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TOPIC

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 shuttered branch of Opatra London on Russell Street in Causeway Bay. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong society

Opatra London distances itself from Hong Kong firm over deceptive sales allegations

London-based beauty chain says it deeply regrets if any customers have had ‘a distressing experience associated with our brand’.

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China jobs

China’s domestic demand further weakens in July, analysts bet on extra stimulus

Hong Kong society

Customs steps in over claims beauty chain Opatra cheated woman out of HK$60,000

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China consumption

High-spending counties offer a rare bright spot amid China’s weak demand

Lower costs, lighter debt and return-migrant capital are boosting household purchasing power in China’s smaller cities.

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Retail spending in China’s county-level economies has risen to match or surpass that of the country’s biggest cities, according to data from local authorities. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong stock market

From chasing robots to chasing profits: the numbers moving markets

Unitree Robotics, US inflation rates, gold prices, Hong Kong homes and CK Hutchison’s interim results were in the spotlight this week.

E-commerce

JD.com’s second-quarter profit rises 15% as food-delivery losses narrow

Net revenue dips, but still beats analysts’ estimate, as e-commerce giant contends with weak demand and fierce competition.

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Hong Kong property

CK Hutchison Holdings reports 31-fold surge in first-half profit

Global environment in the first half of 2026 was ‘exceptionally turbulent and uncertain’, says chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi.

A screenshot of CK Hutchison Holdings’ chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi from the 2025 CK Hutchison general meeting. Photo: Handout
Singapore

Singapore’s provision shops struggle to keep shutters open in HDB heartlands

Owners say they face hurdles including stiff competition, rising costs and a lack of desire from their children to take over the business.

Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s EV sales keep sliding as incentives fade and price war seen heating up

A seven-month domestic downturn contrasts with a 147.8 per cent jump in overseas shipments, highlighting a widening gap between domestic and export markets.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Driven off the road: Nio’s German car registrations down 90%

In contrast to its Chinese peers, Nio is struggling in Europe’s largest car market, registering just three cars last month and 18 this year.

Nio cars at a dealership in Stuttgart, Germany. The company is struggling in Europe's largest car market, registering just three cars in July and 18 in total so far this year. Photo: Shutterstock
China consumption

Gap bucks retail headwinds with massive China expansion amid localisation drive

Gap’s plan for dozens of new stores and return to Hong Kong market comes as Ralph Lauren also posted a 40 per cent year-on-year jump in China sales in past quarter.

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A Gap location is seen in Shanghai. Photo: Shutterstock
Banking & finance

China’s banks look to unload US$8.2b in bad credit-card loans

The pace of disposal efforts has accelerated since July, coinciding with the country’s slowing economy.

China consumption

Lululemon rival Alo Yoga enters China market with new store on Alibaba’s Tmall

The US brand announced its entry into China in June as part of its international expansion to tap the premium ‘athleisure’ market.

Wellness

What’s really in your menstrual products – and should you be worried?

TikTok exposed Always for chemicals and mould concerns, but newer brands like Rael and Thinx are proving the period aisle can do better.

Menstrual products from the Honey Pot. Photo: Handout
China consumption

China’s factory-gate prices growth slows to 3.5% in July amid lower fuel prices

Amid lower domestic fuel prices and weak domestic demand, the national consumer price index rose 0.5 per cent last month.

A staff member examines electric tricycles before shipment in China’s Shandong province on July 30, 2026. Photo: AFP
China travel

China tops South Korea’s outbound travel charts as short-haul tourism surges

About 1.7 million South Koreans visited China in the first half of this year, up 16 per cent from the same period last year.

China consumption

In Focus | ‘Quiet luxury’: why premium Chinese consumers are embracing home-grown brands

A growing number of local brands are winning over premium consumers who prize craftsmanship, innovation and a high‑value sense of luxury.

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China economy

Editorial | China’s moves to fuel growth driven by consumption are strategic

Government subsidies for consumer goods can only go so far. Beijing’s first five-year plan to lift household consumption is part of an essential pivot.

People visit a shop on a busy street in Beijing on May 7, 2025. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Food Expo vendors hoping for tasty profits with items such as caviar sake gelato

Abalone for HK$1, handcrafted caviar mooncakes and discounted coffee and milk tea packs among products at next week’s Food Expo.

Hong Kong property

The Peninsula Hong Kong and Tokyo set for HK$2.1 billion revamp

No timeline has been set, but the operator says it will minimise disruption while preserving the heritage of its iconic Hong Kong hotel.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese EV sales falter at home as growth slows

Big three Chinese premium vehicle makers’ deliveries decline in July and central bank vows steps to foster economic growth as it hits a four-year low.

Chinese-made MG Cyberster electric vehicles await loading onto a ship for export. Photo: AFP
Retailing

How global brands are winning in China’s sluggish retail market

The likes of Adidas and L’Oreal are thriving in the evolving market, showcasing strong growth driven by changing consumer demands.

Customers sit and drink coffee inside a Starbucks Reserve store in a shopping mall in Shenzhen. Photo: Getty Images
Electric & new energy vehicles

In Focus | Will new EV batteries fast-charge the global automotive industry?

Amid a fiercely competitive domestic market, China’s battery tech leads in global innovation and cost reduction, promising safer, faster EVs.

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China economy

Opinion | How likely is Beijing to walk the talk on boosting consumption?

As long as external demand holds up, policymakers appear relatively untroubled by weakening domestic demand, despite rhetoric to the contrary.

China travel

How international hotel chains are expanding in China’s ‘approachable’ segment

Global hotel groups are expanding into China’s midscale segment as price-sensitive travellers seek value without sacrificing brand trust.

Hilton’s upper-midscale Hampton brand has expanded rapidly in Shenzhen, with a footprint of 17 properties to date. Photo: Handout
Electric & new energy vehicles

Price war fears grip China’s EV market after woeful July sales figures

Three premium Chinese electric car makers saw sales decline in July, intensifying concerns that the industry is heading for another discount war.

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Self-driving taxis made by Xpeng roll off a production line in China. Photo: Xpeng
US-China trade war

Grape expectations: California winemakers optimistic for China export resurgence

Despite trade tensions and tariffs, California wineries are hopeful that US wine exports to China will recover as trade relations stabilise.

Hong Kong property

Hang Lung looks beyond luxury amid changing consumer tastes

Record mall rental income was offset by property writedowns and weak offices, while Shanghai’s Plaza 66 aims to grow beyond luxury shopping.

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