According to the Survey Report on Online Shopping in China 2008 released by China Internet Network Information Center, the total volume of online shopping in 19 big cities in China reached CNY16.2 billion in the first half of 2008.

According to the e-commerce supervision and management regulation promulgated on its website by the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce, from August 1, 2008 profit-making online shops must get a business license before starting operation.

Amazon.cn has announced plans to cooperate with Alipay, an online payment provider and sister company of Amazon.cn's competitor Taobao.com — which is owned by Alibaba.com.

China 3C Group, a Chinese electronics retail distributor, says net sales for 2007 totaled US$276 million compared to US$148.2 million for 2006.