Shenzhen witnessed the opening of 170 first stores brands in the first half (H1) of this year, with an increase of 40% year on year, according to statistics from WINDATA, a data service provider.

Nanshan District added 75 new first stores during the first six months this year, accounting for over 44% of the city’s total new openings, ranking first in Shenzhen.

First stores refer to the inaugural stores opened by foreign and domestic businesses in Shenzhen, South China, or China.

Shenzhen boasts the opening of 25 first stores in China, 50 in South China, two in Guangdong Province, and 93 in the city in H1.

Among the 27 international brand first stores opened in Shenzhen in H1, nearly half of them are in Nanshan, indicating that Nanshan is a preferred destination for renowned international brands.

Meanwhile, 42 catering businesses made their debut in Nanshan in H1, according to statistics. 

Data show that Nanshan has introduced 289 first stores over the past three years. In particular, the district attracted 107 brands to open their first stores in 2021, accounting for nearly 40% of the city’s total that year, ranking top among various districts and new area.

The fact that many businesses open their first stores in Nanshan are attributed by the district’s open business environment, mature and energetic consumer market, policy support, and many other factors.

The Nanshan District Commerce Bureau has released relevant documents aimed at introducing high-end flagship stores, and gives tiered rewards to commercial property operators and the brands ranging from 500,000 yuan (US$68,989) to 3 million yuan.