Can you be a street vendor too as "stall economy" went viral?

"Being a street vendor" became a hot topic on Chinese social media platforms with the government's move to bring back street vendors went viral recently.

Experts hail the move, deemed a game-changer for low-income and unemployed people, with as many as 100 million jobs to be created. 

For instance, a nightlife party featuring outdoor bazaars, food stalls, art exhibitions will be held at the historical Sinan Mansionsin Shanghai as a  move to boost night time ecomony.

And expats are also welcomed as vendors with proper business license and vaild health certificate. (Specific vendors would need to provide food safety license/liquor business license according to local regulations) 

For the past few days, topic "stall economy" has been read more than 1100 million times on Weibo.

However, netizens seems been having more fun with the idea than actually street vendors.

For instance, topic "全民地摊" (everybody can be a street vendor) trends virally today, with talented individuals Photoshoped popular characters as local street vendors in China.

Source: Weibo@青红造了个白

China is loosening grip on street vendors after years of restricting the sector as it seeks to boost employment in the wake of Covid-19 epidemic.

During a press conference after the closing of the National People's Congress, the legislature, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang cited the example of a city that generated 100,000 jobs overnight by setting up 36,000 mobile vendor stalls. (Source: Global Times)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at a stall  

Picture: www.gov.com

Some local governments have already acted. Recently, pictures of vendors selling a variety of goods lining a sidewalk in Chengdu city, went viral on social media. Many netizens said that the images rekindled their memories of street life in Chengdu.

Another fun fact is that, Chengguan (urban management officers) who used to be street vendors' wrost nightmares, are now inviting street vendors to resume business.

A video showing an invitation phone call between an officer and a vendor was viewed 7.17 million time and Weibo, and in the call the vendor doubted whether the officer was a scam—as he couldn't believe this is all happening for real.

China imposed tight management on street vending in recent years to make its cities more attractive and vendors on the streets are usually banned and fined. That's why the vendor found the call so bizarre.

Street stalls and markets were a substantial economic source for rural migrants in cities. The street vending market often supplied consumer goods at lower prices, which are affordable for the urban poor. They were ubiquitous at night providing shopping and dining options for people returning after work and for those who enjoy late-night dining or shopping.

However, as the country stepped up its urban development pace, street stalls were moved out to keep cities clean and tidy as well as to facilitate local traffic operations.(Source: China Daily)

Since being a sreet vendor is internet famous now, large internet companys are not standing by and watch.

On June 4th, Chen Hua, the founder and CEO of 唱吧 Sing Bar Music Group, appeared in a stall near the Sun Palace subway station to sell products and sing. The scene attracted a large number of onlookers.

Before today, Didi staff stalled to sell taxi vouchers and Tencent HR recriuted on the spot.

However, net users' opinions are divided on the new practice. 

Some believe that it was just a publicity stunt and the vendors will be banned again soon. 

Others think that it is a general direction to introduce vendors into the cities and if street stalls are gathered and formed into night markets, it will be safer in terms of hygiene. 

Others think that as long as the vendors can maintain order, a city with street stalls has a more human touch. 

What do you think of new "stall economy" in China?

You are welcomed to leave your comments below!

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