Shanghai's e-commerce sector is showing strong momentum this year, with the city recording a total transaction volume of 1.64 trillion yuan ($228.16 billion) from January to May — a 6.1 percent increase year-on-year.

Online shopping totaled 770.07 billion yuan, marking a 10.4 percent rise compared with the same period last year.

The latest figures were announced at the opening of the 2025 Shanghai Digital Life Festival, held on June 13.

The two-week event — running through June 27 — features over 80 online and on-site promotional activities aimed at boosting consumer engagement and supporting the city's rapidly growing digital economy.

During the opening ceremony, the 2024 Shanghai Online New Consumer Brands Ranking was also unveiled. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the list recognizes 10 brands that have maintained top-tier status annually since its launch, including makeup labels Into You, Judydoll, and Joocyee.

According to the Shanghai E-Purchasing Chamber of Commerce, 86 percent of the listed brands have achieved annual sales exceeding 100 million yuan, while 20 percent surpassed 1 billion yuan. These brands span a variety of sectors, including sportswear, beauty and skincare, as well as household goods.

Fashion remains the backbone of Shanghai's new consumer market, said an official from the Shanghai E-Purchasing Chamber of Commerce, with healthy lifestyle products and home goods also experiencing sustained growth.

Moreover, the new consumption sector is seeing a shift from scale-focused growth to value-driven development — with brands investing in core technologies, deepening user engagement, and building cultural relevance to enhance long-term competitiveness, the official added.

During the Digital Life Festival, major platforms are rolling out generous deals:

- Taobao and Tmall Group, Meituan, as well as Dewu are offering flash sales on popular AI-powered products, trade-in deals for home appliances, and discounts on trendy domestic brands.

- Pinduoduo, Suning.com, and iBailian have launched special sections featuring high-quality export goods at competitive prices.

- Tesla has introduced an interest-free car financing plan, along with additional insurance subsidies for buyers.

- JD.com and Ele.me are offering meal delivery discounts, including extended delivery hours for nighttime orders.

- Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) is exploring mixed consumption models that blend food, leisure, and entertainment.

Source: Shanghai Observer