South Korea’s funsumers: The increasing demand to make every consumption fun
When purchasing products in South Korea, there are several important criteria to consider, such as price, function, and brand reputation. However, there is an additional factor that is critical – fun – especially among the funsumers (펀슈머). The term “funsumer”, a fusion of the words “fun” and “consumer”, refers to individuals who are not only […]
From high-rise buildings to sustainable materials: trends in Chinese apartment complexes
Living in a Chinese apartment is a unique experience that blends modernity with tradition. Most apartments are in high-rise buildings and come in different sizes and designs, ranging from cozy studios to spacious multi-bedroom units. The apartments are typically furnished with modern appliances, sleek furniture, and stylish decor, with many Chinese homeowners placing great emphasis […]
Hong Kong’s luxury market losing ground to Mainland China: can it regain its position?
Hong Kong is well-known as a leading financial center, major travel hub and tourist destination: in 2019, Hong Kong had about a hundred million inbound visitors. Hong Kong’s luxury market has long been crucial to the city’s economy, with the total revenue for luxury goods sales reaching 12.92 billion USD before the pandemic. Hong Kong’s […]
“IKEA Shanghai responds to the prohibition of photoshoots in warehouses”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
IKEA (宜家) has become a popular check-in spot for netizens’ photoshoots due to its aesthetic interior design, home décor, and furniture. So far, IKEA owns 37 local stores in China, mainly located in Tier 1 and Tier cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. In recent years, its massive indoor space and enormous warehouses with high ceilings […]
Streaming platforms in South Korea: a fierce competition between foreign and domestic players
Balabala: the leading brand in China’s children’s wear market
Founded in 2002, Balabala (巴拉巴拉) is a Chinese brand producing clothes and accessories for children from 0 to 14 years old. It is part of the Semir Group, one of the top 5 apparel groups in China by market share. The brand has gained increasing popularity recently and is now the number-one brand in the […]
“315 market regulation in action”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
The hashtag #315 market regulation in action# has been trending on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, during the third week of March. Many brands have faced severe backlash on social media for violating consumer rights. This is in anticipation of the annual “315 Gala” hosted by China Central Television on Consumer Rights Day. […]
How young consumers and low-tier cities are shaping China’s jewelry market
China’s jewelry market is undergoing a significant transformation as younger consumers and low-tier cities are emerging as key drivers of growth. Millennials and Gen-Zs are reshaping the local jewelry market by showing a strong preference for gold jewelry over traditional silver and diamond options. This shift in consumer behavior has prompted established jewelry brands to […]
Singapore x China business relations
The economic relationship between Singapore and China dates back to the 1980s when Singapore was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China. Since then, the two countries have been working closely together in various fields, including trade, investment, and finance. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore has been China’s […]
Business etiquette and culture in China: beyond the handshake
It is important to understand and respect the business etiquette in China, as it is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and social hierarchy influenced by the Confucian tradition. By being aware of and following these customs, one can avoid any unintentional offense towards their Chinese business partners when doing business in China. 1. Know […]
“Will product packaging affect your purchasing decisions?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media”
Two weeks after World Consumer Rights Day, China Consumers Association released a survey on excessive packaging of products and consumer perception (商品过度包装问题研究和消费者感知调查报告) on March 28, which triggered discussions on Chinese social media Weibo in terms of #Will product packaging affect your purchasing decisions (商品包装会影响你选购吗)#, viewed and discussed over 1.25 million times as of the 4th […]
How health-conscious consumers are transforming the Chinese beverage market
The beverage industry in China is booming, thanks to the recovery of social events like parties and wedding banquets after the pandemic. The market grew to 1.25 trillion RMB (182 billion USD) in 2022 and produced 183.3 million tons in 2021. The most popular beverages in China in 2022 were packaged drinking water, carbonated beverages, […]