Over six million Chinese tourists dispersed themselves across the world this month during the Chinese New Year holiday, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, while it seems as though these tourists were grasping at the chance to explore, others had a different motivation for traveling: shopping.
In previous years, Chinese tourists were known for stacking up on advanced toilet seats, rice cookers and other high-tech items. This year, a record-breaking RMB90 billion was spent on overseas goods, according to the China Tourism Academy. The Chinese shoppers looked to Japan, South Korea, the US and Europe to buy essential goods, such as condoms and sanitary napkins.
The Japanese condom brand, Okamoto, seemed to be a preferred favourite for Chinese tourists, with travelers buying the condoms in bulk. Share prices for the company rose 78 percent over the last year. Japanese sanitary pads were also in high demand, after reports that some Chinese sanitary napkins may contain harmful whitening agents.
In South Korea, Chinese tourists looked to buy packets of ramen — an odd purchasing choice, considering the abundance of instant noodles stacked in Family Marts. Some argue that the Korean instant noodles are chewier and thicker. However, the lacking abundance of almonds in China led to more tourists buying honey-buttered almonds in South Korea.
Although Abercrombie & Fitch recently opened up stores in China, Chinese shoppers still bought out the US stores, presumably due to lower prices. Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein clothing were also sought after brands.
For Chinese tourists, there is a certain safety associated with buying foreign goods. As one Chinese shopper stated, “you can buy [these items] with confidence.” The strict regulations and quality control for foreign items make them trustworthy and attractive to the Chinese consumer.
[Image via the Wall Street Journal]
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