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, […]
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 […]
China’s eyewear market soars post-pandemic
Over the years, the eyewear market in China has witnessed remarkable growth and this trend is set to continue post-pandemic, fueled by factors such as increasing disposable income, changing fashion trends, and rising awareness about eye health. Chinese consumers have developed a strong appreciation for both style and functionality when it comes to eyewear, creating […]
Bottega Veneta’s China success story: blending “quiet luxury” with cultural integration
Bottega Veneta opened its first boutique in China in Shanghai in 2007, and then quickly expanded to other Tier-1 cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. It became part of the second wave of luxury brands to come to China, after the country proved to be a fruitful market for luxury brands. The brand continued […]
Quality, sustainability, and Guochao: three keywords in China’s high-end fashion
Since the end of the pandemic, China’s high-end fashion market has been steadily expanding. Luxury items have become a typical spending choice for many consumers who had to postpone their travels or other leisure expenses. According to Morgan Stanley, this trend is expected to continue throughout 2023, with Chinese consumers projected to increase their purchases […]
She economy rising: Decoding the shopping secrets of Chinese women
Chinese women are experiencing a noticeable surge in financial independence. As society undergoes changes, women’s priorities are also shifting. They are moving beyond traditional family roles to prioritize self-care. This report examines diverse consumption patterns among Chinese women, identifying opportunities in the “she economy.” It underscores their pivotal role in household decisions, evolving dynamics, and […]
Biem.L.Fdlkk: Behind the Chinese golf brand with the wackiest name ever
Many travelers in China have likely passed by the Biem.L.Fdlkk store at a train station or airport, wondering about the brand’s peculiar name. Today, the mystery behind the unconventional name of this Chinese golf apparel brand is finally unraveled. The crazy English name comes from the phonetic transliteration of the Chinese brand name “比音勒芬” (bi […]