The traditional type of distribution system has been steadily replaced, and State-owned and collectively-owned retail outlets declined significantly in share between 1978 and 1990, from nearly 90% to 17%, while private outlets increased rapidly from little more than 10% to about 80% during the same period. There were 67 times as many private outlets in 1990 as in 1978. Today, each provincial or city statistical bureau has an information consultancy office which undertakes market research for both foreign and domestic clients. Some Advertising corporations also provide market survey services. .
