Expo lures luxury brands to Shanghai

Market for upscale products continues to grow in China

SHANGHAI - Manufacturers of luxury fashion and accessory brands are lining up to increase their products' presence in Shanghai to coincide with the opening of Expo 2010, as China's huge consumer market continues to become a magnet for luxury European brands.

Shanghai is experiencing a big increase in luxury-brand stores, mainly in its upscale Huaihai Road shopping area, with many of the openings coinciding with the start of Expo.