Changning attracts global shoppers with innovative approach

As more foreigners visit Shanghai with the implementation of the visa-free policy, Changning District has promoted the development of the tourism economy by precisely segmenting consumer needs, uniquely designing "Shanghai Gifts," and optimizing tax refund services.

The Changning District outlet City Mall recently received an African business team who went on a shopping spree, forming long queues at the tax refund point.

This new wave of consumption, emerging after the visa-free policy, was captured by an online duty-free shopping platform "Zuo Meng." Cong Kan, the company's founder,  envisioned whether the model of helping Chinese tourists shop abroad could be "reversed" to provide guidance for visa-free foreign visitors with shopping needs, achieving "reverse purchasing."

Cong recalled the period when Chinese tourists shopped abroad, during which the company's main business was recommending duty-free shops to them. "Now, we can transform our expertise in recommending overseas shopping for Chinese people into recommending Chinese malls for foreigners."

Currently, the Changning District Commerce Commission is collaborating with the District Tourism Bureau to explore how to utilize district resources, such as incorporating shopping guides into Spring Travel Service’s tourism itineraries for international tour groups. They are also attempting to cooperate with Trip.com to leverage the company's overseas resources, using overseas influencers and local social media channels to reach independent travelers.

Additionally, merchants can design products that meet the needs of foreign consumers, comply with export regulations, and match their spending levels, while showcasing Chinese characteristics.

Zhu Hong, deputy director of the Changning District Commerce Commission, believes that besides electronics, products with regional characteristics like silk scarves could tell more captivating stories and have unique designs to attract foreign tourists.

In terms of tax refund services, Changning District is further promoting the "immediate refund" model to optimize the consumer environment. Currently, tax refund points are set up at the L’Avenue Center, Takashimaya Department Store, City Mall, and Xijiao Bailian. This year, the district will establish more points in the eastern part of the district at Longemont Shopping Center and the western part at Livet.