'First Store Economy' boosts consumer market in Taizhou

A Freshippo store welcomes many visitors. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Taizhou is leveraging the "first store economy" to inject fresh momentum into the local market. With diverse and unique retail offerings, renowned brands are making a strong debut, setting record-breaking sales and unlocking new growth opportunities. 

March Monster's first directly operated store in Taizhou. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

March Monster, a brand specializing in anime and gaming merchandise, opened its first directly operated store in Taizhou. According to store manager Wu Xingxia, the brand chose Taizhou due to its strong Gen Z consumer base. Within the first week of opening, the store achieved nearly 100,000 yuan ($13,768.25) in sales.

The store is located in the Taizhou Davemall Young Power Center, which has introduced over a dozen "ACG (Anime, Comics, and Games)" brands, with more than half being first-time entrants in Taizhou. These stores have significantly boosted foot traffic, particularly on weekends and holidays, as young consumers flock to explore and shop. 

From diverse culinary experiences to the latest fashion trends and cutting-edge technology products, the influx of first stores is enriching Taizhou's retail landscape. Taizhou MixC has adopted a dynamic model where the first stores account for 50 percent of its total brands, with 50 new stores opening annually. For instance, Serene Hill, a hotpot restaurant, set a record with 400,000 yuan in sales during the 2024 National Day holiday, marking a staggering 390 percent year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, a Huawei authorized experience store generated 416,000 yuan in revenue within three days of opening, ranking first in Jiangsu province.

People wait in line in front of a restaurant in Taizhou. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]

Taizhou's retail scene will continue to thrive, with over 10 new first stores set to open in the city center between March and May. Additionally, on May 1, the Taixing Fengqi Outlets will open, with more than 40 percent of its brands making their debut in the central Jiangsu region.