Online revolution killing retailers in China

Beijing

HUNCHED over the counter of his tiny, gadget-filled stall in Beijing's vast Hailong Electronics City, Wang Ning bemoans a week without a single sale.

"It's dying," says Wang, shaking his head as he looks out at abandoned stores and torn promotional posters in what was once the busiest market in the Zhongguancun district, known as China's silicon valley. "There are more sales staff than customers around here. Everyone buys online now."

The …