plenty of it with a massive car park part of the compound. There are not many immediately obvious places to eat out near Metro. So don't go on an empty stomach or be prepared to snack on some of your purchases. Strictly speaking you will need a Metro card to purchase. But obtaining one is free and easy. Be aware that check out staff will insist on you having one while perhaps having only Chinese to try and explain this to you. If you are not prepared to sign up for one or are in a hurry - other shoppers will often lend you their card.