Demand on tourism burst as the Minsu market’s recovery sped up during the May Day holiday. Oceans of tourists flooded into Zibo in China’s Shandong Province for its BBQ,
The Minsu in rural areas still gain
Among customers booking the Minsu in rural areas, the “post-80” and “post-90” generations are still the mainstream. The
2 . On a soulless roundabout at a motorway crossroads, next door to a Burger King and opposite McDonald’s, stands a newcomer to the world of fast-food in France: a boulangerie, or French bakery. With sufficient parking, the Boulangerie offers its car-borne customers a variety of choices. The boulangerie is traditionally a feature of the village square or high street. Yet now, it is taking off as an out-of-town drive-in or drive-to experience.
It is an unexpected time for the baguette (法式面包) to spread, let alone on the country’s city edges. Rising energy and flour prices have pushed the price of the humble stick over the symbolic one euro in some places. Older folks still recall the time in the 1970s when it went for one French franc. Yet in 2022 more new boulangeries opened their doors in France than closed, according to Altares, a research group. Across the country 2,538 new bakeries set up shop last year. In the Paris region, the fastest growth has taken place not in the capital’s built-up walkable centre, but its low-density (低密度) outer suburbs — meeting the need of the motorist.
Marie Blachere, a chain of boulangeries which started their business on car-accessible edge-of-town sites, now has over 700 outlets across France; 70 opened last year alone. It provides industrial-scale kitchens for hand-made baguettes, made from dough prepared, kneaded and baked on the site, a condition in France for use of the label boulangerie. With turnover of over €550m, it ranks as one of the top ten fast-food chains in France. In the city of Chartres, Cyril Avert boulangerie serves baguettes to motorists at the wheel, as a pure drive-through service. So does Jules & John, in over 20 towns in France.
The drive-in or drive-to fashion is not welcome news for the boulangeries on narrow town-centre streets, many of which are struggling with rising costs. But it does reflect a stubborn fact about France, which those who govern from its city centres ignore. In 2021, 82% of French households owned at least one vehicle, and many in outer suburbs and semi-rural parts depend on it for work. The French remain as attached to their daily, or even twice-daily, baguette as they do to their use of the car.
1. Who are the recently-opened baguette bakeries targeted for?| A．New arrivals. | B．Hurrying drivers. |
| C．Leisurely tourists. | D．Fashionable youths. |
| A．Brands of boulangeries. | B．Profits from boulangeries. |
| C．Examples of boulangerie expansion. | D．Conditions for opening a new boulangerie. |
| A．Objective. | B．Approving. | C．Dismissive. | D．Doubtful. |
| A．Baguette and vehicle: hand in hand |
| B．Boulangeries: suffering rocketing price |
| C．Boulangeries: springing up in unlikely places |
| D．Baguettes: the symbol of traditional French cuisine |
3 . Have you noticed how the price of online purchases can increase at checkout? This is due to a strategy called “drip pricing,” coined by American economist Richard Thaler in 1971. Drip pricing is a strategy where businesses gradually add extra charges to a customer’s bill, making the initially advertised price rise.
This strategy takes advantage of customers’ tendency to commit to a purchase when they see a low original price. As extra fees are added, customers often continue with the purchase despite the increased cost due to their emotional investment. Businesses, from e-commerce stores to airlines, use this technique to significantly boost their profits. The initial price of a product or service can sharply increase with the addition of various costs. For example, a flight ticket can considerably increase due to the inclusion of extra costs such as baggage fees, seating options, and access to express lanes.
However, current laws seem inadequate in the face of these practices, resulting in calls for new regulations and clearer retailer responsibilities. Dr. Jane Doe from the Consumer Behavior Research Group at the University of Cambridge found that customers’ knowledge plays an effective role. “Our study shows that when customers are informed about drip pricing techniques, they are less likely to fall for them, ultimately leading to more cost-effective purchases,” Dr. Doe said.
The success of drip pricing depends on customers not knowing or accepting these extra costs. An interesting suggestion to fight these practices could be the start of an annual event to highlight and criticize the worst examples of drip pricing. Possible award categories might include The Biggest Drip, Most Uselessly Named Charge, and the Droplet Award for multiple extra pricing add-ons. Such an event could strengthen customers and promote openness in pricing, thereby challenging the success of drip pricing.
As we progress into the era of digital commerce, the need for transparency and fairness in pricing is becoming increasingly important. Consumer advocates argue that the key to fighting drip pricing lies not only in stricter laws and regulations from the government but also in equipping consumers with the necessary knowledge and tools.
