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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.
(From left) An old Camel vacuum flask, porcelain made by Yuet Tung China Works and a Red A toothpick holder. Iconic brands like these have shaped Hong Kong’s evolution into a global metropolis. Photos: Handout, Jimmy Jim, Winson Wong
Hong Kong culture

Hong Kong brands that rose hand in hand with the city over generations

From the 100-year-old Garden Bakery to TikTok-fave Twemco, these brands tell the story of the city’s evolution into a major metropolis.

China’s private sector

Fifa effect: Hong Kong developers bet on sport fever to keep shoppers spending

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China property

Ikea’s China remodelling: parent firm to sell 8 former retail sites

South Korea

How South Korean hypermarket chain’s fall reflects ‘time-poor’ consumer demands

The Homeplus crisis comes even as other South Korean retail businesses continue to thrive amid a surge in online sales.

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A Homeplus store in Seoul. The financially troubled hypermarket chain has closed or suspended its outlets in South Korea. Photo: EPA
China consumption

Under pressure: China’s yoga apparel market slows as consumers diversify hobbies

Growth has slowed in the market for yoga workout gear as Chinese consumers pivot to other brands and activities.

Hong Kong property

Retail rift: Hong Kong shops beg for rent relief, landlords hold firm

As closures continue despite rising retail sales, landlords and operators have starkly divided views on the retail leasing market.

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Hong Kong property

Lights out for Taobao-partnered furniture showroom in October: sources

Landlord Sino Group seeking a new tenant for the second-floor shop at China Hong Kong City mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, marketing materials show.

Customers shop in Taobao Hong Kong's furniture store at China Hong Kong City. Photo: Eugene Lee
Style Edit

Style Edit: The legacy behind Buccellati’s handcrafted jewellery – interview

The Swiss executive tells Style about the maison’s new Venetian-inspired Serenissima collection and its devotion to artisanal excellence.

China GDP

China’s second-quarter GDP misses mark, with lowest reading since end of 2022

Growth rate of 4.3 per cent complicates the country’s push to meet annual targets, contrasts with strong trade figures.

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IPO

Waning appetite: why mainland Chinese F&B stocks are losing favour in Hong Kong

IPO lapses and sliding share prices underscore how weak consumption is dulling Hong Kong’s appetite for mainland China’s food sector.

Mixue Group’s shares are down 48 per cent this year. Photo: Reuters
China trade

Fashion statement: Louis Vuitton takes China’s trademark regulator to court

The French luxury brand is suing the government body as it faces backlash over a trademark dispute with a Chinese milk tea chain.

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Shoppers queue up at a Louis Vuitton store in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP
China property

Up Tempo? Hilton hotel brand taps into rising China tourism demand

US hotel operator says new lifestyle brand reflects its belief that the country’s tourism sector will continue to grow.

China consumption

‘Critical period’: Beijing unveils five-year plan to boost consumption

Policymakers set US$8.85 trillion retail goal for 2030, betting on services, property and cars to anchor growth amid weak demand.

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Food and Drinks

Heritage brands in Hong Kong innovate to thrive in challenging times

From charcoal-roasted goose to toys to construction, owners of venerated local businesses explain their stewardship strategies.

(L to R) Ivan Ting, executive director of Kader Holdings; Yvonne Kam, owner of Yung Kee Restaurant and Derrick Pang, CEO of Asia Allied Infrastructure, pictured in Central on July 13. Photo: Edmond So
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.

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
IPO

Shein receives approval for Hong Kong IPO from Chinese regulators

Beijing clears the online retail giant to seek an initial public offering in Hong Kong, after its plans to float in London and New York hit a dead end.

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E-commerce

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

In some cases, popular live-streamers with online stores and millions of fans paid taxes as low as a few hundred yuan, authorities say.

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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.

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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A Mixue store in Puchong, Malaysia. The Chinese brand has made significant inroads in Southeast Asia and is seeking to bring that success to developed markets. Photo: Shutterstock
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.

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.

Department stores and optical shops recorded gains of 9.2 per cent and 10.3 per cent, respectively, in May. Photo: Sam Tsang
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.

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