Society

Discounts galore as Expo enters last leg

By Tang Zhihao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-18 07:43

SHANGHAI - Major discounts on offer in gift stores in the Expo Garden have boosted sales of Expo 2010 Shanghai souvenirs.

Almost every gift store at the fair's venue started offering discounts since early October, as the six-month Expo entered its last month.

Related readings:  Record number of visitors swarm into Shanghai Expo site  Int'l center for kids clothes launched at Expo Garden  Expo boosts business  Internet redefining Expo's role, content

Visitors who spend more than 100 yuan ($15) in licensed souvenir stores get free gifts, such as key-rings and Haibao - the official Expo mascot - toys.

Some stores, such as the wine section in the Chile Pavilion, are even offering 50-percent discounts. A buy-one-get-one-free scheme at the store has pulled in huge crowds since the start of this month.

"Few people will buy Expo souvenirs when the event is over," said Ji Feng, a manager of a souvenir store in the Expo Garden. "By offering some discounts, we hope to increase sales and accelerate our stock turnover."

"More discounts could be offered next year for items that remain unsold until January 2011."

"Souvenirs such as silver coins were being sold for 1,000 yuan, which I think is too high," said Zhao Bin, a visitor from Zhejiang province. "I will be happier buying cheaper items."

Though visitors have shown some willingness to spend more money on souvenirs, some of them are in doubt of the quality of products on sale in the Expo Garden.

"I have noticed some major discounts in Joint Africa Pavilion's bazaar, but I worry about the quality," said a visitor surnamed Wu. "And I wonder where would I go to seek help if I buy low quality products when the fair is about to end."

With just two weeks left before the Expo comes to a close, some visitors are enquiring if they can purchase some facilities installed in pavilions.