Breaking Borders with Shanghai Summer: Transforming Global Consumer Trends

The launch of the 2025 'Shanghai Summer' International Consumption Season marks a pivotal moment for the global economy as Shanghai positions itself at the forefront of summer consumer campaigns. On April 18, the event kicked off at the Xujiahui Centre, highlighting creative concepts designed to enhance retail, travel, and lifestyle experiences. The initiatives include the '240-Hour Products,' which aim to provide visitors with exceptional products and experiences during their time in the city, transforming how consumers approach summer engagement.

As reported by China UnionPay, the summer of 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge in foreign spending, increasing by 68.2% as visitors flocked to the city to partake in its vibrant array of offerings. Notably, areas like Huaihai Road saw an astounding 208.6% rise in spending on overseas cards, while Lujiazui-Zhangyang Road reported a 119.9% increase. Overall, Shanghai's offline consumption reached a staggering RMB 815.9 billion, reflecting an impressive 8.2% year-on-year growth, and dining expenditures surged by 26.9%, showcasing the city's economic vitality during this season.

A standout feature of this campaign is the '240-Hour Products' effort, which provides overseas guests with a comprehensive experience. Collaborating with China Eastern Airlines, the campaign includes direct flight discounts across 30 international routes, implemented alongside innovative mobility tools such as an English-language Air Travel Assistant and AutoNavi Map. To ease payments, UnionPay sets up foreign card acceptance at over 65,000 local merchants. Moreover, Visa is engaged in crafting 'Payment-Friendly Zones' to streamline QR code payments and tax refund processes for international visitors.

Travelers can take advantage of the 'Shanghai Pass,' which grants them access to various transport options, including metro, ferries, and sightseeing tunnels, for just one day. The Trip.com platform has launched a dedicated 'Discover Shanghai' webpage, equipped with the 'Shanghai Express' free city tours to enhance the digital travel experience. Additionally, dining options have been improved, with multilingual menus now available from prominent establishments like Marriott and Jin Jiang, offering dishes in Chinese, English, and Korean.

Culture takes a front seat in this edition of 'Shanghai Summer,' which will celebrate global lifestyle brands through creative activations. Visitors can experience immersive events connected with renowned global IPs, such as the Shanghai Disney Resort's offerings, the LEGO-hosted 'World Play Festival,' and POP MART’s 'Summer Trend Play' campaign. By fusing international trends with culinary delights, music, and local arts, Shanghai will become a lively summer celebration brimming with energy.

An official multilingual website, www.shanghaisummer.com, has been launched, featuring an AI travel assistant and a virtual avatar called 'Shanghai Xiaoxia.' This innovative addition aims to help visitors plan their itineraries and engage with the city in a more interactive way. Influencers from around the globe are expected to promote the campaign across social media platforms, sharing the essence of Shanghai’s summer with the world.

From the first weekend in July through to mid-October, Shanghai offers an inviting prospect for global visitors, presenting a curated journey that emphasizes the city's charm and appeal as a shopping, dining, and exploration hub. This ambitious initiative represents a comprehensive effort to bring people together, inspiring both locals and tourists to partake in a shared experience of urban culture and commerce.

Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.