The development index of convenience stores in the coastal city of Xiamen in East China's Fujian province ranks first among 36 sample cities. [Photo/swj.xm.gov.cn]

The development index of convenience stores in the coastal city of Xiamen in East China's Fujian province has ranked first among 36 sample cities, according to the 2020 China Urban Convenience Store Index released by the China Chain Store & Franchise Association July 22.

The growth rate of Xiamen's convenience stores was 21.02 percent year-on-year in 2019, with the stores enjoying a high development level and offering more convenience to consumers.

There was one convenience store for every 3,114 people in Xiamen. The city now houses more than 1,500 chain convenience stores, including many fresh food stores.

Xiamen introduced 14 policies earlier this year to boost the development of convenience stores, aiming to encourage consumption and satisfy increasing demand.

According to the policies, the city will encourage convenience stores to expand business hours and offer 24-hour services. More public services will be provided to consumers, including free WiFi and hot water.

Statistics show that the proportion of 24-hour convenience stores in Xiamen is as high as 52.91 percent, indicating that one in two convenience stores in the city offer 24-hour services.

Officials from the Xiamen Bureau of Commerce said that the city will foster a batch of branded convenience stores with high quality, in an effort to improve the consumption environment and service quality in the city.