Chinese consumption on the rise despite travel restrictions

This year in China, due to the prevention and control of the epidemic, the New Year period has not afforded millions of people the opportunity to return to their hometowns for family celebrations. Despite these restrictions, consumption has registered a good vitality.

 

 

 

Sales of major retail and restaurant businesses, including online, reached 821 billion yuan ($ 169 billion) from February 11 to 17, the Commerce Ministry said. That is an increase of 28.7% compared to New Year 2020. Compared to the same period last year, online catering services grew by + 50% and sales of food products increased by + 40% according to CCT (China Central Television).

 

 

 

Due to travel restrictions, decided to prevent and control the epidemic, many Chinese people said that this year they turned to food services. They ordered ready meals, semi-finished meals, or ordered a meal at their favorite restaurants.

 

 

 

Thus sales for the New Year's Eve dinner increased by + 100% in Shanghai, according to Hema Fresh, a chain of fresh products. Dishes offered in small portions increased by + 74% compared to last year. Sales for 4 to 6 diners performed the best, showing that very few families organized large gatherings of 10 or more people.

 

 

 

To keep up with consumer demand, many restaurants have extended their opening hours and almost all over the country many shopping malls have also extended their opening hours.

 

 

 

In China, the New Year marks the world's largest annual migration, when millions of migrant workers return to their hometowns. This year the authorities discouraged these trips to control recent epidemics.