Shanghai's 233 major retailers posted 789 million yuan (US$95 million) in sales from May 1 to 5, an increase of 1.5 percent from a year ago, according to the Shanghai Commercial Commission.

Entertainment companies, however, had a miserable week. The Paradise Cinema in the Grand Gateway Plaza said its box-office receipts dropped 67.4 percent from last year.

Restaurants also reported poor business. Eighty restaurants surveyed by the commission reported sales were down 44.6 percent from a year ago.

The 45 department stores surveyed reported that sales dropped 26.4 percent during the May Day holiday.

However, sales at the city's 34 major supermarkets and convenience stores were up 34.2 percent to 454 million yuan during the five days.

Thirteen drugstore chains surveyed said sales rose 26 percent to 3.75 million yuan.

With sales of electric fans booming as many people are afraid to turn on their air conditioners for fear of spreading the SARS virus, home-appliance stores also reported strong sales during the holiday.

Shanghai Guomei Home Appliances Co said although the company prepared sufficient inventory of electric fans before the Labor Day holiday, it was running out by Tuesday morning.

(Shanghai Daily May 8, 2003)