With an increasing number of global brands making their debut in Shanghai, the city's slogan of "First in Shanghai" has become a magnet for companies looking to increase shares of the Chinese and Asian markets, and a booster to promote domestic and global consumption markets.
This year alone, over 500 brands have made their product or brand debut in Shanghai, adding to the more than 4,400 debut stores that have opened here since 2021.
One of the highlights of recent debuts is the first-ever exhibition of France's Comité Colbert in China. Held in an ancient structure in Shanghai, the Fair of Chinese and French Craftsmanship rallied 17 French brands to showcase their special crafts and stories behind, attracting visitors of all ages to engage.
"There are many spaces for kids to experience, learn hands-on skills, and have a deeper understanding towards the integration of Chinese and French culture," said Lao Youqian, a Shanghai resident.
The event attracts visitors from across the country to come and experience.
"So many young people, not only from Shanghai, but also Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and even more places, are coming to Shanghai for the exhibition," said Jiang Qiong'er, curator of the exhibition.
For the exhibitors, the exchange of crafts and techniques between the two countries prove to be inspiring and fruitful, while paving the way for further cultural communication.
"I could learn something a little bit of your culture, and we could try some of your techniques. That was super interesting, and we could apply some of these to our shoes as well," said a French shoemaker surnamed Juliet.
"It's interesting to see what we can learn from China, and what China can learn from France about how to create something absolutely amazing," said Jean Baptiste, a French tourist.
Earlier this month, Shanghai saw the opening of a first Coca-Cola clothing store in the city, with over 200 branded items on display, including outfits, shoes, mugs and even frisbee.
The increasing number of debut events held in the city has been adding to Shanghai's magnetic force to attract more to make their debut here, promoting its global reputation and creating new momentum for domestic consumption.
Debut stores of Chinese, global brands stimulating consumption market in Shanghai