1. What does the term “drip pricing” refer to?| A．An outdated approach applied in e-commerce pricing. |
| B．An in-depth study on the continual rise of business prices. |
| C．A pricing strategy involving added costs to the initial price. |
| D．A cost reduction technique commonly employed in airlines. |
| A．Fear of losing previous orders. | B．Restrictions from acts and laws |
| C．Emotional commitment to the product. | D．Unawareness of the additional charges. |
| A．By enforcing clear new laws | B．By providing consumer education. |
| C．By promoting cost-effective shopping. | D．By organizing challenging annual events |
| A．Annual events will award successful drip pricing. |
| B．Ignoring drip pricing is an effective way to resist it. |
| C．Consumer advocates need support from the media. |
| D．Consumers and authorities should make joint efforts. |
4 . Open-air jazz, locally-grown vegetables, Focaccia bread, goat cheese, and Narcan training all competed against a rainstorm last Tuesday at Westside Farmers Market’s annual College Night.
And the vendors (商贩) held out pretty well. Even as the raindrops intensified, folks kept exploring the tables stationed in the parking lot of St. Monica Church. Among the crowd were a number of college students, mostly from the University of Rochester, likely brought in by the College Night awards being offered — a five-dollar token (购物券), a handbag, and a prize raffle entry, all free of charge.
Now in its 15th year, Westside volunteer Jackie Farrell said the market partners merely with local farms, businesses, and community groups to populate its tables. “Our mission really is to serve the people in the community, getting them health and nutrition information, and connecting them to the farmers who grow the produce,” Farrell said, “Everything has to be local. It’s a producer-only market, so you have to grow or produce whatever you’re going to sell here.” Those producers had diverse offerings. Vegetables, of course, were abundant but sellers also pushed cheeses, spreads, bread, prepared pasta dishes, and much more.
The community groups offering information were diverse too. Recovery All Ways, a local nonprofit with a stated “mission to support anyone affected by substance use disorder” handed out Narcan and trained people in its use. Their station was next to a Moms Demand Action tent, where staffers provided information on physical safety. SNAP-Ed nutrition and benefits educators also ran a table.
The activities of the stations were scored by live music. The University’s Midnight Ramblers performed, and a local jazz band played away as the rain showers started rolling in.
Farrell hoped that the College Night promotion would help make students more comfortable crossing the bridge into the Rochester community. “We love college students, and we keep encouraging them that all they have to do is go across the bridge.”
1. What attracted college students to the College Night?| A．Free prizes. | B．Scenery in the rain. |
| C．Interesting books. | D．Featured goods. |
| A．It is managed by farmers themselves. |
| B．Its visitors are mostly university students. |
| C．Its offerings are locally grown or prepared. |
| D．Farmers provide more vegetables than corn. |
| A．Crowded and chaotic. | B．Busy and festive. |
| C．Luxurious and splendid. | D．Romantic and peaceful. |
| A．Westside Farmers Market is flowering rapidly |
| B．College Night channels products to community |
| C．College Night bridges university and community |
| D．Westside Farmers Market is expanding nationwide |
5 . In recent years China has made great efforts to make the best use of local conditions to help rural residents boost their incomes. Let’s have a look at some regional products that have helped to revive (振兴) the rural economy. Maybe here is one project that appeals to you.
Woodblock printing
With a history of more than 1, 000 years, woodblock printing was adopted by ancient Chinese as a way to keep written records. Sibao town in Fujian province is famous for the preservation of traditional Chinese woodblock printing. The town now has 50 ancient bookshops and many cultural relics. It also invited tourists and students to learn from artisans.
Bark paintings
Bark paintings, a form of intangible cultural heritage (非物质文化遗产) of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, is made from bark chippings scaling off white birch trees. The painting has helped many villagers overcome poverty in White Wolf town, as the town is rich in forest resources and making such paintings is environmentally friendly and also beneficial by providing employment for some locals.
Handicraft weaving and tie-dyeing
Experiencing traditional handicraft dyeing and weaving techniques is a special cultural and creative endeavor in Pingtian village of Sidu town in Lishui, East China’s Zhejiang province. It is also an effort to protect and carry forward traditional handicraft intangible cultural heritage. All the dyes used are produced from plants and tea leaves in the mountains around the village.
Oilpaper umbrella
Oilpaper umbrella is a kind of traditional Chinese handicraft made of bamboo and paper coated in the oil of the tung nut for waterproofing. It has been around for at least 1, 000 years and was eventually adopted in other parts of the planet. Both ceremonial and practical, the oilpaper umbrella was used on rainy days, as well as during many ceremonies and festivals.
1. What can people do in Sibao town?| A．Visit cultural relics. | B．Print old woodblocks. |
| C．Unearth ancient books. | D．Learn traditional painting. |
| A．Changing modern social life. | B．Being a world cultural heritage. |
| C．Reviving with high technology. | D．Making use of natural materials. |
| A．Economy. | B．Science. | C．Environment. | D．Education. |
6 . Many workers have had no choice but to adapt to working from home in recent months since offices shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic (新冠疫情). And the noisy situation and endless housework may result in a terrible emotion. A new option is waiting for you. That is WFH: work from a hotel.
