China has banned time-limited sales promotions in retail outlets after three people were killed and 31 injured in a stampede at a Carrefour supermarket. The Commerce Ministry this week ordered local authorities across China to overhaul safety requirements in shops to prevent similar occurrences.
“In order to eliminate safety concerns, companies are required not to organise time-limited sales promotions, which may lead to traffic congestion, bodily harm and disorderly conduct,” it said.
In the Saturday stampede in south-western Chongqing municipality, victims were crushed as bargain-hunters rushed to get into the French supermarket for a 10th anniversary sale.
Local officials immediately closed the store and began an investigation.
Carrefour could not be immediately contacted for comment.
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