Convenience stores in China: What’s becoming more important beyond convenience
In China’s convenience store industry, companies face rising price sensitivity, traffic shifting to discount snack stores, and intensifying competition from instant retail. In 2025, although 66.1% of companies achieved year-over-year sales growth, the momentum slowed compared to the previous two years. 81.4% and 70% of companies experienced growth in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Sales growth […]
How On in China is carving out a premium niche in China’s booming running market
Morning run groups, sold-out city marathons, and the growing popularity of fitness apps all reflect one trend: running is becoming part of everyday life for many Chinese consumers. As participation rises, so does demand for high-performance running shoes, intensifying competition among brands such as Nike, Adidas, Anta, Li-Ning, HOKA, and Salmon. In recent years, Swiss […]
Beyond discounts: The real beauty device market drivers in China
What are the beauty device market drivers in China? Who are the main consumers? From a demographic perspective, Gen Z and Millennials have firmly established themselves as the primary beauty device market drivers in China. As of 2022, young women aged 25 to 34 represented the largest consumer segment, accounting for 44% of the market. […]
How tech and the “lazy economy” are reshaping beauty device market in China
What is the beauty device market in China? From professional to personal use The beauty device market in China is the result of a combination of technologies that deliver various cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. They differ by device type, such as LED therapy, radiofrequency, microcurrents, and lasers. These devices are designed for both professional and […]
The olive oil market in China: Driven by health-oriented consumers
Olive oil in China has long been called “liquid gold.” It is cold-pressed directly from fresh olives without heating or chemical processing, preserving its natural nutrients. Olive oil is considered one of the most nutritionally beneficial fats discovered to date. Primarily because it is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which accounts for […]
Food fad sweeping in Korea: How a Dubai chocolate bar sparked a nationwide craze
In 2024, Dubai chocolate became popular in South Korea. Specifically, a single imported chocolate bar from Fix Dessert Chocolatier turned into a nationwide, cross-category phenomenon within months. Introduced as a premium department-store dessert, it rapidly scaled into mainstream convenience retail, cafe chains, and even alcohol, demonstrating how a food fad sweeping in Korea develops and […]
After mass adoption: the next stage of the bicycle market in China
The bicycle market in China has moved beyond basic transportation to a mature and highly diversified market defined by premiumization, stricter safety regulation, and the emergence of lifestyle-oriented cycling communities. In 2025, China’s total two-wheeler sector reached approximately 580 million units, including more than 200 million traditional bicycles and 380 million electric two-wheelers, reflecting the […]
Store optimization: A new chapter for IKEA in China
IKEA’s restructuring journey in China In early 2026, IKEA in China closed seven stores in China, including locations in its flagship markets of Shanghai and Guangzhou. For a brand synonymous with its sprawling out-of-town blue boxes, this move signals more than just a routine adjustment. It marks a fundamental recognition that the China of 2026, […]
KKV in China: Capturing Gen Z through aesthetics and social currency
What is KKV? KKV in China, founded in 2019 by the KK Group, is a comprehensive lifestyle platform that merges a wide variety of products. It stands out for the unique identity of its stores, which are designed as lifestyle experience centers rather than traditional retail stores. Since 2019, the number of stores has grown […]
Women’s Day in China: How Chinese women celebrated self-care this March 8th
International Women’s Day has been officially observed in China since 1949. Initially, it focused on promoting gender equality and recognizing women’s contributions to society, especially in education and the workforce. Over time, as women’s social and economic status improved, the meaning of the day has evolved. Today, Women’s Day in China represents both recognition and […]
Vuori in China: How it captures the underserved male athleisure segment
In October 2022, Vuori entered China through a deliberately sequenced market rollout, prioritizing brand positioning over rapid physical scale. This approach reflects both the attractiveness and the competitiveness of the local activewear landscape: The Chinese market for yoga apparel alone is projected to reach USD 3 billion by 2028, as the country’s broader sportswear industry […]
Camel milk in China: “Desert white gold” starts to go mainstream
In recent years, niche dairy products, milk alternatives beyond cow’s milk, have gradually captured consumers’ attention as they seek diverse options. These unique dairy products often win consumer favor through keywords such as high nutritional value, distinctive flavor, and rare milk sources. Camel milk is one such example. In promotional materials from certain media outlets […]