“KFC responded to the implementation of charging packaging fees”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
In the 3rd week of February 2024, the hashtag #KFC responded to the implementation of charging packaging fees# (肯德基回应全面开收打包费) was trending on Weibo, garnering close to 100 million views in two days. On February 20th, KFC announced that it would start charging packaging service fees, while the official pricing for delivery fees has been reduced from RMB 9 […]
Medical tourism in South Korea: What makes it a premier destination for global patients?
Medical tourism, the act of seeking medical treatment abroad for better value or superior quality compared to what is available domestically, has experienced notable growth in recent times, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Medical tourism in South Korea has surged alongside the popularity of K-beauty and the Hallyu wave. It has emerged as one of […]
NIU’s expansion journey within the electric two-wheeler market in China
Within the electric two-wheeler market in China, NIU has recently embarked as a new disruptive competitor. The company has been able to swiftly expand its product line amidst an unprecedented increase in demand for efficient urban transportation solutions. It was also driven up by rising concerns about air quality and increased traffic congestion. In this […]
“Why Chinese fast food is becoming less affordable as well?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Over the decades following the opening of the first KFC in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1987, Western fast food was typically perceived as higher-end or even luxurious. This was attributed to its pricing and China’s economic conditions at that time. However, there has been a notable shift in the general perception of both Western and […]
“Why the Sam’s Club ‘poor people combo’ drives the middle-class crazy”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
In recent years, Chinese consumers have become increasingly inclined to save money and follow trends like consumption downgrade due to the economic slowdown after a prolonged pandemic. On Xiaohongshu, many netizens shared their experience purchasing “poor people combo meals,” among which fast food restaurants and coffee chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and Luckin […]
The Chinese art market: young collectors fuel contemporary art surge
The global art market is a multi-billion-dollar industry, playing a significant role in cultural exchange and economic development. While its artistic roots stretch back centuries, China’s art market has boomed in recent decades, becoming a major player on the global art scene. In recent years, the Chinese art market has witnessed a meteoric rise, solidifying […]
The restaurant market in China: adapting to evolving consumer tastes and technologies
The restaurant market in China has witnessed a significant rebound following the pandemic. In 2023, the Chinese food service market reached RMB 5.2 trillion (USD 717.6 billion), marking a 20.6% year-on-year increase, and essentially returning the market scale of the catering industry to pre-pandemic levels. In the near future, the growth rate of the catering […]
We and I: Indie beauty brands in China attract through individuality and collectivism
The indie sector has swiftly emerged as a significant player in the beauty industry, boasting global sales worth USD 30.5 billion. This trend is evident in China, especially among young consumers in China. Brands including Fan Beauty and Rare Beauty have been gaining popularity due to the growing desire for individuality, a sense of belonging, […]
KTV in China: On the path of decline or looming for another rise?
KTV was introduced to China in the 1980s and was once an important place for young people to gather and enjoy their time. However, in the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry in China, the traditional dominance of KTV is now being challenged by a wider array of leisure options. Is it time for people to […]
Digitalizing the gift card market in South Korea: Extending influence across industries and generations
In South Korea, traditional family occasions like Chuseok and Seollal, once reserved for gatherings and gift-giving, are seeing a shift. With improved communication and accessibility, people are attending these gatherings less and opting to send gifts via gift cards instead. This shift has fueled robust growth in the gift card market in South Korea, with […]
Increasing online shopping spurs stricter consumer rights regulations in China
China, with more than 1 billion netizens as of 2023, has been implementing and updating strong regulations on data security and consumer protection. However, amidst these efforts, complaints against Chinese e-commerce platforms have surged. Consumers are ever more raising complaints against Chinese e-commerce platforms, especially about the scarce quality of products purchased through live streams […]
Discovering China’s new luxury hot spots: Emerging luxury hubs beyond Shanghai and Beijing
Chinese major international hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong have traditionally acted as China’s luxury hot spots. As of 2023, this trend continues to dominate with Shanghai boasting a luxury consumption volume of RMB 53.5 billion, placing it in the lead. Beijing closely follows with RMB 52.3 billion. However, according to the latest China […]