Japan

As the strong yen cast a long shadow on Japan's export-led recovery, festive shoppers remained cautious amid fears over job losses and winter bonus cuts. The soaring yen also suppressed year-end retail business, as shoppers headed overseas. To cut costs, holiday shoppers mainly chose basics rather than extravagant gift items and shifted from department stores to discount stores. Demand for clothing and footwear was hampered by relatively warm weather, and toys sales were affected by a lack of hit items. Chinese Mainland

China was relatively in a more buoyant and festive mood. More and more retailers put up yuletide decorations and engaged in Christmas promotional activities as the holiday, which is not traditionally celebrated across the mainland, begins to catch on in the more advanced urban cities. Hearty retail sales have been reported for most consumer products, ranging from basic and practical items to upscale and luxury merchandise. Many mainland consumers also thronged to Hong Kong for holiday shopping sprees.

Originally Published In the Stitch Times: February 2010