How Gentle Monster in China attracts consumers to its offline stores in an era dominated by e-commerce

Founded as a startup in 2011 in South Korea, Gentle Monster has rapidly expanded globally, with stores in the United States, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, among others. Gentle Monster in China opened its first store in 2016, and as of December 2024, it has over 20 flagship stores, solidifying its position in […]
Miu Miu’s strategy in China: Winning China’s Gen Z through its rebellious aesthetic

At the heart of Miu Miu’s strategy in China lies its understanding of young consumers. Miu Miu has transformed from a sub-line of Prada in China into one of the country’s most coveted luxury brands. It rode with the post-pandemic market rebound and Gen Z driven trends. In just a few years, Miu Miu connected […]
Cracking China: How Coach balances expansion, pricing and brand image

Coach’s journey from a small New York leather workshop in 1941 to a global affordable luxury brand exemplifies the rise of accessible luxury. With annual sales of around $5.1 billion, Coach has built a strong presence worldwide, including a fast-growing market in China. Coach in China has become one of the brand’s key success stories […]
Second-hand luxury market in China: Once a social taboo, now a badge of smart consumption

In China’s evolving consumer market, a trend has taken hold: the strong emergence of the second-hand luxury market. Once considered shameful, it is now a symbol of savvy shopping. The global second-hand luxury goods market grew to an estimated USD 55 billion in 2024, and outpaced the sales of new luxury goods, with a 7% […]
Building a pop-up store in China that leaves a lasting impression

As Chinese consumers place more value on experiences than products, pop-up stores have become an important tool for brands. They offer unique and authentic moments that connect with people’s lifestyles, cultures, and values. These experiences often stay with consumers long after their visit. In the rapidly changing market, a pop-up store in China helps brands […]
Despite lingering stigma, the male beauty market in China remains resilient

Beauty in China is shifting away from being an option to becoming a necessity. With growing awareness of beauty products and a desire to gain social acceptance, more men are turning to beauty products. Even the older generations, who tend to hold onto more stigma regarding beauty products, are slowly adopting them. While skincare is […]
From beauty ideals to black market: The changing face of plastic surgery in China

In the bustling streets of modern China, a new trend is quietly reshaping the nation’s perception of beauty and self-improvement. Plastic surgery, once a taboo topic, has surged in popularity from both reconstructive and aesthetic aspects. Cosmetic surgery, a subset of plastic surgery, is now reshaping beauty standards, particularly among younger generations. Propelled by social […]
China’s winter apparel market: What Chinese wore for their “New Year Battle Outfits” (新年战袍)

In 2024, China’s winter apparel market held the largest share in the Asia Pacific region, which accounted for 35.4% of the global market revenue. Drivers for winter apparel purchases include the growing popularity of winter tourism and winter sports. Around 313 million people have participated in ice and snow sports or other winter-related leisure activities […]
The fashion industry in China: Chinese young consumers are becoming highly brand-conscious

China’s fashion industry is currently experiencing an era of unprecedented change and growth. In the “State of Fashion 2023” report, a joint effort by BoF and McKinsey, it was projected that the global fashion market will slow down in 2023 due to macroeconomic and geopolitical factors, including rising inflation, supply chain pressures, and political tensions. […]
Reshaping the Chinese Luxury Market: Shifting Consumer Values and Transformative Retail Experiences

In 2019, McKinsey estimated China’s share of the global luxury market would grow to 41% by 2025. China’s luxury market has been mounting up for the past five years, doubling in size between 2019 and 2021. This growth was disrupted in 2022 due to the zero-Covid policy. In 2022, nearly every luxury category and most […]
Acqua di Parma in China: A luxurious journey through fragrance and lifestyle

In the bustling corridors of China’s fragrance market, where beauty and luxury converge, one name shines brightly amidst the competition: Acqua di Parma. In 2023, China’s fragrance market surpassed RMB 200 billion and is poised to exceed RMB 539 billion by 2028. Despite the dominance of major foreign cosmetic conglomerates such as L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, […]
From east to the runway: the irresistible ascent of Chinese designer brands

In recent years, at fashion shows and various events, many domestic and international celebrities have been seen wearing clothing from Chinese fashion brands, and an increasing number of Chinese designer brands are entering the international spotlight. At the 2023 Met Gala red carpet, Cardi B appeared in a specially tailored camellia dress designed by Chinese […]