OFFLINE shopping seems to have gained more favor among Shenzhen residents compared with their Beijing and Shanghai counterparts, according to a consumption report publicized by the Shenzhen Economic Daily.

Jointly released by Shenzhen Retail Business Association and Shenzhen Wanren Market Research Co. Ltd., the report focuses on the online and offline consumption habits of consumers in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Generally speaking, the combination of online and offline shopping is the most popular method among consumers in the three cities, according to the report.

The main reason why consumers prefer offline shopping is convenience and proximity, and the most common types of food and daily necessities consumers buy offline are fruits, vegetables and raw meat.

On average, Shenzhen residents shop at brick-and-mortar stores 2.2 times a week, spending about 500 yuan (US$71) each time.

Seventy percent of consumers in Shenzhen said they had experienced shopping both online and offline. Compared with last year, more local customers liked to buy online and then pick up their purchases in stores.

Meanwhile, 60 percent of Shenzhen consumers have shopped in smart stores and experienced intelligent services like digital price tags and facial recognition. Additionally, more than 60 percent of consumers think that shopping at smart stores is more convenient and improves efficiency.  (Zhang Yu)