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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.
Staff members sort mounds of parcels for delivery at a fulfillment centre in east China’s Shandong province ahead of the “618” shopping festival. Photo: Xinhua
China consumption

‘People are more cautious’: has China lost its appetite for shopping festivals?

The shopping bonanza used to see mountains of packages pile up on street corners, but orders have dwindled amid China’s economic slowdown.

China’s private sector

Can Pop Mart sustain the Labubu juggernaut as China sales cool?

Food delivery apps

China proposes ban on ‘irrational’ food-delivery subsidies to end price wars

China’s private sector

Global brands in China seek local partners amid market squeeze

Slower consumer spending and cutthroat competition are pushing global brands such as Pizza Hut and Starbucks to reshape their China business.

A Pizza Hut restaurant in Jinan, Shandong province. Photo: Handout
Singapore

Is the ‘Singapore brand’ losing its shine in China’s food scene?

Analysts say Singapore’s F&B firms can no longer rely on earlier strengths that made them stand out, given the growing competition.

China-France relations

China’s Shein to be ousted from Paris store after other brands flee

New BHV Marais owners say Chinese fast-fashion heavyweight should leave by Christmas after brands pulled out in protest.

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China’s private sector

Yum China rolls out the dough for mainland’s Pizza Huts in US$1.2b deal

Though the acquisition would mean full ownership of the restaurant brand in mainland China, the company’s stock price fell after the announcement.

Once the transaction closes, Yum China will transition from Pizza Hut’s exclusive licensee in mainland China to the brand’s owner. Photo: Shutterstock
China travel

China is cruising to become the world’s top tourism market, analysts say

Visa waivers for over 70 countries and an increase in domestic travel may mean Chinese tourism overtakes the US in market size, analysts say.

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United States

What foreign brands still win over Chinese shoppers?

Localised strategies and high-quality reputations help products from Japan, Switzerland, South Korea and the US build consumer affinity.

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Regulation

Video | Sam’s Club executives summoned over food safety in China

Members-only food chain has faced complaints in China about rats and maggots found in its products.

General view of Sam’s Club in Shenzhen. State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) summoned the representatives of Sam’s Club for an "accountability interview" in response to “frequent food safety issues”. 15JUN26 SCMP/ Sam Tsang
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China consumption

China credit data shows demand dip, household deleveraging amid weak investment

But while traditional industries are mired in a downturn, hi-tech firms look to expand – many through direct financing.

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People walk along a street in Shanghai on Tuesday. Households in China are showing a weak appetite for taking on debt. Photo: EPA
Fashion

Gildo Zegna on the past and future of his family’s menswear label – interview

His priorities now include growing markets like the US and Middle East, and promoting deeper engagement through initiatives like the roving private members’ club Villa Zegna.

Consumer protection in Hong Kong

Watchdog urges clearer terms as complaints about hotels near 1,000 annually

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council says hotels and online platforms should clearly spell out policies for refunds and booking changes.

Consumer protection in Hong Kong

Claw machine operators told to get a grip on player complaints after 760% jump

Consumer Council data shows number of grievances involving claw machines has risen from 16 to 138 over three years.

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A man tries his luck at a claw machine outlet in Mong Kok. Photo: Dickson Lee
China consumption

China summons executives of Walmart-owned Sam’s Club over ‘food-safety issues’

Members-only supermarket chain urged to ‘strictly fulfil’ its corporate responsibilities.

A Sam’s Club store in Shanghai. Photo: Shutterstock
Mainland China

World Cup kicks China’s summer travel market into extra time

From private-box tickets in Houston to luxury hotel viewing suites in China, football fans are driving a boom in travel and hospitality.

China’s private sector

Natural diamond firms turn to blockchain traceability amid lab-grown competition

The Gemological Institute of America is set to acquire a stake in Tracr, which has developed a blockchain platform to trace diamond origin.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

EVs capture two-thirds of China’s car market in record-breaking week

Despite subsidy cuts, electric vehicles reached a new sales milestone in mainland China as petrol-powered rivals continued to lose ground.

Visitors inspect a BYD Seagull at this year's Auto China in Beijing. Electric vehicles accounted for a record 66.7 per cent of new car sales in mainland China during the first week of June. Photo: Reuters
China trade

China’s BYD challenges iconic auto giants as hybrid demand surges in Germany

A three-fold jump in BYD’s German registrations highlights shift towards lower-tariff models, as company chairman says ‘the worst is over’.

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E-commerce

As 618 shopping frenzy grows, Beijing warns e-commerce giants over price tactics

Officials summoned Alibaba, JD.com, Pinduoduo, Douyin and RedNote over marketing practices, underscoring official concern about subsidy wars.

Electric & new energy vehicles

BYD powers past Geely as oil shock charges up global EV demand

Strong overseas demand for battery-powered cars helped BYD recover from a first-quarter setback and retake pole position.

Shanzhen-based EV assembler BYD lost its title as mainland China’s largest carmaker in the first quarter of 2026, but has since rebounded as rising oil prices powered demand for electric vehicles. Photo: Reuters
China inflation

China’s factory price jump contrasts with muted consumer inflation

Higher oil costs and the AI boom are driving up producer prices, while weak domestic demand is weighing on consumer prices.

Photo: Reuters
China-EU relations

Opinion | EU threat of trade war against China is a strategic farce

The EU is mistaken in believing it still has economic leverage. A trade war will not save an economy in decline.

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China inflation

China’s consumer prices see May uptick as oil shock inflates factory-gate costs

The mild increase in consumer inflation, attributed to higher AI demand and global price fluctuations, fell short of market expectations.

Mergers & Acquisitions

China’s fast-changing consumers force MNCs to adapt via local alliances

General Mills and Mölnlycke follow Starbucks, Burger King in forging partnerships to better tap local market insights.

People buy coffee at a mobile Starbucks set up next to a historic building in Beijing on January 30, 2025. Photo: AFP
Artificial intelligence

DeepSeek’s bargain AI triggers price war across China’s tech sector

DeepSeek’s pricing shock is rippling through China’s AI sector, pressuring rivals and unsettling cloud providers.

DeepSeek’s ultra-cheap V4 models have triggered a new round of competition, forcing rivals to rethink how they monetise AI. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong property

Why Hong Kong’s lofty wealth status matters to high-end malls

Positive trend comes from a surge in affluent spending, with new flagship projects reinforcing the city’s role as a global brand magnet.

US-China relations

How Chinese drink chains are testing the limits of soft power

New tea and coffee brands from China are winning customers across America, but their broader influence remains unclear.

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