(17 May 2016 – Hong Kong) New World Department Store China Limited (“NWDS” or the “Company”; Hong Kong stock code: 825), one of the largest owners and operators of department stores in Mainland China, held the second session of the nationwide outdoor green activity “Reaching Out to Nature” between 22nd of April to 1st of May. NWDS led over 2,400 customers closer to nature; the percentage of participants had increased by around 26% compared to last year’s event. It should also be noted that nearly 9,000 people participated in the “NWDS・Reaching Out to Nature” retweeting activity pioneered on NWDS CSR Weibo. As a result, the promotion of environmental awareness was well achieved on both spheres of the online and offline world.

This year, NWDS stores embraced the Artisanal spirit to tailor-make “Reaching Out to Nature” activities that suit the likes of local clientele. It goes without question that trips to ecological areas remains as the top choice for the visits. Chengdu New World Department Store, Yantai New World Department Store and Hong Kong New World Department Store - Shanghai Tianshan Road Branch Store respectively reached out and embraced nature closely in venues such as Chengdu’s Jingji Valley, Phoenix Mountains Park and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. In an attempt to draw customers closer to nature, Beijing New World Liying Department Store, Beijing New World Qianzi Department Store and Harbin New World Department Store also provided customers with a chance to freshly harvest organic fruits and vegetables as well as the planting of trees.

Apart from excursions, NWDS stores unleashed their creativity by hosting a series of green activities on their respective venues. Multiple Shanghai Ba Li Chun Tian stores ran environmental workshops inviting ecological experts to explain the fundamentals of planting to customers. By mixing the parental elements into the activities, Shenyang New World Department Store - Zhonghua Road Branch Store and Wuhan New World Department Store - Xudong Branch Store respectively invited customers and their children to hand make kites. Such events ensure the raising of environmental awareness of the next generation. Other NWDS stores set up mini flower nurseries and farms with the help from artisanal builders to create a green shopping atmosphere for customers. Chongqing New World Department Store went even further by creating a sea of flowers mixed with replicas of well-known international icons outside its store. Many intrigued customers took the opportunity to capture their shopping moments by taking photos.

Ms. Violet Chan, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Chairman of Sustainability Steering Committee of NWDS, said, “The Company does not shy away from our corporate responsibility to society and is dedicated in our cause including the importance placed by the company on the protection of the environment. In recent years, NWDS had embraced the Artisanal spirit tailor-making more attractive events for customers with the goal of raising their environmental awareness and participation. Much motivation had been given to the Company due to the popularity of the series of ‘Reaching Out to Nature’ activities. NWDS will strive to raise the bar further to improve the quality of events in a bid to promote environmental awareness and act decisively so green corporate practices can be sustainably developed.”

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