Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, south China - Nov 24, 2021 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of Zhang Chaoya, operations director of Shenzhen Bluelans Networks Technology, in meeting for Black Friday promotion with workers
2. Various of Shenzhen Bluelans Networks Technology workers working in office
3. Various of Zhang talking with worker in office; screen showing products of Shenzhen Bluelans Networks Technology
4. Various of screen showing products for Black Friday promotion
5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhang Chaoya, operations director, Shenzhen Bluelans Networks Technology (ending with shot 6):
"For the peak season in the fourth quarter, we've created accounts on as many (e-commerce) platforms as possible in advance, applied for (promotional) activities on the platforms, prepared to drive traffic (to our accounts), and set promotional prices. These are some of the things we've done in terms of operations. (Normally, the advertising expenses of) overseas warehouses may account for about 10 percent. The expenses could increase to 15 to 20 percent in the peak season."
6. Various of Shenzhen Bluelans Networks Technology's posters for Black Friday
7. Various of Ji Fengyi, vice president with Oceanpayment, working on computer in office
8. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Ji Fengyi, vice president, Oceanpayment (partially overlaid with shot 9):
"One difference between the 2020 Christmas season and this year is in the second half of this year in Europe, including in August and September, some European countries required citizens to wear masks and pay attention to their personal safety. So festive masks or protective equipment could become a hit."
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9. Christmas mask for sale online
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10. Various of web pages showing Christmas masks, other items for sale online

Chinese e-commerce companies are increasing brand awareness and prepping special sales and payment programs ahead of Black Friday on Nov. 26, a major shopping day in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.

For domestic e-commerce companies that target overseas markets, the fourth quarter is an important period as shoppers traditionally gear up for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve and other festivals.

Oftentimes, firms make half of their annual profits during this period.

To prepare for the season, Shenzhen Bluelans Networks Technology in south China's Guangdong Province is expanding its branding and marketing efforts, the firm's operations director said.

"For the peak season in the fourth quarter, we've created accounts on as many (e-commerce) platforms as possible in advance, applied for (promotional) activities on the platforms, prepared to drive traffic (to our accounts), and set promotional prices. These are some of the things we've done in terms of operations. (Normally, the advertising expenses of) overseas warehouses may account for about 10 percent. The expenses could increase to 15 to 20 percent in the peak season," said Zhang.

Shenzhen-based Oceanpayment, meanwhile, is offering payment solutions to merchants conducting cross-border business.

The company reports a significant increase in the transaction volumes of toys, sportswear, consumer electronics, and other items which popular gift items. Christmas products like candles, tablecloths, and lighting are also selling well.

Notably, personal protective equipment featuring festive motifs are expected to be popular in the midst of COVID-19.

"One difference between the 2020 Christmas season and this year is in the second half of this year in Europe, including in August and September, some European countries required citizens to wear masks and pay attention to their personal safety. So festive masks or protective equipment could become a hit," said Ji Fengyi, vice president of Oceanpayment.

According to a survey by U.S.-based digital consulting company Publicis Sapient, about 80 percent U.S. respondents plan to do shopping during the four-day period between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with 82 percent planning to shop on Cyber Monday, 76 percent on Black Friday, and 55 percent over the entire weekend.

The National Retail Federation (NRF), the world's largest retail trade association, expects the U.S sales to grow to between 843.4 billion and 859 billion U.S. dollars during November and December, up from 777.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.