Hotel Figuero
A special program titled Work Perks aims to reposition some of 94-year-old Hotel Figuero’s 268 rooms as day-use offices.
According to Managing Director Connie Wang, the set-up launched in June and is a great opportunity to get out of their houses with high-speed Wi-Fi, unlimited printing privileges and free parking. The 350-square-foot rooms sell for $ 129 per day, with an option to extend to an overnight stay for an additional $ 20.
The Wythe
A boutique hotel in Brooklyn. The hotel recently announced a partnership with co-working office space company Industrious through which it is recycling 13 second-story guest rooms to serve as offices for up to four people.
Each of the rooms has a small outdoor platform, and dogs are welcome. Pricing starts at $ 200 and goes up to $ 275, depending on how many people use the space.
The Sawyer
The Sawyer, in Sacramento, California, is offering pool cabanas (更衣室) for use as outdoor offices, complete with fast Wi-Fi, free parking and catered lunch for $ 150 per day.
HotelsByDay
Yannis Moati founded HotelsByDay back in 2015. That company has grown to include more than 1,500 hotels, and has seen a significant increase in the number of inquiries for day-use bookings lately.
Moati said the current situation will force hotels to upgrade themselves to stay alive, and he predicted that offering rooms for day-use only is one of the directions they will go.
1. How much should one pay for a 24-hour stay in Hotel Figuero?| A．$ 129. | B．$ 149. | C．$ 150. | D．$ 200. |
| A．The Wythe. | B．The Sawyer. |
| C．HotelsByDay. | D．Hotel Figuero. |
| A．He started a program titled Work Perks. |
| B．He has upgraded at least 1,500 rooms. |
| C．He usually predicts everything correctly. |
| D．He is optimistic about the WFH trend. |
7 . An increasing number of middle-class Chinese are buying luxury goods outside the Chinese mainland, with more overseas travel driving the trend, a KPMG report said on Tuesday.
Of the seventy-one percent of then said they bought luxury items during such trips, with cosmetics, watches and handbags being the most popular items.
The report--- The Global Teach of China Luxury---is based on a survey of 1,200 middle class Chinese consumers in 24 cities. Market research firm TNS conducted the study.
Respondents were 20 to 44 years old, with a minimum household income of 7,500 yuan($ 1,205) a month in tier-one cities and 5,500 yuan elsewhere.
Chinese consumers associate certain countries with particular products. For example, Switzerland is recognized for its luxury watchers, while France scores highest for cosmetics and perfumes.
Nick Debnam, KPMG’s Asia Pacific chairman in consumer markets and the author of the report, said the growing number of Chinese people traveling overseas is a result of the emerging middle class and easier travel arrangements.
“What we are now seeing is that the brands which are well positioned in China are receiving a boost(增长) in overseas markets from the emergence of a surging new class of traveling and well-off Chinese consumers,” he said.
China has become a focus of the luxury industry in recent years, and the travel and spending habits of Chinese consumers are also reshaping the luxury goods market, Debnam said.
Pascal Aemoudom, an exper with A. T. Kearney Management Consulting Co Ltd in Shanghai, said Chinese consumers are playing an increasingly important role in the global luxury market.
“Brands like Louis Vuitton or Gucci do have about 30 percent of their sales made by Chinese consumers. Regarding China’s native consumers, overseas should be around 55 to 60 percent of the total,” he said.
“With high taxes on luxury products sold in the domestic market, consumers can save 30 to 50 percent when buying in Europe or the United States,” said Armoudom.
Lower prices aren’t the only incentive to buy overseas--- the shopping experience is also unique. “In luxury watches, a few rich Chinese brand’s headquarters or factory after having visited the site and talked to the staff there.
Debnam said in such situations, international and local brands need a global strategy for Chinese consumers in both locations.
“Brands need a strong market position in China and overseas so that Chinese customers can find their products easily,” he said. “For example, in clothing, the Asian cut is quite different from the European cut, and you need to carry the right cut to make the sale.”
Meanwhile, Armoudom said, pricing policies will become a major issue that needs to be handled carefully. “Chinese shoppers may become frustrated if they notice lower prices in location A for an item which they already bought at a higher price in location B.”
1. Why is luxury goods market overseas receiving a boost?| A．China has become the target of the luxury industry. |
| B．Easier travel arrangements and spending habits of Chinese customers. |
| C．Lower prices and unique shopping experience for Chinese. |
| D．All of the above |
| A．30% | B．55~60% |
| C．16~18% | D．12~13% |
| A．brands need a strong market position in China and overseas |
| B．the difference between Asian cut and European cut |
| C．the number of Chinese traveling abroad continues to rise |
| D．local brands need a global strategy for customers |
| A．luxury watches | B．Louis Vuitton bags |
| C．perfumes | D．Gucci products |
