From Single’s Day to the largest global online shopping feast: Stories of China’s Black Friday (7)

Qu Taomei, 29

Beijing

Online media editor, avid Double Eleven buyer

I cannot remember when the Double Eleven became an integral part of my life, but now, the once ordinary Nov. 11 has become an online shopping festival for all. Every year before Double Eleven, my friends and I talk about what are we going to buy. The amount being spent on Double Eleven breaks records every year. I realize that now Chinese people are getting richer, more are joining this big online event.

I’m quite radical when it comes to online shopping. Usually, I buy cosmetics and clothes on Nov. 11, and most of my girlfriends do the same. I study all the discount rules before purchasing anything. I search for tips on social media and share them with my friends; I think this is the fun part of Double Eleven. The most I’ve spent on Double Eleven was around 3,000 RMB, which is nothing compared to my friends.

The convenience of online shopping is remarkable in China. Take me as an example - I hardly go to real shops to buy stuff, online shopping has covered every part of my life, such as clothing, food, housing and transportation. Chinese online shopping platforms have penetrated every aspect of our daily lives, providing us with a better customer experience. As a consumer, I welcome such changes, and I hope e-commerce in China continues to develop steadily.