The practice originated in online chat-rooms but has quickly inspired several specialist websites, such as 51tuangou.com and www.teambuy.com.cn.

ECONOMIST: Chinese consumers are ganging up on their retailers

"Investment and sales are way out of sync, " says Kan Xiaomang, information department director for China Modern Bookshop ( www.modernbooks.com.cn ).

CNN: THE E-TAIL REVOLUTION

For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.

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