The publishing industry is also warming up to the occasion by producing special publications. The gold ornament counter at the famous Caishikou Department Store has registered exceptionally high sales since its launch of the Millennium Gold Bar Collection at the end of 1999. Eager collectors also snapped up more than 700 50-gramme bars. For the store, gold sales were a record high. He thought that the department store was farsighted in launching the gold bars before the new millennium.
Souvenirs made of other materials such as crystal and jade are equally popular.
Premium goods decorated with dragon designs also find a ready market. After the new year celebrations, manufacturers and retailers are focusing their attention on sales promotions based on the year 2000 theme. Such marketing campaigns are expected to continue throughout the year as souvenir makers take advantage of new business opportunities. To take advantage of the Year of the Dragon, which is said to be an auspicious time for marriage, nearly 20 million young couples in the Chinese mainland will tie the knot this year. Each day, more than 100 expecting mothers turn up at the department for regular checkups, double the figure a year ago.