Shanghai steps up efforts to enhance global shopping appeal

Shanghai is stepping up efforts to develop into an international consumption center, introducing new policies to encourage business innovation and enhance service quality. These efforts are aimed at strengthening the city's appeal to international consumers.

Supporting the development of

new consumption formats

One policy focuses on developing innovative business models, consumption scenarios, and consumer experiences. It aims to provide targeted financial support to help businesses overcome innovation challenges and establish new consumption formats that meet evolving consumer needs.

Shanghai is prioritizing three key areas:

Supporting the debut economy

The city is establishing debut clusters, supporting high-profile first-store openings, and organizing first-launch, first-exhibition, and first-show events. These efforts aim to position Shanghai as the place where consumers can first access the latest and most fashionable products, helping to create the "First in Shanghai" brand.

Developing innovative consumer experiences

Shanghai is working to create more engaging consumer experiences by integrating culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions. The development of the nighttime economy will offer consumers more shopping and leisure options after dark. Additionally, the city supports centers in exhibiting and selling premium foreign trade products.

Supporting both established and emerging brands

This includes supporting time-honored brands and new brands in developing new products, opening new stores, and expanding the "Shanghai Style" customization service. The city is also working to establish a cluster focused on integrating artificial intelligence with consumer services to elevate the retail experience.

Improving Shanghai's global

retail environment

In addition to developing new consumption models, Shanghai is focused on optimizing its shopping areas to ensure an exceptional shopping experience for both local and international consumers.

Enhancing shopping areas

Key shopping areas are undergoing improvements, including immersive shopping spaces and visually appealing installations. Locations such as Crystal Plaza, New Bund Red Lane, and Xintiandi are introducing floral-themed displays as part of the 2026 Shanghai International Flower Show, contributing to a more engaging shopping environment.

Improving service quality and accessibility

Efforts are being made to make Shanghai's shopping areas more welcoming and convenient for inbound visitors. This includes improving signage, communications, and luggage storage facilities, as well as creating environments that are barrier-free and friendly to mothers and babies, children, and pets.

Streamlining payments and tax refunds

Shanghai is simplifying payment and departure tax refund processes to make shopping smoother and more convenient for international visitors. The city is supporting integrated services that provide seamless inbound shopping and departure tax refunds, payment solutions, and exclusive discounts for holders of cultural and tourism event tickets. Additionally, new departure tax refund stores and self-service kiosks for tax refunds and payments are being introduced, along with staff training in international service standards.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Huangpu district government, Shanghai International Flower Show, VCG