Ministry of Commerce, Thorough Implementation of the National Standards for the «Classification of Retail Business Modes» Circular

Issued: August 10 2004

Main contents: The retail industry is classified into 17 business modes - groceries, convenience stores, discount stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, department stores, specialized shops, speciality stores, household furnishing shops, shopping centres, factory outlets, television shopping, mail order, eShops, automatic vending machines and shopping by phone - based on such factors as operation method, commodity structure and service function of retail shops, as well as location, business circle, scale of operation, shop facilities, target customers and whether there is a fixed place of business (Item One). For example, a hypermarket shall have an actual operating area of 6,000 square metres or above, and a parking lot of not less than 40% of the actual operating area. Department stores shall have an actual operating area between 6,000 and 20,000 square metres, and shall pay attention to service and offer such service items and facilities as food, beverages and entertainment (Chart One).