Group buying picks up after slump

BEIJING - The group buying industry in China has gradually regained popularity after a first quarter slump this year.

The number of group buying users hit 42 million at the end of June, up 125 percent from that of December last year, according to data from the China Internet Network Information Center.

This surge is attributed to leading websites improving their customer service and strengthening self-regulation, after many buyers complained of poor service and low-quality products.