Chinese tourists bring cheer to retailers in US

Luxury brands plan steps to attract more shoppers for National Day sales

Chinese shoppers are expected to provide the much-needed momentum for retail sales in the US on Friday, even as most Americans celebrate their country's 238th birthday with fireworks, cookouts and parades.

"We have received calls from several Chinese shoppers about July 4 sales," said Jim Anderson, marketing director of the Chicago-based Fashion Outlets. "Many US retailers have already started Independence Day sales, and we expect the deals to continue through the holiday weekend..