Shanghai is experiencing a significant shopping boom this summer thanks to its innovative "ticket stub economy".

The "ticket stub economy" refers to an economic strategy in which ticket stubs from cultural, sporting, or entertainment events are used as vouchers or coupons to encourage further consumer spending in related sectors such as retail, dining, and tourism.

Visitors to On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt exhibition can enjoy discounts at several well-known stores along Nanjing Road, simply by showing their ticket stubs.

Shanghai Museum presents On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: SH-Museum]

In addition, tourists arriving in Shanghai via China Eastern Airlines can use their boarding passes to enjoy special shopping discounts at many well-known retailers along Huaihai Road.

This initiative is part of the first Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season, which is already in full swing.

The opening of the On Top of the Pyramid exhibition is just one of the city's events that will spark a citywide rush for tickets. Other examples include a variety of art, cultural, and technology events in the East Nanjing Road commercial area.

Highlights include:

- The 30th anniversary exhibition of Detective Conan at New World City, which made its debut on the Chinese mainland.

- The Infinite, Asia's first XR immersive space exploration experience, launched at New World Daimaru.

- The original urban IP series The City of Light Chasers, produced by Nanjing Road M558 commercial complex and The Box (an innovative cultural industry park combining art and cutting-edge technology).

- Madame Tussauds Shanghai

New World Group launched a promotional campaign called "Five Exhibitions Linkage", in collaboration with Shanghai Museum, New World City, M558, and Daimaru. From July 26 to Aug 18, visitors can enjoy discounts at selected restaurants and food retailers on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street by presenting a ticket stub from any of the above five exhibitions.

Similarly, Middle Huaihai Road has partnered with China Eastern Airlines to offer special promotions, including exclusive discounts and rebates from participating merchants for those who present their boarding passes. The promotion includes well-known brands such as Gujin, Xing Guang Photographic Equipments, Jinchen Hotel Shanghai, and popular culinary spots like Guang Ming Cun Restaurant.

According to a representative from the Huangpu Commission of Commerce, the purpose of this initiative is to explore new forms of cross-brand collaboration, create innovative consumer experiences, and establish a new highlight during the Shanghai Summer International Consumption Season.