UK retailers try to lure Chinese shoppers

Many people in Britain have been cutting back this Christmas, but Chinese visitors are still spending plenty of money.

Catherine Witty, director of Corporate Affairs, Harrods, said,"It used to be that middle easterners Chinese"

In an effort to lure Chinese shoppers, major retailers in some cities have employed tactics that include installing Chinese Union Pay debit card terminals and hiring Chinese-speaking shop assistants.

"I just joined John Lewis, to help with Chinese shoppers during Christmas and New Year. "

As the country struggles through its longest recession in half a century, Britain is courting Chinese travellers because they are a rapidly growing market and they are serious shoppers.

Simo Fuller, Manager of John Lewis Department Store, said,"Year on year sales for Chinese visitors."

Britain's share of the coveted Chinese market is still poor compared to some competitors on the continent. France, for example, welcomed nearly a million tourists from China last year. And now British businesses are scrambling to make up for lost time and money.