Retail sales increased by 8.6% y-o-y in October 2018, down from 9.2% the previous month and down from 10.4% in July 2017. Several consumer goods categories have seen a retail slowdown, with furniture the most impacted and cosmetics the only category still showing positive growth in retail sales.  Following the criticism of a perceived racist marketing campaign, luxury retailer Dolce & Gabanna cancelled its high profile catwalk show in Shanghai, while e-commerce majors Alibaba, JD.com and Yoox Net-a-Porter have dropped the brand from their websites.  US retailer Urban Outfitters has announced global expansion plans which involve a broadened commitment to China through the Tmall platform, holding inventory in the country and fulfilling orders through a third-party service provider in China.  Ralph Lauren is set for rapid expansion in China, with plans to open one store a week. This follows Ralph Lauren's plan to hit USD500mn in revenue from Greater China in the next five years. Chinese consumption of luxury goods will face downside risk following the escalation in border crackdown in October 2018 on Daigou shoppers who bring luxury purchases from overseas to Chinese consumers to evade taxes. Inditex-owned Uterqüe announced the launch of its flagship store on Alibaba's business-to-consumer platform Tmall, joining Zara on the platform in August 2018.

Key View

SWOT

Industry Forecast

Market Overview

13th Five-Year Plan 

Consumer & Retail Glossary

Consumer & Retail Methodology