With the holidays upon us, China's shopping malls are seizing the opportunity to promote their products. Big discounts and promotional gifts are benefiting consumers.

Bright red discount posters represent the hot atmosphere of the shopping extravaganza. Discounts for home appliances are attracting customers, and even some high-end electric products have become gifts for purchasing other products.

"Previously, we only offered some small and low-priced home appliances as gifts to buyers," a salesperson said. "This time, we will provide iPads, single-lens reflex cameras and 3D TVs as gifts."

Low-carbon and environmental-friendly features have become hot selling points for home appliances. Many consumers prefer to buy energy-saving products at a relatively higher price.

"Take the energy-saving air-conditioner for example. Consumers can save five hundred yuan in electricity fees over about three years," another salesperson said.

But experts suggest that discounts and gifts are not enough. Consumers are paying more attention to the functions of the products themselves.

"Low prices are loosing their attraction especially in first and second tier cities," said Lu Renbo, home appliance expert of Development Research Center of the State Council. "What merchants really need to do is showcase the functions of their products."

Some shopping malls have already removed counters to make room for demonstrations in an effort let consumers learn more about their products.

(CNTV.cn December 23, 2010)