Retail sales rose 15.5 per cent year-on-year during the Golden Week from May 1 to 7, driven by growing domestic demand, the Ministry of Commerce said yesterday.

Sales of consumer goods hit 320 billion yuan (US$41.4 billion), nearly half the average monthly retail sales in the first quarter of this year, according to ministry statistics.

"During the May Day holiday, the market was geared for increased domestic demand turnover in consumer goods, sports and cultural activities as well as entertainment were all high," it said.

Large retailers saw booming sales of LCD TVs, air conditioners, jewelry and clothing. The turnover of major retail enterprises in Guangdong, Guizhou and Shandong provinces rose 41 percent, 25 percent and 24 percent from a year earlier.

The catering sector enjoyed robust growth, driven by demand for wedding banquets.

(China Daily May 8, 2007)