Chinese mainland consumers are more passionate about shopping for clothes, while Hong Kong consumers spend more and shop more often, according to a survey released here Thursday.

The "2004 COTTON USA Fashion Survey" details the similarities and differences between consumer clothing purchase behavior in Hong Kong and the major fashion centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

In China's mainland, 58 percent "like or love" to shop for clothes, compared with 35 percent in Hong Kong.

On the expenditure on clothes for themselves over the past three months, Hong Kong's figure stood at 234 US dollars, while the mainland 114 US dollars.

At the workplace, the business suit dominates the mainland but casual dress rules Hong Kong, said the survey results.

On the choice of shopping venues, the most popular destination in Hong Kong was "chain/specialty store" whereas the favorites in the mainland was department store.

Moreover, Mainland and Hong Kong consumers chose three identical characteristics that make their favorite outlet special, including styles/designs, selection/variety and good/low price.

Jeff Coey, Director of China and East Asia of COTTON USA which conducted the survey, said that consumer behavior in the major fashion centers in China's mainland continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, fueled by both economic growth and high levels of optimism for the future. Meanwhile, the ultra sophisticated Hong Kong market continues to follow a never-ending quest to buy everything, including clothes, at bargain prices.

Source: Xinhua