The 36 yuan "Olympic Friendlies" have arrived in Shanghai. But the low cost "Friendlies" are finding it difficult to establish their place in the market.

In the Olympic Mascot Section of the Oriental Shopping Center "Huanhuans", the smallest member of the "Friendlies" family -- just three inches in height -- were on display. Each piece is priced at 36 yuan.

"Only the 'Huanhuan' figures have been lowered in price to 36 yuan," said Olympic Mascot section manager, Mr Chen. He explained, "After the appearance of the 36 yuan 'Huanhuan' more than 20 are being sold per day."

"The manufacturing process for the 'Friendlies' is complicated," said Mr Chen. "The factories are working flat out in an effort to keep up with orders coming in from agents all over the country. Huanhuan is the 'Friendlies' best seller so far," added Mr Chen.

"That's why the manufacturers are focusing on this particular character," explained Mr Lu Lingfeng, administration office manager, of the southeast chain store of the Oriental Shopping Center. 

Also in the lower price range is another size of "Friendlies." These slightly taller versions cost 46 yuan each. 

All five of the 46 yuan "Friendlies" are available individually or in complete sets. A shop assistant at the New Hualia Edifice explained that the 46 yuan "Friendlies" were selling very well. 

On visiting several large outlets researchers discovered that the sales of "Friendlies" had cooled significantly compared to the period before the Spring Festival. Shop assistants confirmed that sales appeared to peak in the lead-up to the Spring Festival. Buyers are also showing interest in other 'Friendlies' products such as cellphone straps, hats and so on.

(China.org.cn by Li Xiaohua February 16, 2006)