Distribution in China in 2026: where the growth is and how to capture it
China is a RMB 50 trillion retail market, and the channels that sell the most change every two or three years. For a foreign brand, distribution is where the growth is won or lost. Updated on 3 September 2026. First published in July 2012. RMB 50.1 trn Retail sales of consumer goods in 2025 (NBS) […]
China’s tennis market: The fashion and frenzy behind the world’s second-largest tennis base
Racquet sports are one of the fastest-growing sport categories in China, and tennis is taking the lead. China’s tennis market has seen continued growth, bolstered by both celebrity and fashion. While the “Li Na effect” first sparked national interest in the 2010s, Zheng Qinwen’s recent triumphs have injected new momentum. This growth is proving more […]
174,000 openings, 137,000 closures in a year: The evolution and uncertain future of Chinese modern tea sector
The Chinese modern tea sector has matured significantly since 2020, completing a transition from a volume-driven expansion model to a quality-focused era. In terms of growth, we can see this reflected in the shift from an average growth rate of 24.9% CAGR between 2017 and 2022 to a growth rate of 6.4% in 2024. The […]
The luxury watch market in China: Status, sophistication and counterfeiting
Despite broader economic challenges and a slowdown in the overall luxury sector, luxury watches continue to hold strong appeal among affluent Chinese consumers, increasingly viewed as a smart alternative investment during times of economic uncertainty. In 2024, the luxury watch market in China was valued at approximately USD 18.12 billion, reflecting steady growth, with an […]
How the zoo and aquarium industry in China is overcoming monotony
In the zoo and aquarium industry in China, many parks have been for failing to innovate, mainly relying on animals without offering new experiences to encourage repeat visits. However, those that have transformed into immersive and comprehensive spaces — incorporating hotels, restaurants and attractions — are successfully bringing more people. Download the winter sports market […]
GU: Uniqlo’s emerging sibling, crafting style with social media
GU (极优) is a Japanese brand founded in 2006 specializing in affordable and casual clothing. It is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing, the parent company of the retail giant Uniqlo. The brand’s name, “GU”, is a pun on the Japanese word “jiyū” (自由), “freedom” in English, signifying an escape from high-priced clothing. As of August […]
COVID-19 and international relations are reshaping the choices of Chinese studying abroad
Despite travel restrictions during the pandemic, China remains the main country of origin of international students, with a total of 1,061,511 students attending overseas higher education institutions in 2019. China holds the global top spot, boasting 600,000 more students than the country on the second position, India (461,792). In the last few years, the number […]
The ultimate guide to navigate the Chinese digital marketing ecosystem
The incredible popularity of instant messaging and online shopping in China, along with the adoption of smartphones, has greatly helped China in becoming the largest social network and e-commerce market. As of 2021, it is estimated that the total social network users and digital buyers in China reached 987.3 million and 824.5 million respectively. Behind […]
Opportunities and Challenges in China’s Buy Now Pay Later services
“Buy Now Pay Later” (BNPL) services, as the name suggests, allow consumers to make instant purchases but pay later in several small instalments. Its flexibility, the omnichannel application, and the wide adoption of online shopping attract the young generation and fuel the explosive growth worldwide. The global BNPL market records an explosive CAGR rise of […]
A complete guide to cosmetics distribution channels in China
China’s cosmetic market has not stopped growing in recent years and it is estimated to generate about 495 billion RMB in 2021, vaunting a 15.1% increase from 2020. Nevertheless, China’s per capita consumption of skincare and makeup products is just 1/3 and 1/5 of that boasted by the US and Japan/South Korea respectively, showing a […]
How Xiaomi, “the Apple of China”, has grown into the world’s 4th largest smartphone brand in just 4 years
Xiaomi Inc. (小米) is a mobile internet company founded by Lei Jun and seven co-founders in 2010. In 2013, Xiaomi grew into China’s largest e-commerce company with its e-commerce platform Mi Market. By 2014, the company had grown into the world’s fourth-largest consumer electronics company. In the same year, the company expanded into several foreign Southeast […]
Popular American TV series in China and what they reveal about Chinese consumers
American TV series are a big hit in China. As a source of soft power influence from the west to the east, many hit sitcoms, dramas and action series have been largely welcomed by Chinese audiences. Whether or not it was the intention of American producers to reach Chinese fans, it is nonetheless a great […]