According to the latest statistics released by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, the total value of retail sales in Hong Kong in July 2008 was HKD24.2 billion, a year-on-year increase of 13.8% — higher than the 11.2% expected.

According to LiNing's half year report, the company's business developed rapidly in the first six months of 2008 and its net profits increased by 68.3% to CNY333.7 million.

Beijing Jingkelong Company Limited has published its half year report, which shows that as of June 30, 2008, the company had made net profits of CNY76.361 million, a year-on-year increase of 34.39%.

According to statistics released by Department of Commerce of Shanxi Province, in the first half of 2008, the total value of retail sales of consumer goods in Shanxi was CNY113 billion, a year-on-year increase of 23.4%.

According to the statistics released by the Ministry of Commerce on July 31, 2008, in the first half of 2008, the combined retail sales of consumer goods in China's rural areas reached 1.622 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 20%.

After raising the prices of Pantene and Crest, Proctor and Gamble recently started the second round price increase of its many brands, including Whisper and Pampers — with prices up by 10% to 15%.