Xinhua News Agency
Ji Ye, Dong Yixing
February 7, 2022
BEIJING – Beijing Winter Olympics organizers said on Sunday in response to the recent shortage of Bing Dwen Dwen due to the rising popularity of the mascot that they are working with the suppliers to increase its production. They also hope that consumers might give equal attention to Shuey Rhon Rhon, the mascot for Beijing Winter Paralympics.
A kid holding up Bing Dwen Dwen during a Chinese lantern festival held in Belgrade, Serbia
Long queues can be seen outside the Beijing Winter Olympics flagship stores as people rush to get the mascot and other Olympic souvenirs.
“My friends keep asking me where they can buy Bing Dwen Dwen. I think the popularity of the Olympic souvenirs shows how the entire country is enthusiastic about the Games,” said Zhao Weidong, a spokesman of the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee.
Christophe Dubi, Olympic Games Executive Director at the International Olympic Committee, mentioned at the press conference Sunday that “Bing Dwen Dwen is lively, funny, witty, and of course full of positive energy. She has to be part of my collection, but (also) yours, and all the kids across the globe.”
Bing Dwen Dwen in a souvenir presentation ceremony (Photo by Xinhua)
Pu Xuedong, spokesperson for the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee, explained that the shortage was due to the surge of demands, exacerbated by the shortage of supplies during the Spring Festival holiday. However, they have asked the suppliers to ramp up production to meet the demands.
According to Mr. Pu, merchandise related to Bing Dwen Dwen will be available on the authorized Tmall store on Taobao. In addition, the Spring Festival edition will also be sold on Tmall soon.
Pu Xuedong added that the franchise stores will limit the number of items for each purchase so that more customers can get what they want. The Committee has rolled out a wide variety of products in 16 categories. The sale will likely continue till the end of June this year.
Rewritten by Wang Yanqiang and Chua Lien, Fudan University
