From January to February, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 2,008.04 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 15.2 percent.

In terms of different regions, the retail sales of consumer goods in urban areas was 1,354.10 billion yuan, rose by 14.4 percent over the same period of the previous year; that of retail sales at and below the county level achieved 653.94 billion yuan, up by 17.0 percent.

In terms of different industries, the retail sales of wholesale and retail trades was 16,8001 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.8 percent; that of accommodation and catering services was 301.59 billion yuan, up by 18.9 percent; that of other industries was 26.44 billion yuan, up by 2.6 percent.

In terms of different commodity categories, the retail sales above designated size of wholesale and retail trades, divided by foodstuff, clothing and utilized commodities increased 14.2, 15.9 and 7.6 percent respectively. Of which, the retail sales for grain and oil was up by 16.3 percent; that of meat, poultry and eggs was up by 12.0 percent; that of garments was up by 17.4 percent; that of cultural and offices appliances rose by 8.3 percent; that of sports and recreation articles rose by 13.5 percent; that of articles for daily use shot up by 12.0 percent; that of Household appliances and AV equipment rose by 2.7 percent; that of furniture was up by 27.1 percent; that of cosmetics jumped by 14.6 percent; that of gold, silver, and jewelry rose by 16.3 percent; that of automobiles rose by 9.3 percent; that of petroleum and related products rose by 0.7 percent; that of building and decoration materials was up by 22.4 percent, and while that of telecommunication appliances decreased 9.2 percent.

(National Bureau of Statistics March 12, 2009)