In addition to shopping discounts and coupons, consumers also got the chance to take in a folk show, a gourmet festival and other fun cultural and tourism events in the Wulonghui business circle. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A second shopping festival kicked off on Dec 18 at the Wanda Plaza in the Wulonghui business circle, Chongchuan district – located in Nantong city in East China's Jiangsu province – and ran through to Jan 3.

Sponsored by the administrative committee of the Nantong Gangzha Economic Development Zone, stores such as Auchan Supermarket, Wanda Plaza, IKEA and Sam's Club handed out various discounts and shopping coupons to consumers to stimulate spending.

During the festival, customers were also entertained by a folk show, a gourmet festival and other events.

The establishment of the Wulonghui business circle as an urban sub-center was part of Nantong city's strategic plan. As one of the four core business circles in Chongchuan district, officials said it has distinct geographical advantages. With dozens of leading international commercial brands, it has become one of the most popular shopping hot spots in Nantong.

In December 2019, the Gangzha Economic Development Zone, together with the six major business stores in the precinct, launched the first shopping festival. Gathering high-quality goods and materials from various stores, the interesting range of activities, high-quality products and fun activities won praise from the general public.

Local officials said the second life festival had almost certainly boosted the commercial area and given further momentum to its development.

Wang Bin, Party working committee secretary of the Gangzha Economic Development Zone, said that on-site business conducted in stores and shops was severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

In order to reduce the impact of the epidemic and increase consumer spending, the zone worked on helping out through policy guidance and corporate services.

The district conducted research and issued a three-year plan on supporting commercial development. It responded to calls to issue anti-epidemic promotion shopping coupons. It also planned and organized a series of livestream activities, to help companies promote their premium products.