Souvenirs

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The Flushing Shopping Experience

The atmosphere of the Chinatown in Flushing, Queens is not like that of Chinatown in Lower Manhattan. Flushing does not have the same marketplace feel to it. Instead, Flushing has many enclosed stores. The inventories of many of these stores have been significantly influenced by the cultures of the Flushing community.
While many of the stores in Flushing are enclosed, there are some open shops that are not very different from the stores in Manhattan's Chinatown. There just are not as many outdoor stores to give that marketplace atmosphere that Chinatown, Manhattan is famous for. This picture of a store on Roosevelt Avenue shows various flip-flops and shoes for sale. This other shop sells toys of all kinds from American and Asian cultures. They are both very reminiscent of the stores found in Chinatown, Manhattan.


Flushing Center Mall

Chinese Teapots and Japanese Swords
The Flushing Center Mall at 135-15 Roosevelt Avenue is home to many different shops from expensive jewelry stores to small figurine shops. Shoppers get a distinct feeling of Chinese culture as they walk through the mall because of the way it is decorated. One such decoration is a replica of an old rickshaw that is on display. The community also influences the inventories of the stores. Shoppers in the figurine store will find souvenirs from Chinese culture including dragon, lion, horse, Buddha, and soldier statues. There are also a large variety of teapots on display. Japanese swords and daggers, and Hindu religious icons are also sold here, giving the store more than just a Chinese influence.


Deluxe Jewelry

Jade Jewelry
A statue of Buddha and other jade jewelry
The Deluxe Jewelry store down the block from the Flushing Center Mall on Roosevelt Avenue is another store with strong Asian influences on its inventory. Most of the jewelry on display is made of jade. Jade has been used in China since ancient times for many fine objects like jewelry and statues. Deluxe Jewelry has jade necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for sale. Jade earrings crafted into the shape of the Buddha were also on display, again showing the distinct Chinese influence.


American Stores in Flushing

While there are many small shops in Flushing, Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue are also filled with large franchise stores like Old Navy and Modell's. American food chains like McDonald's and Burger King also have restaurants in Flushing. This shows that American culture has also had an influence on the area. As a place where many immigrants gather, it is interesting to see how these franchises might affect the way people assimilate to their new country.