First-store economy blooming in SND

The mutual attraction between Suzhou New District and global brands is creating a series of exciting phenomena in the district, local media outlets reported.

As the western economic hub of Suzhou, SND in recent years has been working to improve its international image and convince a number of renowned brands to open their "first stores" in the district, such as the world's second largest retailer Costco's first store in Jiangsu province and leading French sporting goods retailer Decathlon's first sports park-style flagship store in China.

Meeting the diversified cultural and recreational needs of local residents was also a highlight of SND's strategy to attract "first stores".

Fandeng Bookstore, located in a humble corner of the Suzhou Research Institute for Environmental Innovation of Tsinghua University, offers niche reading experiences to local residents with its rich online and offline activities and relaxed research atmosphere.

Facilitating the development of local brands and helping them cultivate "first stores" have also been put on SND's agenda. Traditional Chinese medicine brand Li Liangji and promising home appliance company Lexy were encouraged to keep innovating and integrating their own characteristics with the city culture.