Like the rest of China, Dalian's development is in hyperdrive, and shops selling international and imported goods are springing up with alarming rapidity.  You can get almost anything you're looking for with a little bit of effort, especially where accessories, coats and bags are concerned.  Of course, shoes and pants made for the non-Asian figure are the two most elusive things to lay your hands on.

Dalian's specialty products are few, but clothing, seafood and carved shells are cheap and various.  If you enjoy fruit, don't forget to pick up some apples, for which the northeast is famous.