Source: CCTV.com

01-14-2009 11:11

Special Report:   2009 Spring Festival

As China's Spring Festival steps closer, more people are joining the crowds of shoppers to stock up on holiday treats. Shopping malls and stores have taken advantage of the opportunity, offering new products and tempting prices. DENG WEI has the story.

As China's Spring Festival steps closer, more people are  joining the crowds of shoppers to stock up on holiday treats.

The coming Chinese Lunar New Year has ushered in a new sales boom. Stores are brimming with a festive atmosphere.

In Wuhan, Hubei Province of Central China, most products at shopping malls discounted by as much as 70 percent. The seductive prices have lured consumers in.

Xie Aizhen, GM of Wuhan shopping mall, says, "this year, we increase our discounts by another 10 to 20 percent compared to previous years."

"I bought so much that I can't carry everything."

In Nanjing, Jiangsu province of East China, stores and shopping malls have also offered large discounts. A shopping mall set a record by selling products worth 35 million yuan during one weekend.

Stores say the slumping global markets have driven manufacturers to widen their sales channels. More and more have offered promotions and discounts. Some also extended their opening hours, but are still unable to meet consumers' demands.

A cashier says, "there are still lots of consumers lining up in front of the cashiers even when our store closes at 2 am. It takes us some time to clear the store."

In Changchun, Jilin province of Northeast China, supermarkets have also slashed food prices by as much as 20 percent. There are also price reductions in Hong Kong and Taiwan regions. Experts ascribe the increasing discounts to stores' reducing costs in purchasing and management.

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Editor:Qin Yongjing