Total Retail Sales of Consumer Goods Shot up in the First Quarter

In the first quarter, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 2,118.8 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.9 percent.

In terms of different regions, the retail sales of consumer goods in urban areas was 1,433.3 billion yuan, rose by 15.5 percent over the same period of the previous year; that of retail sales at and below the county level achieved 685.5 billion yuan, up by 13.7 percent.

In terms of different industries, the retail sales of wholesale and retail trades was 1,784.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.7 percent; that of hotel and catering services was 298.4 billion yuan, up by 17.4 percent; that of other industries was 36.2 billion yuan, up by 4.4 percent.

In terms of different commodity categories, the retail sales above designated size of wholesale and retail trades, divided by foodstuff, clothing and utilized commodities increased 22.4, 27.2 and 25.8 percent respectively. Of which, the retail sales for grain and oil was up by 30.4 percent; that of meat, poultry and eggs was up by 32.5 percent; that of clothing, shoes, hats and textiles was up by 27.2 percent; that of cultural and offices appliances rose by 12.9 percent; that of sports and recreation articles rose by 14.5 percent; that of articles for daily use shot up by 23.4 percent; that of household appliances and video appliances rose by 21.0 percent; that of furniture was up by 37.6 percent; that of building and decoration materials increased 25.3 percent; that of cosmetics jumped by 24.8 percent; that of gold, silver, and jewelry rose by 37.9 percent; that of telecommunication appliances rose by 10.6 percent; that of automobiles rose by 38.5 percent; and that of petroleum and related products rose by 24.0 percent.