扣响“发令枪”，扬州抢跑春节经济

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the launch of a significant consumer promotion event in Yangzhou, aimed at boosting local consumption and economic activity ahead of the Spring Festival, aligning with national economic strategies to prioritize domestic demand [1][4]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event "Come to Yangzhou, Celebrate the New Year, and Enjoy Good Fortune" commenced on January 24, 2026, at the Yangzhou National Exhibition Center, marking a strong signal to drive consumption and stimulate the economy [1]. - The event featured a variety of activities centered around food, accommodation, transportation, tourism, shopping, and entertainment, showcasing the cultural richness of Yangzhou [1]. Group 2: Unique Features of the Consumer Fair - The consumer fair is described as a "miniature version of Yangzhou," featuring local specialties from nine districts, including dishes like golden crispy pea pancakes and fragrant duck soup, with over 200 unique stalls and 160 merchants participating [2]. - The fair aims to provide a one-stop shopping experience for residents, allowing them to gather all necessary New Year goods in one location [2]. Group 3: Future Initiatives - From January 24 to March 29, 2026, Yangzhou will host a series of themed activities under six categories, including large gatherings, dining experiences, exhibitions, performances, blessings, and gift-giving, ensuring weekly surprises for visitors [3]. - The local government is implementing a detailed "consumption menu" and support system to maintain momentum beyond the initial event [6]. Group 4: Economic Context - Yangzhou's retail sales reached 196.17 billion yuan in 2025, marking the highest growth rate in the province, indicating a robust underlying consumer market [4]. - The success of new retail formats, such as the Sam's Club, has significantly boosted local consumer enthusiasm, demonstrating the impact of innovative shopping experiences on spending [5]. Group 5: Government Support and Policies - The government has introduced policies to support the restaurant industry, including a unique "ticket root effect" that allows travelers to redeem dining vouchers, creating a consumption loop [6]. - A budget of 237 million yuan has been allocated for the first quarter to promote large-scale consumer goods through initiatives like "trade-in" programs for automobiles and home appliances [6].