TECHNOLOGY will be a major player at this year’s annual Shanghai Shopping Festival, which kicks off on Friday, with online and offline activities that is expected to test the city’s appetite for consumption in the digital age.

At five popular shopping spots in Putuo, Changning, Yangpu districts and the Pudong New Area, an activity, “shaking mobile phones,” will pick winners for free gifts, the Shanghai Commission of Commerce said yesterday.

The gifts include LCD television sets, cruise tours, hotel coupons, smart vacuum cleaners and jewelries valued more than 2.8 million yuan (US$437,500).

Shopping malls, department stores and supermarkets will all take part in online and offline activities to present a digitized festival.