Beijing retail sales rise

Beijing has reported a rise in retail sales during the week-long National Day holiday that began last Thursday.

Chinese government news agency Xinhua reports both locals and tourists have “spent heavily” on consumer goods.

During the first six days of October, Beijing’s 100 leading retailers reported a total sales revenue of 5.3 billion yuan (about US$833.7 million), up 6.2 per cent on the same period of last year, according to figures released by Beijing Municipal Commission of Commerce.

The figures were collected from Beijing’s major retail outlets including shops, supermarkets and restaurants, it said in a press release.

Many avid shoppers took advantage of the National Day promotions offered by most retailers to buy winter clothing and the latest models of smartphones and other digital products.

While housewives flooded supermarkets to buy food for their family feasts, many others chose to dine at some of the city’s most famous restaurants.

A surge of customers from locals and sightseers has brought an average 10 percent increase in revenue at these restaurants, according to the municipal commission of commerce.

It said the Golden Week has witnessed a 20 per cent surge in gold and jewellery sales, as the holiday week is also a prime time for weddings.

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