Changing patterns of retail consumption

Rising demand for high-end products fueling big growth opportunities for companies in China

Editor's note: As the 70th National Day of China on Oct 1 approaches, China Daily's special business stories will explain how various industries have upgraded over the years on the back of a more open economy. Here, we recount how consumption upgrade has helped transform the nation's commercial landscape. Next up will be special stories on the latest developments in fields like e-payments, telecommunications, capital markets, real estate and insurance.

Ryne Fang had to wait for seven days to visit the new Costco outlet in Shanghai, as overcrowding had forced the membership-only US warehouse retailer to suspend sales early for the first few days.