Harbin’s continental flavour shows in its goods too: Russian-style foods, vessels and crafts are a local feature — worth a look when browsing business districts or character streets.
Check the workmanship and labels, choose proper stores and keep receipts; buy expensive items as needed and avoid impulse spending.
You can string the older business districts and character streets into one shopping route: see architecture and shop by day, then move into the night scene and snacks in the evening; when it is cold, browse indoors at ease.