The continuing warm weather in Beijing has made some seasonal products very popular, such as sun-block, summer clothing, ice cream and air-conditioners. The capital's big department stores are stocked up with fun in the sun stuff. 
 
Spring is always short in Beijing. It seems this year it didn't even exist as we seem to have jumped right into summer. Strolling on the city streets, there are already many people wearing shorts, T-shirts and skirts now that temperatures are topping 20 degrees celsius.

Summer clothes have already shown up on the shelves of department stores. Zhu Li is a manager of one of the capital's most famous shopping centers.

She says summer clothes usually hit the market late this month. However the sudden rise in temperatures has let nearly all fashion manufacturers put summer outfits on display. Summer clothes have seen good sales over the past few days.

Besides clothing, many cosmetic brands are launching specially-designed summer packages, including a series of products, such as sunblock, to help people deal with the hot sun.

The hot weather also heats up the capital's air-conditioner market. Beijingers can expect to see a new round of price wars.

This saleperson of air-conditioners says the competition has begun.

So weather is a very important factor for businessmen in deciding their marketing strategy, especially in cities like Beijing.

(CRI April 14, 2004)