Retail, catering sales surge during New Year holiday
- Details
- Category: Ningbo News
- Published: Tuesday, 15 January 2013 09:33
Ningbo's retail and catering industries saw a surge in sales during the just-finished New Year's holiday, according to a survey over the city's major commercial and retail businesses. The recent freezing temperature boosted the demand for winter products while the short sunshine during the holiday attracted a growing number of tourists. Many couples also chose to hold their weddings during the fine weather.
The New Year holiday started well with cold, sunny weather in the first two days. A large number of citizens took excursions in the suburbs and nearby towns, which in turn boosted the rising demand of accommodation, shopping and the food and beverage market. The opening of Xiangshan Port Bridge attracted a large number of tourists to go to see the sight of the bridge while trying the local seafood.
The downtown of Ningbo also saw surging catering consumption brought by the arrival of tourists and wedding season. The wedding seats in Shipu Hotel were fully booked for two consecutive days. It even hosted eight wedding receptions on its busiest day. The wedding turnover alone was equivalent for the total sale over same period last year.
The cold weather also boosted retail business. Home appliances retailers like Suning, Gome, Fivestar saw sharp rise of sales in air conditioners, heaters and other winter products because of the coming cold air. In department stores, the sales promotions of down jackets, cashmere sweaters and warm hats have lit up shoppers' enthusiasm. Statistics show that major department stores and supermarkets in Tianyi Square, Yinzhou Wanda, and Raffles Plaza saw 20 percent hike in holiday sales.
