Guangzhou-based Carrot Mall, a specialty import goods store with a strong online platform, opened its fifth store in Hunan province on Aug 20.

The Changsha county store sells goods imported from over 30 foreign companies and follows the trend of a rapidly increasing cross-border e-commerce sector, an activity whereby Chinese consumers are able to buy directly from foreign retailers and suppliers.

Zhang Fuqiang, manager of the Xingsha-based store, is excited about the new development and was keen to emphasize the comparative affordability of the products on sale.

"We cooperate with the suppliers of European and American malls and supermarkets. Therefore the prices of baby products, cosmetics, food, and healthcare products are lower than those offered in ordinary domestic supermarkets with import sections. Our prices are usually cheaper by 20 percent or 30 percent, but sometimes the difference is as much as 50 percent."

Carrot Mall sells a wide range of imported goods. [Photo by Zhangdi/csxrmt.com]

The Changsha county import store follows the two-part model established in Guangzhou’s Free Trade Zone. One half of the store sells duty-paid goods available for customers to cart home on the day. The other half offers customers the chance to browse the products on offer before ordering through the store’s online service. These items will be delivered directly to a customer's doorstep.

Cross-border e-commerce totaled an estimated 259 billion yuan ($38 billion) in 2015 and has an annual growth upward of 50 percent. Its popularity stems from the attractive prices made available by these direct channels and a protection from counterfeit goods.

The store is located at No.128 Dongyi Road in Xingsha district.