With Francine Martin

American Francine Martin has always been an avid window shopper. She likes nothing more than scouring the shops and markets of Shanghai in search of unusual finds. Martin founded her business East of the Sun over three years ago to provide Shanghai's residents and visitors with a sophisticated, tailor-made shopping service.

Q: How did you get into personal shopping?

A: I knew someone in Hong Kong who ran a similar business and she asked me to work for her. At the time it didn't feel right. When I came to Shanghai four years ago, I fell in love with the city's architecture, so I decided to start my own personal shopping service and combine it with showing people the wonderful visual aspects of Shanghai. I don't pretend to be a historian or art expert, but I do have a love for aesthetics and the research skills to find what people need.

Q: What's unique about the service you offer?

A: I tailor-make shopping excursions to suit each client's wish list. I don't take commissions so I only focus on meeting people's needs and price point. I look at what visitors want to buy from a Westerner's perspective. If clients are interested, I also like to take my clients on walks to show them some local life.

Q: What's the most absurd or difficult request you've ever received?

A: A foreign client once asked me to find a folding electric bike with a specific speed and weight. I spent about 12 hours trying to find the right one. After all that, no airline would allow them to take the bike on board because of the electric motor, so it was eventually returned to the shop!

Q: What do you think about the shopping scene in Shanghai?

A: It's definitely an adventure and a challenge. When you're here, products can seem repetitive, but to a visitor they're exciting. The scope is definitely improving. Vendors have become more aware of what people want.

Q: Do you have a favorite shop?

A: I love the Chinese designer Wang Yi Yang and his boutiques Cha Gang and ZucZug. His designs aren't for everyone, but if my clients like edgy clothing and have an appreciation for creativity, I take them there.

Q: What do you love most about your job?

A: I enjoy showing people Shanghai through the eyes of someone who loves the city as well as promoting local manufacturers and designers.

Francine Martin, East of the Sun, 137 6193 6595, francine@eastofthesun-asia.com, www.eastofthesun-asia.com