Affluent Chinese moving to the Middle East: Luxury living, investments, and education for Chinese elite
The Middle East, particularly the Gulf region, stands out for its opulent lifestyle, extravagant architecture, and high-end attractions. Notably, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a beacon of luxury, boasting upscale developments, lavish hotels, premium shopping malls, and extravagant entertainment options. The region’s allure extends to affluent Chinese […]
Navigating China’s Daigou landscape: resilience, challenges, and novel avenues in post-pandemic luxury markets
The Daigou (代购) industry, referring to individuals or agents who purchase and import goods from overseas for resale in the Chinese market, faced substantial challenges amid the pandemic. Tightened regulations and pandemic-related disruptions led to a significant reduction in the industry. Despite some recovery, the industry is unlikely to return to its previous size. This […]
China’s ultra-luxury market amid global uncertainties and digital transformations
In 2023, the global economy continues to grapple with the aftermath of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Despite initial efforts at recovery, the labor market is shrinking, nations are trying to navigate the complexities of inflation, and economists are pessimistic about the future trajectories and anticipating the economic recession. Download our China luxury market […]
Under Armour’s strategic fusion of fitness and community in China
In 2011, Under Armour (UA) marked its official entry into the Chinese market by establishing its first store in Shanghai. Since then, the US sportswear brand has experienced significant growth, currently boasting 836 stores across China, with a presence in 34 provinces and regions. As of the second fiscal quarter of 2023, the Asia-Pacific region, […]
Macau’s economy beyond gaming: how the “Las Vegas of China” is changing its skin
Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) situated in southern China. Macau remained under Portuguese rule for more than 400 years, and reverted to Chinese control in December 1999. Despite this, as an SAR, Macau retained Portuguese as its second official language alongside Mandarin. Often referred to as the “Las Vegas of China,” Macau is […]
Southeast Asia’s luxury market: a rising star on the luxury map
The luxury market in Southeast Asia is often overlooked compared to China, Japan, and South Korea. However, the luxury market in this region is on the rise. It generated USD 14.38 billion in revenue in 2022 and is expected to continue to grow. The ASEAN comprises 10 member states, six of which, namely Singapore, Thailand, […]
Nike in China: A tale of community engagement and women’s empowerment
Nike first entered the Chinese market in 1981, and its growth was characterized by a unique approach. Instead of directly introducing its products, Nike in China opted to support sports clubs and athletic events. A pivotal moment occurred during the 2008 Beijing Olympics when Nike proactively sponsored multiple sports teams, effectively extending its brand presence across […]
China’s fragrance market: daily life embraces scents, from wearables to cars and homes
The fragrance market in China has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2022, it reached RMB 16.9 billion, and forecasts suggest it will surge to RMB 38.7 billion by 2026. In 2021, the fragrance penetration rate in China stood at a mere 5%, a marked contrast to the United States (50%) and Europe (42%). This significant […]
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 […]
From hidden gems to shining stars: The growing allure of Scandinavian niche fashion brands in China
In recent years, international fast fashion giants have encountered substantial challenges in remaining competitive in China’s dynamic fashion industry. These challenges stem from various factors, including the growing emphasis on sustainability and mounting competition from both domestic and international brands. On top of these factors, brands such as H&M, Zara, and Gap have faced scrutiny […]
Streetwear in China: how hip-hop and cultural fusion rule the fashion scene
The fashion industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with China emerging as a dominant player. In 2022, China became the second largest apparel market, generating a remarkable revenue of USD 286.51 billion, representing almost 30% of the global market share. This shift has been highlighted by Fashion IP’s 2022 global ranking. has […]
China’s formal menswear market thrives through digital transformation and strategic expansion
With the increasing purchasing power of Chinese consumers, Chinese men are willing to spend more on clothes. Revenue in the men’s clothing segment reached RMB 754.4 billion in 2023, and the market is expected to have an annual growth of 4.44% (CAGR 2023-2027). In particular, China’s formal menswear market has grown quickly. The demand for […]