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TOPIC COLLECTION

Personal & Household Goods

Included topics:
Infrared thermal imaging detector manufactured in China. Photo: Handout
Science

China reports 99% cost cut on military-grade infrared chips

Researchers have developed a new way to make high-end infrared chips that could slash their cost and boost smartphone cameras, self-driving cars.

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Beauty

The latest beauty drops from Chanel, Le Labo, Make Up For Ever and more

Timepieces

How diamonds are reshaping luxury watches, from Chanel to Cartier

More foreign marques face a do-or-die moment as Chinese buyers shun petrol cars

Following Skoda’s exit from China, other carmakers with falling sales are also likely to close shop this year, analysts say.

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Skoda, Volkswagen’s mass-market brand, shut down its Chinese operations this year. Photo: AFP

Georgina Wilson-Burnand’s style secrets and travel dreams

The TV presenter and Sunnies entrepreneur shares her style icons including Carolyn Bessette, Manila hang-outs, and love for gifting locally woven pieces.

China’s luxury spending seen boosting global sales in 2026 despite headwinds

Affluent Chinese consumers are expected to splurge, though a volatile property market and oil price shocks pose challenges, analysts say.

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Japanese chains lose ground in north China as competition and deflation bite

Store closures in Beijing and Tianjin highlight mounting pressure from domestic rivals amid shifting consumer habits.

Analysts say Japanese retailers must adapt more quickly to China’s evolving retail landscape. Photo: Shutterstock

Outrage as China traveller at pet-friendly hotel gets text offering dog meat eateries

‘Deeply offensive’ pre-visit message to tourist with puppy leads to cancellation of booking; turns spotlight on animal protection laws.

Chinese woman whose dog was poisoned to death by neighbour, sacrifices job for cause

Battling pet lover spends years fighting for justice for her beloved canine, facing down bullies, rumour-mongers.

Is your skin stressed? Experts explain how to fight inflammation and keep it calm

Unlock the science behind anti-stress products by the likes of Chanel, Laneige and SkinCeuticals, and help your skin stay calm and resilient.

Products like Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Camellia Glow Concentrate promise to tame inflammation. Photo: Handout

Rats versus pets: Hong Kong dog owners want rodent poison in boxes, not bags

Pet owners call for environmental authorities to improve rat extermination methods after one dog accidentally consumes poison three times.

Quaife’s dog, Amfy, on the way to the vet after unwittingly eating rat poison. Photo: Handout

Helium supply shock threatens Asian chipmakers as economic slowdown fears mount

Iranian attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities are curbing the supply of helium, a crucial gas used in chipmaking.

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China’s Pop Mart struggles despite buy-backs as Labubu reliance sparks concerns

Toymaker’s shares have fallen nearly 50 per cent since February as investors weigh slowing overseas growth and dependence on flagship line.

Beyond Omega: redefining space watches for a new era of exploration

Omega’s Speedmaster has long been Nasa’s go-to, but other space programmes are exploring partnerships with the likes of IWC Schaffhausen, Fortis and Barrelhand.

The Omega Speedmaster was worn by astronauts on Nasa’s Gemini 4 space mission in June 1965. Photo: Handout

Furry farewells: pet spirit money, luxury funeral ceremonies take China by storm

Influenced by humanisation of pets and desire for emotional connection, pet services are increasingly mirroring human customs.

The rising popularity of pet funeral services in China signifies a growing trend where owners seek elaborate send-offs for their pets, including unique paper offerings like gourmet foods and cremation services. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote

Hong Kong retail sales jump nearly 12% in first 2 months of year

Visitor arrivals also rose by 17 per cent to 14.31 million in first three months, tourism minister reveals.

Why your scalp care routine is just as important as hair care

Dandruff persists due to scalp imbalances, not poor hygiene – but regular care with antifungal shampoos and gentle serums can help manage it.

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How London brand Chopova Lowena, and its cult carabiner skirt, came to be

Harry Styles, Madonna and Gen Z cool girls all love this viral brand – which is inspired by everything from Bulgarian folklore to rock climbing and Scottish kilts.

Laura Lowena-Irons and Emma Chopova at Joyce Harbour City in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

Colourful watches: the simple upgrade that celebrities are obsessed with

The Marty Supreme star’s Urban Jürgensen UJ-2 had a custom orange strap, while the rapper’s Pierre Balmain watch was a lush dark green.

Style Edit: Audemars Piguet’s new Royal Oak and Code 11.59 watches, and more

The watchmaker also added the experimental Neo-Frame Jumping Hour and 150 Heritage pocket watch pieces, and hosted an Audemars Piguet Social Club event in Macau.

China woman spends US$1,700 to put dog in school for personality tests, training

Shanghai resident says she is too busy to give pet companionship, even pays for a ‘school bus’ to pick up and drop off the animal.

A young Chinese woman has spent US$1,700 to enrol her six-month-old dog in a pet kindergarten for companionship and personality testing. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin

5 watch moments in March 2026 – from Zendaya’s Rolex to Tag Heuer’s new boss

Elsewhere, Grand Seiko signed on baseball star Shohei Ohtani, GPHG gets a new jury president … and Watches & Wonders isn’t even here yet.

At the Oscars, Zendaya paired Louis Vuitton with a Rolex Lady Datejust watch when she presented the best director award with Robert Pattinson. Photo: AP Photo

Samsung, SK Hynix step up China investments to combat global AI memory shortage

Despite the renewed investments, the trend may be difficult to sustain as China remains under US export controls, say analysts.

From chips to MRIs, Iran war puts helium users on edge

Fitch Ratings says helium prices have roughly doubled since conflict began.

Plot twists in the viral ‘great escape’ and homecoming video of 7 dogs from China

Once the unexpected turn of events become known, the situation sparks renewed discussions online about misinformation and animal welfare.

A viral video of a 17-kilometre journey home featuring seven dogs in China sparked widespread attention globally, but an investigation revealed the truth. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Style Edit: Richard Mille’s limited edition RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer

Complications track the score and phases of a match, while the watch is available in 2 versions – Dark Blue Quartz TPT and Red Carmin Basalt TPT.

Richard Mille’s highly skeletonised RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer in Red Carmin Basalt TPT. Photo: Handout

US investors bet big on Indian cricket with billion-dollar deals for 2 IPL teams

Rajasthan Royals and champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru sold within hours of each other, highlighting allure of India’s national pastime.

Google’s TurboQuant dents memory-chip stocks, but analysts say ‘buy the dip’

Rather than reducing demand for memory chips, the advance could increase it by fuelling more AI applications.

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Personal & Household Goods
The latest news on consumer trends, goods and services, including retail sales, shops and pricing, purchasing decisions, luxury items, digital media (including apps and devices) plus ecommerce platforms and brands.