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Consumers

Consumers
News about consumer spending and shifting shopping habits from around the world with a focus on developments in Hong Kong and mainland China.
A presenter shows how to open a durian during a guided session at the Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre on June 26. Photo: AP
Visitors watch a performance at Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre on June 26. Photo: AP
Durians are displayed on a wall at the Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre on June 26. Photo: AP
Founder Edison Ang explains the history of durians at the Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre on June 26. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s durian revolution powered by perfumes, pastries and big plans

Last year, China imported 1.87 million tonnes of fresh durian worth US$7.5 billion, with volume jumping over sixfold in the past decade.

China consumption

As Chinese retirees boost consumption, some hope for greater respect in society

Alibaba

China’s answer to Google Maps now tells you where local taxi drivers eat lunch

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China travel

Before Apec meeting, China’s mobile-payment overhaul is helping foreigners spend

Smartphone apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay now link foreign cards and wallets, easing a cashless barrier that has long frustrated international visitors.

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Foreign tourists handle their smartphones while buying tickets for a performance at a theatre in China’s Chongqing municipality last month. Photo: Xinhua
China consumption

Mooncakes for the dog? How China is reinventing its iconic festive snack

China’s consumers appear to be going off the dense Mid-Autumn Festival treat, but tiny mooncakes for pets are a different story.

Mainland China

Blue Bottle bets that premium coffee has room to grow in China

US brand, recently sold by Nestlé to Chinese capital firm, will need to offer unique experiences and ‘new taste combinations’, analyst says.

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Hong Kong economy

3,800 Hong Kong food outlets offering up to 30% off to celebrate National Day

Food and catering businesses say they will offer an array of tasty deals across the city.

Catering sector representatives publicise offers for National Day at a press briefing on Thursday. Photo: Edmond So
India

What can Asia, Global South learn from India’s new digital payment fee?

The roll-out is a good test of whether the system can generate enough revenue to pay for its own maintenance and expansion, experts say.

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China travel

Next-level travel: how up to 13 days off could push China’s tourism to new highs

An alignment of Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays stretches time off for millions of Chinese, with breaks reaching up to 13 days.

Style Edit

Style Edit: Why De Beers Group sees ‘authentic individuality’ driving diamond demand

Cook says natural stones’ provenance and rarity as well as warm Desert diamond colours are reshaping the jewellery industry as lab-grown prices fall.

The De Beers Show & Tell presentation at last week's Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong trade fair. Photo: Handout
China consumption

Boosting China’s social safety net could address consumption woes: IMF director

The global organisation found that savings of rural households decrease when social and healthcare spending is higher.

People wait outside a busy restaurant in Beijing on Monday. Photo: AFP
Swire Group

Swire Coca-Cola gets robots for heavy lifting in demanding China market

New automated facility to help meet increasingly diverse demand across emerging sales channels, company says.

China's economic recovery

Economists urge Beijing to act fast on local-level debt while prices remain low

Prominent advisers note importance of central authorities expanding borrowing to fund infrastructure before the current window of subdued inflation closes.

World Gold Council

As China’s consumption of gold jewellery slumps 34%, sellers pivot abroad: WGC

Domestic gold jewellers are seeking to leverage advanced crafting techniques as market sees turbulence, says World Gold Council executive.

A pure gold decorative fan ornament at the Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong fair at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday. Photo: Kit Lai
DJI

China’s Insta360 opens first US flagship store in New York’s Times Square

Action camera maker Insta360 is opening a New York City flagship as it navigates price wars with DJI, soaring memory costs.

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Insta360 is a competitor to DJI in the drone and action-camera market. Photo: Handout
China consumption

How Perfect Diary owner Yatsen plans to give its business a glow-up

The Chinese beauty firm has snapped up a string of overseas skincare brands, but it now plans to focus on expanding its existing portfolio.

Retailing

How major sporting events are becoming part of Hong Kong’s mall retail playbook

Mall operators are expanding sports-themed campaigns and experiences as retailers fight for consumer attention.

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China consumption

Pets and personal touches: how China’s luxury hotel market is changing

Today’s Chinese guests expect hotels to offer cultural experiences, personalised touches and a pet-friendly environment, Hang Lung director says.

A view of a hotel room at Hilton’s new Xi Zhe Wuxi hotel in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. Photo: Handout
China consumption

China’s economy to see slower loan growth amid sluggish consumption, investment

Loans reverse record contraction a month earlier but fall far short of expectations as property slump drags and deposits rise.

China GDP

China’s worsening retail slowdown bolsters case for stimulus

Slower-than-expected retail sales growth and a deepening investment slump support the argument for government investment even as industrial output booms.

China's economic recovery

Pressure on China’s economy persists in August as investment, consumption slow

The drop in overall fixed-asset investment widened last month, as retail sales grew 0.4 per cent year on year.

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A worker assembles an industrial turbine at a factory in China’s Sichuan province in June. Photo: Xinhua
Architecture and design

How Vinterior turned the hunt for pre-loved furniture into a global business – interview

While fashion resale has matured thanks to Vinted and Vestiaire Collective, Vinterior is scaling the untapped global market for antique and second-hand homeware.

Vintage furniture from Vinterior creates a homely ambience. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong property

Hong Kong malls see growth with new stores and events: Hang Lung CEO

Leasing situation ‘steadily improving’ with new stores set to ‘open one after another’ in fourth quarter and beyond, Weber Lo says.

China travel

How China’s inbound tourism could ease strain on weak domestic consumption

Country’s inbound travel revenue forecast to double share of economy and capture 15 per cent of global holiday market, Swiss bank says.

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Consumer protection in Hong Kong

Hong Kong consumer watchdog questions supermarkets’ buy one, get one free deals

Consumer Council urges shoppers to compare unit prices after finding some offers provide smaller-than-expected discounts or no savings at all.

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A Consumer Council survey has found that some supermarket promotions offered less value than their labels suggested. Photo: Edmond So
Consumer protection in Hong Kong

Huge gaps in sanitary pad absorption speeds, over half poorly labelled: watchdog

Among 36 products tested, one pad took 73 seconds to fully absorb simulated menstrual blood, exceeding 60-second standard.

The Consumer Council revealed the results for tests on 36 winged sanitary towels on Monday. Photo: Edmond So
Crime in Hong Kong

Number of suspicious credit card transactions involving iPhones surges to 1,209

Apple spokesman says all current orders are being reviewed before processing as total amount involved rises to HK$25 million.

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Beauty

How today’s curling tools are making heat styling less intimidating

Dyson, Shark, GHD, T3 and Hershesons are changing the game with smarter, gentler ways to create waves and curls at home.

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