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Retailing

Retailing
Latest news and features on retailing with a particular focus on Hong Kong, mainland China and Asia, covering consumer goods and services, retail strategies, shopping habits, sales results and trends.
Shoppers queue outside a Dior boutique on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, in 2024. The luxury market has cooled down recently, but is predicted to make a comeback by 2030. Photo: Jelly Tse
Luxury brands

Self-expression, experiences, resale: what luxury clients really want

A new McKinsey and Business of Fashion report reveals how aspirational spending, emotional connection and experience are reshaping the luxury sector.

E-commerce

China’s cooling, e-commerce giants see sales surge as Europe heat sizzles

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Luxury travel

Hotel boutiques are now destinations, not afterthoughts

Hong Kong

Xtep opens first Saucony store in Hong Kong, eyes more premium retail sites

Chinese sportswear group positions premium running brand in Hong Kong as improving market sentiment draws retailers back to prime sites.

A promotional installation at K11 for the opening of the Saucony store in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout
China economy

Editorial | At Summer Davos, Li Qiang makes the case for China’s vision of growth

Chinese premier defends China’s competitive success and promises to share the dividends of its innovation with the world.

The Future of Marketing in Asia

China’s digital platforms redefine global marketing strategies

The mainland’s app ecosystem integrates content, discovery and transaction into a single and seamless experience.

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Walmart

After Beijing’s food-safety warning, will Sam’s Club slow its expansion?

Firm makes leadership changes but might have to prioritise supply chain shortcomings after Beijing’s ‘accountability interview’.

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People shop in a Sam’s Club in Shenzhen on June 15. Photo: Sam Tsang
Asean

The View | What retail apocalypse? Southeast Asia’s malls are sitting pretty

Unlike in other markets, Southeast Asia’s malls are in a good situation as they embrace experiential retail and adapt to consumer tastes.

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Wellness

When did fro-yo become cool again? Ask Gen Z

Paris Hilton loved Pinkberry back in the day, now former Starbucks head Howard Schultz is advising Mimi’s in Manhattan – here’s why fro-yo is making a comeback.

Singapore

Sin to salvation: how Singapore’s most notorious mall found God

Orchard Towers, once a byword for vice, is now part of a megachurch trend repurposing retail spaces from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur.

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Orchard Towers in Singapore pictured on Friday. Cornerstone Community Church officially opened weekly services at the Orchard Road landmark in January. Photo: Jean Iau
China consumption

China’s e-commerce platforms help unlock global markets for South Korean brands

China’s cross-border platforms, which sell to millions of shoppers, are acting as a low-cost route to overseas customers in several regions.

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A dense crowd of shoppers at Musinsa in Seoul, as South Korean online shops team up with Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms to sell their wares. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Invest in Hong Kong’s creativity and local brands to unlock soft power

Hong Kong is blessed with ambitious, creative local brands. Investing in them will help set the city apart from other shopping destinations.

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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?

Analysts warn of rising sales pressure as China demand tapers off, even as Pop Mart bets on new launches and overseas growth.

No signs of mollification: Pop Mart’s Molly figures stand their ground as the company records its first year-on-year decline in domestic online sales since 2024. Photo: AP
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
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.

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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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Japanese brand Meiji grew its market share in China last year thanks to a reputation for quality, according to market research. Photo: Shutterstock
China consumption

China’s retail sales fall for first time since Covid

A decline in retail sales in May and weakening investments stand in contrast to China’s booming exports.

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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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.

From left: Angelo Zegna, Gildo Zegna, Gianluca Tagliabue and Edoardo Zegna. Photo: Handout
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
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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Luxury travel

The creative’s guide to Austin, the coolest city in the US

Matthew McConaughey, Elon Musk and Joe Rogan are among those who live in this city renowned for its barbecue, cowboy boots and home-grown brands like Kendra Scott.

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.

A man purchases groceries at a shop in Shanghai. Photo: EPA
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
China property

Park life: why China’s malls are building forests, waterfalls and sky walkways

Developers are getting creative as they try to entice China’s shoppers, who increasingly demand novelty and lush green space.

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.

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