Unusually cold weather, unusually hot sales. This month, nearly all the local department stores are launching their final sales on winter threads.

At Oriental Plaza, all fashion brands are slashing prices by 50-70 percent on old collections. Also, a handful of new shops just opened during Spring Festival, including ones from French label Chloe, New York designer label Diane Von Furstenberg, the elegant Guy Laroche, Valentino's sister label Red Valentino and sports brand Columbia.

Over on the west end of town, Grand Pacific Mall, is selling all their winter clothing at the lowest prices yet, and any shoppers who spend over RMB300-600 can join in a riddle game to win shopping coupons or get fine pillows. On the 7th floor, a big sale on womenswear brand Betu, Et Boite, and lingerie brand Miss Fifi will offer big discounts of up to 80 percent.

From this weekend, Hong Kong brand collection store i.t is kicking off its final sale, offering half price on all winter clothes. And New World Shopping Mall at Chongwenmen is already giving RMB20 off on new spring clothing to shoppers who spend over RMB100.