The newcomers contribute to a developing chain store boom in the province, teeing up big opportunities for foreign investors keen to make their mark on the Guangdong retail scene.
Chain stores constitute the fastest growing sector of Guangdong's retail market.
There are more than 300 chain store enterprises, with 4,500 outlets. In fact, chain store retailing is better here than anywhere in the country. The 7-11 chain has 24 outlets in Guangzhou and 25 in Shenzhen. Stores are developing their businesses along contrasting lines. Some aim to establish a name for convenience, others as supermarkets, still others as warehouse-style retail centres.