Chinese Grab TVs and Yachts on Alibaba's $25 Billion 'Singles Day'

SHANGHAI—To see China’s consumer clout in action, look no further than Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s Singles’ Day.

The e-commerce giant said it racked up more than $25.3 billion in sales in the 24 hour-period that began at 12 a.m. Saturday -- helped along by a gala TV show, a marketing campaign that pushed advance orders, and the usual discounts on everything from cosmetics to cars.

Smartphones...