•  Price is still a major concern, particularly in Northeast China
•  Market promotion is very important, with money and effort required to educate consumers (product availability, how to use products, nutritional benefits, etc.)
• Compared to other Dongbei (东北，Northeast) cities, Harbin consumers are often more willing to try and accept new concepts and products
•  The 'Holiday-Tourist' economy is 'hot' like a number of other cities in China. January-February is a peak retail-HRI sales season due to 'Ice Festival', Spring Festival, etc.

Currently, the volume and diversity of imported products available in local retail formats is limited, yet increasing considerably in recent years. For example, Yuanda Tiantian Supermarket expanded its imported food offerings (many from the US) from one shelf to an entire section last year. Harbiner's are very quality oriented, increasingly health conscious, and willing to pay a slight premium for the high quality or healthy food products.