A delivery company is busy handling parcels on Nov 10, 2014, one day before the Singles' Day shopping fever. [Photo/IC] |
2000s: E-commerce
Purchasing all kinds of goods and services from e-commerce websites became an integral part of Chinese life since the first online purchase took place in Nov 1996.
E-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd reported more than $9 billion in sales on China's Singles' Day on Nov 11, 2014, illustrating the buying power of the Chinese consumer and the importance of the event in the retail calendar.