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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.
Art exhibition ‘Shining Journey – Tracing Molly’s Starlight Footprint’ was held at Dolphin Square in Hong Kong’s shopping district, Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong stock market

What Labubu fatigue? Star investor buys bigger stake in Pop Mart

China’s answer to Warren Buffett now owns a 7.65 per cent stake in the toy brand, despite a lukewarm reception for the new Labubu Hair Salon series.

IPO

Shein receives approval for Hong Kong IPO from Chinese regulators

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E-commerce

China fines 4 internet celebrities US$1.9m for tax evasion

China consumption

China unveils retail road map: 5 years to shield physical stores from e-commerce

Beijing’s new 2030 retail road map targets price parity and social experiences to combat ‘trading down’ as retail growth hits weakest pace since pandemic.

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People are seen at the massive Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex in China’s Hainan province. Photo: Xinhua
China inflation

China’s factory gate prices rise in June amid brief Iran war respite

The producer price index rose for a fourth month in a row amid a momentary ceasefire, though consumer price increases missed expectations.

Jewellery

Q&A | Pacharee founder Sophie Schuemers-Rogers’ ultimate guide to Bangkok

The jewellery designer – who also has a second label, Khong – reveals her must-visit spots in Thailand’s vibrant capital.

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Hong Kong economy

Editorial | 13-month retail growth streak proves Hong Kong is back in business

Even with cross-border competition, the city has shown it can offer unique experiences that attract locals and visitors alike.

Tourists shop at a jewellery store on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui on May 1. Photo: Jelly Tse
China consumption

Can China’s budget brands crack developed markets? Mixue shows it won’t be easy

Slow expansion in Japan and store closures in Hong Kong suggest low prices may not be enough to win over consumers in mature economies.

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China stock market

China’s divergent stock market displays a microcosm of the nation’s economy

The stock market catalogues China’s uneven growth, as manufacturing expands and consumption falls.

China consumption

After hooking China on coffee, Starbucks ramps up consumer strategy

Now that the chain has Chinese consumers hooked on coffee, it is attempting to become part of local consumer culture, analysts say.

A woman checks her phone next to a Starbucks cart in Beijing. Photo: AFP
Timepieces

5 biggest watch moments in June, from celebrity timepieces to a titan’s death

Brad Pitt, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland rocked their timepieces at the Fifa World Cup, while Breitling joins Watches and Wonders 2027.

Henry Cavill sports a vintage Longines Monopusher Chronograph at the Royal Ascot 2026; MB&F release the HM12, a watch that includes a robot stand; and Delugs opens its boutique in Hong Kong. Photos: Handout
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong retail sales grow 7.9% in May, extending winning streak to 13 months

Value of retail sales for month reaches HK$33.8 billion, helped by increase in visitor numbers.

Beauty

The science of skincare, according to 111Skin’s co-founder – interview

Eva Alexandridis’ husband, Yannis, is a plastic surgeon who works at their clinic on London’s famous Harley Street – which also provides inspiration for new products.

China’s private sector

Race to the bottom? Why retailers bet on their own brands in China

Analysts forecast in-house goods to rise sharply as Chinese retailers seek loyalty and offset lost supplier-funded fees.

Chinese retailers are increasingly relying on higher merchandise margins generated by their own brands, according to a report. Photo: Sam Tsang
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.

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
E-commerce

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

Alibaba notes surge in retail and business-to-business orders, Midea reports sharp revenue rise, and Gree sales get bump in major European markets.

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Luxury travel

Hotel boutiques are now destinations, not afterthoughts

Why top hotels like Rosewood, Aman, Upper House and Il Pellicano have taken their lobby boutiques upmarket – plus 5 to visit on your next trip.

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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.

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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Russian flying trapeze artists perform in the atrium of Pondok Indah Mall 2 in Jakarta on June 19. Photo: AFP
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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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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Customers leave a Bakehouse shop in Causeway Bay with their purchases on July 26, 2025. Photo: Antony Dickson
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.

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