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New policy generates baby biz buzz
二胎政策促进孕婴行业发展
China's decision to scrap its decades-old one-child policy is expected to lead to a higher birth rate in the coming years. It may also open up more business opportunities in the baby market.
Newly-released two-child policy will allow all couples across the country to have two children, ending the one-child policy that has been in place since the late 1970s. Lv Guizhu, a retired worker, now spends much of her time taking care of her grandson. The long-waited policy change excited her family at first, but they're worried about the costs of a second child.
"My son was thinking about having a second child just after the policy was issued. But they are working full time. If things get better, then they would have another child, but not for now. Raising a child costs a lot, at least 20,000 to 30,000 before kindergarten. And then it will cost more for education," Customer Lyn Guizhu said.
The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences says that the average annual cost of raising a child in China can reach 16 thousand yuan. It also estimates that the new policy means at least 2 million newborns are expected each year. To people in the baby business that raises prospects of a booming baby market worth hundreds of billions of yuan. Lucy Wang, a sales person from Mothercare, says they have sold 40% more children's clothing in the past few months compared to the previous year. She says that's because Shanghai relaxed its birth controls last year, allowing a second child to couples if either spouse is an only child.
"After the new policy, many moms began considering having a second child in the long run. So products like toys and clothing, which can be used by the new-born and also last for use again later are now popular. We see an increasing demand for those," Sales Lucy Wang with Mothercare said.
