In Shanghai, at the turning of the millennium, Commerce was rapidly becoming the new "religion" of post-communist society. Despite decades of ideological propaganda, all of a sudden everything was for sale. Shopping centers ― the city's new temples ― were erected everywhere. Consumption was becoming the key mechanism of life in this city. The question was: "How will art and artists function within this changed system?" The exhibition concept was to confront art with its contemporary environment, the showing of art with the act of shopping.

In the large Shanghai Center Shopping Mall, visitors were attracted to enter into a regular looking supermarket, complete with shelves full with packaged, serially produced products, shop-assistants, and a cashier.