Because we at CNReviews are a nerdy group facts-and-figures loving group, I thought I’d start a new segment called EXPOnential Shanghai specifically dealing with fun 2010 Shanghai World Expo statistics (I just had to mention 2010).
I’m not sure if EXPOnential Shanghai is the most original title there is. I first thought of Shanghai EXPOsed, because it sounds cool. But then I don’t want us to be mistaken for a photography club (though I think I do have that in my list of talents interests).
And EXPOnential Shanghai sounds more…statistical, don’t you think so?
Though if you have BETTER IDEAS, you are very welcome to comment and share below!
Enough with the background. Let’s get on to the good stuff.
RMB 8,000,000 worth of Expo-licensed products sold in one day
With Shanghai progressing into an early Sunmmer, the rising temperatures led to the sale of flip-flops, hats, sunglasses, and other summer merchandise. Among them, slippers with price tags ranging from RMB 98 to RMB 168 sold like hot cakes and soon became out-of-stock.
Expo 2010 Licensed Products Sales Management Director Xin Juehui divulged to Chinese reporters that sales have reached RMB 14 billion. Since the park opened May 1, they have sold RMB 24 million worth of goods a week. In addition to the Expo Passport and the Haibao toys, flip-flops, sunglasses, and hats are favored by the consumers.
There were women who entered the Expo Park wearing heels but then came out donning slippers instead. Of course, these were bought in the souvenir shops.
According to reports, sales of licensed Shanghai World Expo products started last year November only. Both inside 
and outside the Park, there are over 6,000 shops licensed to sell the products in all over 31 provinces in Mainland China and Hong Kong. There are about 12,000 kinds of consummable items being sold. And that’s not including the 18,000 licensed merchandise too.
At present, there a total of 81 licensed merchandise stores. Since the Park opened, the average daily sales is RMB 4 million with the highest being RMB 8 million. According to Xin Juehui, items priced at RMB 30 to 50 are the most popular.
Because the World Expo Passport probably is the hottest item, outside vendors have started selling it for RMB 100.
Expo “Visa Officer” stamped 2000 Expo Passports for 3 hours straight
I told you the Expo Passport is selling like hot cakes.
The World Expo Passport is one of the most popular licensed merchandises being sold. Just one day after the Park opened, the Passports, priced at RMB 30, quickly sold out.
Wang was assigned at the French pavilion to be the visa officer for the day. By 9am, he was ready to face the endless stream of visitors.
“Some of the visitors were clutching 2 to 3 passports at the same time,” Wang told the story. “The most was 13 passports in one hand!”
In fairness to them, their passports were neatly spread and ready for stamping. There was a girl who kept on reminding the visitors to open to page 14 to quicken the process.
Some did not have time to buy the offical World Expo Passport, so they used whatever stampable material they have–notebooks, bits of paper–just to get the souvenir stamp. Others wanted the stamp mark on their body.
A rough estimate of the whole incident was 5 seconds per chop making that 3 hours for 2000 passports.
When asked if he is tired already, Wang just smiled saying, “Compared to the staff stationed at the main entrance, at least I can sit in a cool place.”
The idea of the passport came from the 1967 Montreal World Expo.
2.6 million Shanghai households to receive free Expo tickets May 15
The first “Expo spree” is going to happen this 15th of May. And 2.6 million Shanghai households will get to have free Expo tickets. The 5 districts benefitting are New Pudong District, Huangpu District, Luwan District, Jinshan District, Chongming County.
The complimentary tickets are already printed out. In order to facilitate the handing out of the gift passes, they are not issued based on the Shanghai hukou restrictions but rather on the residence permit time period (at least 6 months).
If you are going abroad during the ticket distribution, don’t worry, you do not lose your chance to get a free ticket. Just notify your local township.
However, the tickets are valid for one month only. Yes. ONE MONTH ONLY. So for the first batch, they can use it for for the month of June only.
“but rather on the residence permit time period (at least 6 months)”
Bao, does this mean we’re also getting free tickets? ;)
Hey Jap!
Have we been here for at least 6 months already? *looks at fingers*
Bao, Mark, Celsius and I actually applied and were granted a residence permit. Remember that we were holding a tourist visa upon arrival in Shanghai. I’m REALLY wondering if ‘this one’ covers us. =)
Oh, right! Hmmm…but the time period does not really cover it. :-)
Hi Jap,
Found out about this–
To get the free tickets,
[1] You’ll need to have lived here for six months as of March 31. [2] You’ll need to be either married or have a child. Singles don’t qualify.
Oh well.
260 million shanghai households….
Are you sure about that number?
Considering Shanghai has about 20 million-ish people.
And an average household would be around 2 to 3 people…. how does that add up to 260 million in Shanghai?
Hi Toine,
You’re right! Thank you so much for pointing that out (and for your sharp eye!). I made the corrections already.