Central China city threading up success

From an epoch when 300,000 garment workers left their hometowns in search of opportunities in South China, to today's wave of skilled natives returning home to start businesses, Tianmen in Hubei province has rapidly risen as an unexpected contender in the apparel e-commerce industry.

"Last year we fulfilled 100,000 online orders a day and generated 1.3 billion yuan ($180 million) in sales. With the launch of our new base this year, we are targeting 2 billion yuan," said Xiong Feixiang, chairman of Hubei Laiyitiao Garment Co Ltd.