Guangzhou residents went on a buying spree in the runup to the Chinese New Year, the Yangcheng Evening News reported Monday (Jan. 5).

The most popular purchases have been mobile phones and digital cameras, bought as gifts by young people and deemed a necessity for those going on tours.

On Jan. 1, the Guangzhou Department Store and the Friendship Shopping Mall saw their sales volumes increase by more than 40 percent compared with last year's figures. They each raked in more than 7 million yuan (US$847,000) in sales on the day.

Encouraged by the boom, three big supermarkets are set to open more outlets in the city in 2004. TrustMart will open two outlets soon while Park'n Shop will open three in the Dongshan and Tianhe districts.

More than 400,000 shoppers were recorded in the Tianhe City Plaza each day over the past few days. Some were attracted by promotional offers by the retailers. Besides traditional lantern shows and festive decorations, they organized live performances and invited shopper participation.

Buying sprees have often been recorded towards the Chinese New Year, as most people buy new clothes for themselves and gifts for friends and relatives. Some young people also choose to have wedding ceremonies, pushing up sales of jewelry and banquet bookings.

This year's Spring Festival will fall on Jan. 22, earlier than past years, prompting the early shopping rush.

Editor: Catherine