Since the beginning of this year, Beijing has been attracting well-known Chinese and foreign brands to open their first stores in the city, with foreign brands from more than 20 countries and regions opening their first stores in the capital. From January to August, Beijing's first-store economy notched impressive gains: 672 first stores opened, and 738 debut events were held, including product launches, shows, exhibitions and performances.

The catering sector remains the biggest contributor to the growth of first stores in Beijing. International food and beverage brands continue to expand, while regional brands are accelerating to establish their presence in the capital. The food and beverage brands involved are from multiple countries, including Singapore's Oukuk. The retail sector has likewise welcomed a number of high-profile first stores, with 191 new retail first stores opened across the city from January to August.

Four major commercial areas, namely Shuangjing, Wangfujing, the CBD and Sanlitun, led citywide in the number of new first stores. Other commercial areas such as Changying and Wangjing maintained steady momentum, while districts such as Shijingshan, Tongzhou, Changping and Daxing recorded significant growth in the number of new first stores.

Beijing will introduce dedicated debut spaces that serve brand showcases, product launches, debut events and experiential consumption, and support shopping malls, commercial streets and commercial areas in clustering first stores, flagship stores and innovative concept stores from Chinese and foreign brands.

(Source: Beijing Daily)