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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.
People shop at CoCo Park in Shenzhen last month. Photo: Edmond So
China consumption

Shenzhen’s economic dilemma: soaring GDP, stagnant consumption

Shenzhen’s retail sales barely rose in the first quarter despite strong GDP growth, a sign of the Chinese tech hub’s unbalanced development.

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Hong Kong property

Hong Kong residential property upturn drives recovery in office, retail sectors

China property

Shenzhen office market gains steam on tech and services demand

Beauty

8 pharmacy products to buy when in France, from barrier balm to micellar water

From Caudalie’s face mist to Nuxe’s dry oil for body and hair, these are the finds that genuinely earn their place in your luggage.

La Rosée Sun Stick SPF50 is one of the many popular beauty products you can find at Citypharma, or other pharmacy chains across France. Photo: Handout
Consumers

Ikea to open first small-format Beijing store to tap changing consumer trends

The Tongzhou district outlet marks the furniture retailer’s pivot to compact formats as China’s property slump hits home-furnishing demand.

China GDP

Guangdong’s rule as China’s GDP king faces an unprecedented threat to the crown

A rival provincial powerhouse, with a GDP as big as some G7 nations, is becoming a hub for strategic emerging sectors while outpacing the national economic growth rate.

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Pop Mart

Pop Mart comes with a cool idea for red-hot Labubu: mini-fridges

The Chinese toymaker is launching two limited-edition Labubu-themed mini-refrigerators priced at US$878 each.

Labubu plush toys and keychains became popular globally in 2024. Photo: Dickson Lee
China manufacturing

China’s industrial profits hit 6-month high amid Iran war price spikes

Fuel-processing sector pivots to profit while tech gains shield margins from modest revenue growth, highlighting an efficiency-led rally over a demand recovery.

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Artificial intelligence

Beijing sounds alarm over urgent need to clean up online ads

Market watchdog flags AI abuse and traffic-driven tactics as it launches first campaign to overhaul online advertising.

Asia travel

This mall is one of the best places to buy anime and fan merch in Seoul

I’Park Mall in Seoul’s Yongsan district focuses on fandoms built around animations, games and character-based intellectual property.

People shop for products themed around Japanese animations at a store in I’Park Mall in Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea. Photo: The Korea Times
Fashion

A. Society’s founders on the Hong Kong eyewear brand’s rise to global cool

As Asian eyewear labels command growing attention, A. Society has launched an enhanced version of its A. Custom in-store personalisation service.

Julien Avignon, Kenny Kwok and Dee Lam are the founders of Hong Kong eyewear brand A. Society. Photo: Handout
Food and Drinks

Mouthing Off | Why a ParknShop-Wellcome merger isn’t cause for worry – we have plenty of choice

A potential monopoly involving Hong Kong’s two biggest supermarket chains is not as bad as some think, at least for those who shop around.

Hong Kong property

‘Kidults’ and nostalgia drive Toys ‘R’ Us pivot as Hong Kong retail evolves

The retailer is refining its operations with smaller outlets and lifestyle products to capture new demand from Gen Z and young adults.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong watchdog monitoring potential merger of city’s top 2 supermarket chains

Jardine Matheson and CK Hutchison reportedly in talks for Wellcome-ParknShop megadeal amid decline in citywide supermarket sales.

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Wellcome supermarket at Jordan. Jardine Matheson and CK Hutchison reportedly in talks for Wellcome-ParknShop megadeal. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong stock market

China’s Warren Buffett calls Pop Mart a long-term buy, hints at owning stake

Duan Yongping sees Pop Mart as a promising long-term investment, praising its growth potential and unique business model.

Labubu dolls are on display at the Pop Mart store at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo: AP
Hong Kong property

Futu Securities opens coffee shop as it adapts to changing client ‘lifestyles’

Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo as well as online brokerage Longbridge have also launched cafes in their outlets.

China’s private sector

China’s tea-drink shops thirst for profits as price wars dry up prospects

‘I am learning a hard lesson of how involution can destroy my business,’ a Shanghai shop operator says.

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Fashion

Feng Chen Wang on 10 years in fashion and ‘Chinamaxxing’ before it was cool

The Chinese-born designer, who had Virgil Abloh as a mentor, just celebrated her brand’s 10th year at Shanghai Fashion Week.

Feng Chen Wang’s spring/summer 2026 campaign. Photo: Handout
China consumption

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.

Tianjin

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.

Hong Kong stock market

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.

Pop Mart has stepped up efforts to support its share price through buy-backs. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong economy

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.

Consumers at a shopping centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Jelly Tse
Fashion

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.

Hong Kong stock market

Pop Mart shares dive despite soaring profit as investors fear Labubu dependence

Labubu and The Monsters series make up 38 per cent of 2025 revenue, while conservative growth guidance for 2026 weighs on confidence.

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China consumption

China consumer firms post strong results but analysts warn recovery may lag

Hong Kong-listed consumer firms report strong results but analysts say the gains reflect structural shifts rather than broad recovery.

People queue to enter a shop in Liuzhou city, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on March 10. Photo: Xinhua
Electric & new energy vehicles

3 Chinese EV makers raise prices – but demand slowdown could force reversal

Xiaomi, Chery and FAW adjust prices amid surging chip and raw material costs, but analysts say soft sales could undermine gains.

Xiaomi is the latest EV maker to adjust pricing of some models. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong economy

Luxury brands bet on growth as well-heeled tourists flock to Hong Kong events

Over 60 new brands set to join upscale Tsim Sha Tsui shopping centre as part of tenant overhaul covering about 30 per cent of its retail space.

Hong Kong property

‘Upstairs’ moves downstairs: Hong Kong shops head to street level as rents fall

Retailers and restaurants adjust to lower rents and weaker demand, with operators expanding at ground level and testing pop-up formats.

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