Hand-held fans designed by aristist Sun Yinjie displayed in Selfridges store in London, UK. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Chinese customers really like the new design and they can get the product with the new bottle for no extra charge," she said. "We also give them samples wrapped in red envelopes to say thank you and celebrate the festival with them."

Other department stores have followed suit. Selfridge department store offers its customers a complimentary hand fan, which can be decorated by an expert calligrapher with a personal message or a bespoke design when spending 100 pounds or more on accessories.

Sun Yinjie, a Chinese painter invited by Selfridge to display his works in the store, said this is his second time to be invited. He has also been asked to participate in another celebration by BBC.

"I have been in UK for more than eight years and I'm glad to see more activities about Chinese New Year in the country. This is apparently a result of China's growing economic and political status," he said.