I am a tourist. At approximately 6:30 PM, I passed by this shop and decided to step in for a casual look. I had no specific intention to make a purchase. However, a Chinese woman near the traditional Chinese medicine section on the first floor approached me directly and began promoting products. She first asked what kind of medicine I was looking for. I replied that I was just browsing. Without hesitation, she then asked, “Would you like to buy some kidney supplements?”
I was utterly shocked, speechless, and walked away feeling deeply embarrassed. In Chinese cultural context, the kidneys are strongly associated with sexual function. To suggest—unsolicited and in public—that someone needs kidney supplements is tantamount to openly implying that the person is impotent, sexually inadequate, or lacking in masculinity.
Her blunt and inappropriate remark was not only extremely disrespectful and offensive, but, in my view, crossed a line into sexual harassment. This experience left me feeling humiliated and disturbed. I demand a formal explanation for this unacceptable behavior.
Reply:I have no objection to product introductions or marketing efforts. However, from a tourist’s perspective, it’s clear that your store’s best-selling items are pain-relief medicated oils. Despite this, the female salesperson—who spoke fluent Chinese and was clearly of Chinese descent—did not start by promoting those products. Instead, she directly asked if I needed kidney-tonic health supplements. Given her cultural background, I find it hard to believe she was unaware of the social implications of such a suggestion. That is why I question the intent behind this particular...
Read moreYue Hwa Chinese Products, located in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown, is a renowned department store offering a wide range of traditional Chinese goods. Established in 1996 in the iconic former Nam Tin Hotel building, this six-story store is a treasure trove for anyone seeking authentic Chinese products. Its prominent location at the junction of Eu Tong Sen Street and Upper Cross Street makes it a popular stop for locals and tourists alike.
The store’s extensive selection includes silk garments, Chinese herbs, tea, furniture, ceramics, and handicrafts. Visitors can find traditional cheongsams, exquisite jade jewelry, and intricate porcelain pieces that reflect China’s rich cultural heritage. Yue Hwa is particularly known for its Chinese medicinal products, offering herbs, tonics, and health supplements that cater to wellness enthusiasts.
Beyond shopping, the store itself is a historical landmark. The building’s colonial-era façade, combined with its Chinese-inspired interiors, showcases the blend of architectural styles that define Singapore’s cultural landscape.
Yue Hwa Chinese Products provides a unique shopping experience, combining tradition and quality under one roof. Whether searching for gifts, exploring Chinese culture, or simply admiring its heritage, Yue Hwa continues to be a cultural and retail gem in Singapore’s...
Read moreChinese tradition comes to you in all its splendour at Yue Hwa. Established in Hong Kong over 50 years ago, this leading Chinese department store chain is Singapore's only department store specialising in Chinese silk, food, tea, cheongsams, antiques and gifts.
The flagship store is a city landmark, situated right in the heart of Singapore's Chinatown. Housed in the former Nam Tin Hotel and conveniently located near Chinatown MRT station, the store combines both contemporary and original architecture, and features an entirely new extension, screen walls and stained glass skylights, all of which complement the building's rich historical character.
Yue Hwa offers a wide range of reasonably priced, authentic Chinese products. We also hold regular seasonal promotions, which feature such delights as hairy crab and other delicacies food from all over Asia. Yue Hwa is truly your one- stop shop for authentic Chinese goods.
Operation hours:
Chinatown :11am - 9pm (Sun-Fri) / 11am - 10pm (Sat)
Jurong Point :10am - 10pm
Kovan :10am - 10pm
Eastpoint...
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