Mainland shoppers are increasingly buying luxury goods locally, turning away from high-end stores in Hong Kong and abroad, according to a survey by a communications company.
The survey of 1,135 people showed consumers in first-tier mainland cities preferred to do their luxury shopping locally when buying five of seven product groups tagged as luxury - namely watches, cosmetics, clothing, shoes, and wine and cigars.
This compares with the results of last year's survey that showed that most consumers in cities like Beijing and Shanghai said they preferred to buy big-brand items at home in only three categories.
Hong Kong remains the preferred shopping destination only when it comes to jewellery and handbags, although prices of all luxury goods are generally more expensive across the border because of higher taxes.
Luxury brands have been expanding rapidly on the mainland, making it easier for local customers to do their shopping without having to go elsewhere.
New shops have been opening up across the country, especially in second- and third-tier cities.
This trend is reflected in the study, with many respondents in such cities ticking the mainland as their first choice for all categories of luxury goods.