Pigs bring good fortune for shopkeepers
A six-minute video called “What is a Peppa Pig?” was trending on both Weibo and WeChat with millions of forwards and likes after it was released online on January 17, marking a good start for the Year of the Pig. The auspicious animal was especially favorable for commerce in Chinese New Year campaigns.
Various kinds of pig-shaped toys, jewelry and themed products have become bestsellers in Jiading.
As a golden pig symbolizes wealth accumulation and good fortune, gold pig jewelry played a leading role in the Chinese New Year market. At several local stores, gold pig pendants sold out.
“A big deal involved 70 pieces as the buyer, a company, took them as gifts for a year-end party,” said a shop assistant in a Lao Feng Xiang jewelry store at the intersection of Qinghe Road and Chengzhong Road.
At a China Gold outlet next door, a woman surnamed Liu was picking pig beads for her friend.
Not only is Peppa Pig a big hit, but also “Pigsy” in the 16th century Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” Pig-shaped dolls, piggy banks, Pigsy door posts and lanterns were a highlight in local stores.
A shopkeeper surnamed Zhang said that every day dozens of Pigsy door posts were sold.
KFC, Starbucks, and NongFu Spring have all debuted themed products.
Estée Lauder, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of skin care and hair care products, makeup and fragrance, launched its limited-edition Year of the Pig pressed powder while Italian luxury brand Gucci revealed some Year of the Pig fashions — embroidered cartoon pigs on sweatshirts and handbags as well as a monogrammed coin purse.
