The first-ever Choc Choco Chocolate Museum in East China's Shandong province has created a buzz in Shinan district, Qingdao.

Just one week after starting trial operations, the museum has pre-sold over 13,000 tickets, generating sales of over 400,000 yuan ($55,200), showcasing the immense potential of the headquarters economy.

With numerous flagship stores being set up in Shinan district this year, the headquarters economy has continued to gain momentum, emerging as a shining emblem of commercial development in Qingdao, offering consumers a personalized, diverse and international shopping experience.

Featuring "edible" ticket designs, a handcrafted DIY experience area, and Qingdao-themed chocolate sculptures, the museum seamlessly integrates experiential, interactive, observational, educational and retail elements. By blending culinary art with urban heritage, it has become a new landmark for pedestrians on Zhongshan Road in Shinan district, blending new business formats with old city charm.

Fueled by the headquarters economy, the western part of Shinan district is booming. Bananain, a leading domestic fashion brand, has been embraced by consumers since the opening of its first Shandong store at Wanda Plaza half a year ago.

In Shinan district, the headquarters economy is proving to be a new driving force for business development. In 2023, the district's total retail sales of consumer goods amounted to 78.03 billion yuan, an 8.3 percent year-on-year increase.