??? THE city’s value of retail sales reached 60.94 billion yuan in the first quarter of this year, increasing by 15.3 percent over the same period of last year. The retail sales in the urban areas was 50.8 billion yuan, increasing by 15.8 percent over the same period of last year, while the number in rural areas reached 10.14 billion yuan, increasing by 12.8 percent. Consumption of cosmetic products, daily necessities, petrol and petrol-related products has increased by more than 20 percent this year. Fewer home appliances and cars were sold in the first quarter due to the general economic environment and the end of national promotion of home appliances. About 240 million yuan was spent during the festivals and annual market days. Retail sales value of the wholesale industry reached 53.81 billion yuan, increasing by 15.1 percent over the same period of last year. A total of 28 new trading venues each covering an area of more than 10,000 square meters were opened last year and saw 600 million yuan in sales revenue during the first quarter. About 30 venues from 20 key trading companies are now under construction and they are expected to become new growing outlets in the city. (Wang Yuanyuan, He Jun) | 