Jiangsu's retail sales of consumer goods went up 10% year on year to more than 2.3 trillion yuan in the first half of this year, according to the province's Department of Statistics. Notably, online retail sales maintained fast growth while physical stores also made progress in their operations.

The strong growth came due to brisk festival markets during the period, such as the Spring Festival (China's Lunar New Year), May Day holiday, and Dragon Boat Festival, as well as the comparatively lower figures registered in April and May last year.

Data showed that consumption in the six months continued to shift from quantity to quality-orientated. For example, retail sales in the three categories of gold, silver and jewelry, sports and amusements appliances, and telecommunication equipment had year-on-year growth of 20.1%, 36.1% and 40.2%, respectively, while smartphone sales skyrocketed by 65%.

In addition, the province saw the year-on-year growth of 13.5%, 27.8% and 9.2% in total retail sales of daily necessities, beverage, and tobacco and liquor, while the two categories of clothes, shoes, hats and textiles as well as traditional Chinese and western medicines increased by 7.2% and 12%, respectively.

(CFP Photo)

During the first half of the year, the province's retail sales of automobiles and petroleum products rose by 10.1% and 10.6%, respectively.

In addition, sales achieved by convenience stores, brand outlets, department stores, and shopping centers increased by 18.4%, 12.9%, 9.5% and 12.2%, respectively, over the previous year. Overall, the retail sales growth of physical stores expanded by 9.6%. 

In comparison, online retail sales of the enterprises (units) above designated size registered a 19.3% year-on-year growth.