‘Haunting’: Chinese retail giant fuels controversy over bride price and generous wedding ban

China’s retail giant is sparking debate on social media with controversial new rules that require employees to refuse bride price, refuse extravagant weddings and avoid depending on parents to buy houses or cars.

On November 20, Yu Donglai, founder and chairman of Pang Dong Lai, a retail chain based in central China’s Henan province, announced that the company would take new measures next year to promote employee “independence” and “lean, high-quality” production. lifestyle.

The measures ban bride price and big weddings, limit banquets to five tables, and encourage employees to refrain from having their parents buy them houses or cars.

Yu stated that employees who do not comply with these rules will lose all company benefits.

He also emphasized that these measures are aimed at creating a healthier social environment.

“I hope that employees nurtured by the company will develop confidence, independence and strong character, and lead vibrant, passionate and fulfilling lives,” Yu said.

An insider from Pang Dong Lai said that these requirements are not yet formal rules, but are being promoted in advance.

They stressed that the measures are meant to respect individual rights, saying: “These guidelines aim to inspire people to live better lives by encouraging people to show genuine love and avoid unnecessary waste.”