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. […]
Pearl market in China: propelled by Chinese youths and old-money aesthetics

Pearls are categorized into two main types: freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls. In the first half of 2023, the pearl market in China was valued at RMB 31.09 billion. The country currently dominates the production of freshwater pearls, accounting for around 75% of the global output, primarily clustered in a few provinces. Younger consumers are […]
Uniqlo in China: Maintaining its unique position amidst the competitive Chinese market

Since establishing its first store in Shanghai in 2002, Uniqlo has woven itself into the fabric of China’s retail landscape. As of April 2024, the brand operates a vast network of 920 directly operated stores across more than 200 cities throughout Mainland China. The number of stores in China surpassed even the number of stores […]
The hidden gem of the luxury perfume market: the case of Reclassified in China

The perfume market in China is a sector that is constantly growing in popularity. In 2022, it had a market revenue of around RMB 16.9 billion (USD 2.3 billion) with a year-on-year increase of 24.3%. The fast-growing market has attracted both domestic and foreign players. Indeed, since 2017, more than 2,000 perfume brands entered the […]
Standing out in the competitive market through branding in China

In the huge, complex, and highly competitive market, the role of branding in China in building a successful business has become increasingly crucial. Not only is there more pressure from other brands, but people’s needs and desires are also becoming more diverse and many are preferring local brands as reflected in the Guochao marketing trends. […]
Wellness industry in China: traditional Chinese medicine, mental health apps, and USD10 billion spa empire

The wellness industry focuses on products and services that promote health, well-being, and overall quality of life. It encompasses fitness, nutrition, personal care, mental health, alternative medicine, spa treatments, and more. The wellness industry in China is propelled by the younger generation’s emphasis on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mental health, and aesthetic spa experiences. Furthermore, […]
“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 […]
Key considerations for foreign brands’ co-branding in China

In recent years, co-branding in China has become very popular, with a wide variety of co-branding targets, from food and drink, clothing, anime, and IP to games. This type of strategic alliance is highly effective in boosting sales and raising brand visibility. To tap into the Chinese market, international brands are diligently navigating the dos […]
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 […]