The retail sales of consumer goods reached 180.4 billion yuan (US$21.7 billion) that month, an increase of 9.8 percent compared with the same period last year, the bureau stated in a press release.

The month of July is traditionally busy for sales of home appliances, including air-conditioners.

The heating-up of the commercial housing market since the beginning of the year further fuelled demand.

"Personal computers have become the market's best seller during the summer holidays," the bureau said.

Sales of personal computers in Beijing's major shopping centres rose 54 percent in July, compared with last year.

The market of home furnishing products continued to be vigorous, and sales of fresh fruits and drinks had the best season.

The bureau noted that the golden season for tourism, as well as Beijing's winning the bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games, combined to give strong impetus to the consumer market.

(China Daily 08/16/2001)