Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, introduced a whopping 141 first-store brands in the first half of this year, according to the Xi'an municipal bureau of commerce.

Traffic swarms around the Xi'an SAGA International Shopping Mall. [Photo/WeChat account of Xi'an Release]

These comprised one global first-store brand, six first-store brands in the country, 43 first-store brands in Northwest China and 91 first-store brands in Xi'an.

In terms of business categories, 87 were restaurant brands, 34 were retail brands, and six were children's and parent-child brands.

There were also seven lifestyle service brands, six cultural and entertainment brands and one other type of brand.

A mecca for shoppers: The Xi'an SKP Shopping Mall. [Photo/WeChat account of Xi'an Release]

In recent years, Xi'an has actively developed its first-store economy. Under policy guidance, it has provided supporting measures such as settlement incentives, decoration subsidies, rent subsidies and publicity and promotion support for the introduction of the brands.

This will help develop Xi'an as an international consumer city, expanding spending on services, fashion and premium products.