Shanghai retail to gain inspiration from overseas, and the city's past
Shanghai shall combine online and offline businesses to drive synergies and commercial initiatives to better promote the city as a shopping destination, the city’s legislator and officials pointed out.
Yin Yicui, chairwoman of the standing committee of the Shanghai People’s Congress, said that government institutions shall also put more focus on synergies between online and offline retail as part of their initiative to revitalize commercial facilities and the shopping environment.
She also suggested Shanghai learn from developed nations in terms of retail infrastructure and service while, at the same time, sticking with local cultural heritage and artistic characteristics that are reminiscent of the old Shanghai.
In the first half of this year, 459 brands opened their first flagship stores in Shanghai, more than a third of which are international brands, according to Xu Wenjie, an inspector of the Shanghai Commerce Commission.
He also added that the city is seeking to open a tax free store in the downtown area to encourage domestic consumption.
Liu Minghua, managing partner of Deloitte China and also a Shanghai legislator, pointed out that business approval systems that combine functions from different government authorities will be put in place to maximize efficiency.
The city is sparing no efforts in building the brands of “Shanghai Services, Shanghai Manufacturing, Shanghai Shopping and Shanghai Culture” to push forward the transformation and upgrade of the economy.
The Shanghai No.1 Shopping Center officially opens for business on Tuesday.
The Shanghai No.1 Shopping Center has combined the old Shanghai No.1 Department Store at the Nanjing Road E. branch of the Orient Shopping Center, and has introduced new brands and interactive facilities as part of the Shanghai Commerce Commission's three-year action plan.
The plan aims to build the city into a testing field for new business and retail formats, such as those that integrate digital technologies and cashier-less vendors.
An indoor passageway connects the three halls of the Shanghai No.1 Shopping Center to allow more convenience for shoppers.
It also has a special section to showcase how Shanghai’s retail facilities have evolved over the years, where shoppers can also get a glimpse at brands through the latest digital technologies.
Traditional Shanghai style gifts from time-honored brands are also a special feature for the Shanghai No.1 Shopping Center, as well as an increasing number of canteens and leisure activities.
