上海今年新增超千家离境退税商店 “即买即退”服务实现全域覆盖

Core Insights - The number of foreign tourists in Shanghai applying for departure tax refunds has increased by 156.3% from January to November this year, indicating a significant rise in consumer activity among international visitors [1] - The sales volume of tax refund eligible goods and the total amount of tax refunds have both grown by approximately 80% year-on-year, reflecting a robust demand for shopping among tourists [1] Group 1: Tax Refund Program Expansion - Over 1,000 new departure tax refund stores have been added in Shanghai by the end of November, bringing the total number of registered tax refund stores to over 1,700, which has doubled compared to the end of last year [1] - The Shanghai tax authorities, in collaboration with the commerce department, have introduced an innovative "city-wide refund" service, allowing eligible foreign tourists to process cash tax refunds at designated points throughout the city [1] Group 2: Policy Support and Service Network - The establishment of a comprehensive tax refund service network includes 9 city-wide refund points, 17 centralized refund points, and multiple individual store refund points, ensuring widespread access to the "instant buy and refund" service [1] - The implementation of the "instant buy and refund" service at the Bund's centralized refund point marks a significant enhancement in the convenience offered to tourists, facilitating a seamless shopping experience [1]