(31 January 2013 – Hong Kong) New World Department Store China Limited (“NWDS” or the “Company”; Hong Kong stock code: 825), one of the largest owners and operators of department stores in the PRC, has especially set up large-scale New Year themed “Auspicious Tray” decorations at five stores located in the major cities of China to celebrate the arrival of Year of the Snake with the public. Visiting our stores not only be able to seize the New Year great deals, but also brings home with the best of luck from NWDS that can be further passed on to friends and families.

A glittering large-scale octagonal “Auspicious Tray”, the main body of this year’s New Year decorations, carries the meaning of "Blessing and auspiciousness is all around" and the wonderful moment reunited with the beloved families and friends. The four-storey tray is surrounded by dense peach blossom grove with eight kinds of auspicious festive flowers placing inside and outside of the tray, wherein Peony stands for Wealth; Peach Blossom represents the Crest of Success; Mandarin means Auspiciousness; Evergreen symbolizes Longevity and Happiness; Lily typifies everything goes Right; Auspicious grass welcomes happy events coming to the house; Osmanthus implies Success in Career; Plum Blossom is a symbol of the Good News. The flowers are set in their unique style with a good showcase of their diversified characteristics, alluding that the warm and gentle Spring is just around the corner. Dressing up in the traditional festive costumes and carrying a variety of auspicious items in their hands, the energetic and adorable NWDS mascot GAGA incarnates as the boy of fortune to wish customers a fun-filled and lucky Year of the Snake. In addition, the decoration is built in a circular shape for the convenience of customers to take photos from all directions, which also symbolizes "Perfection and Reunion" so as to boost people’s luck in the coming year. 

During the Spring Festival, the large-scale themed decorations are on display at five NWDS stores, including Shanghai-Hong Kong New World Department Store -Pujian Branch Store, Tianjin New World Department Store, Shenyang New World Department Store - Jianqiao Road Branch Store, Wuhan New World Department Store - Qiaokou Branch Store and Mianyang New World Department Store. In addition to the attractive decorations, all NWDS stores will launch a series of marketing campaign named “Luck-filled Year of the Golden Snake with GAGA” to dedicate customers a rich and varied festival, in which includes GAGA “Auspicious Tray” throwing competition, speed dating activity, lucky scratch card game, GAGA puzzle game, GAGA lucky snake knot DIY workshop etc.

Mr. Philip Cheung, Managing Director and Executive Director of NWDS said, “There is a Chinese saying that “A year's plan starts with Spring”, Spring Festival is the most important festival for Chinese people. Therefore, NWDS has especially designed this magnificent New Year themed “Auspicious Tray” decorations and prepared a wide range of exciting activities to celebrate the festival together with the customers. Year 2013 marks an important milestone of our 20th Anniversary. From strength to strength, the Company will continue to be bold and innovative, and come up with diversified marketing campaigns to fulfill the needs of different customers, in order to further cement our position as the market pioneer.” 

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