(Yicai Global) Nov. 15 -- China's online retail sales passed CNY870 billion (USD124 billion) from Nov. 1 to Nov. 11 this year in a 26.7 percent rise on last year, according to the country's Ministry of Commerce.  

About 70 percent of new e-commerce users live in third- and fourth-tier cities, ministry spokesman Gao Feng said at a press briefing yesterday.

Many fast-selling and foreign brands entering China for the first time released new products on e-commerce platforms, while 21 Chinese brands hogged over half of sales growth, Gao noted.

Smartphones and sports watches were top-sellers and cosmetic surgery, dental services, and physical check-ups also became new hot spots, with a five-fold increase in appointments. Online travel sales more than doubled, and home and car services also held to sales growth.

Emerging markets in third- and fourth-tier cities, counties and townships contributed 60 percent of orders of the best-selling home appliances, cosmetics and furniture. These markets' demand for tourism also grew faster than that of first-tier cities, data show.

Editor: Ben Armour