Since Monday more local fashion buffs have signed up for the package tours to Hong Kong to catch up with the seasons first round of sales there, usually starting on December 15.

Though not all the brands will be sold at reduced prices on December 15, discounted clothes in all sizes are available, said an industry analyst.

From December 25 to January 10 is the peak time every year when shoppers in Hong Kong can enjoy large discounts and more Shanghai people are expected to take tours to Hong Kong during that period.

The China International Travel Services is to organize package tours to Hong Kong every day from December 25 to January 10 with the weekend tours of some local travel agencies fully booked.

"The peak time for local people to go shopping in Hong Kong came earlier this year than last year," said a manager with the outbound department of the China International Travel Services. Compared with normal package tours, shopping tours won't arrange meals and sight-seeing services, only accommodation and round-trip air-tickets, the manager said.

Some tourists are opting to go shopping in Hong Kong before the Spring Festival to escape the big throngs of people during that time.

The previously popular three-day shopping tour on weekends is not as popular this year, locals want to take longer trips, five days or eight days long.

More local men also joined the shoppers this year with some company seniors attracted by discounts on top brands.

(eastday.com November 28, 2002)