Alibaba users flocked to beauty and animal stores during Golden Week

Sales of cat and dog snacks and animal grooming products more than doubled.

Users on Alibaba e-commerce platform Tmall flocked this week to stores with beauty and animal grooming items as pets and their owners enjoyed some self-care time this Golden Week holiday, the company said in a news release.

Sales of cat and dog snacks more than doubled year-on-year, whilst orders for pet smart devices surged 261% and animal grooming product demand rose 253% compared with Golden Week last year.

Orders for imported cosmetics and beauty travel kits increased ninefold and overseas sun care brand sales grew 160% YoY, though the bulk of items sold came from countries within a four-hour flight circle of China.

“Users were also drawn to beauty products from niche tourist countries, including skin essence from Iceland and Moroccan shampoo,” Alibaba said.