Retail

Two very different British brands – tea specialist Taylors of Harrogate and luxury fragrance house Boadicea the Victorious – are showing how thoughtful, cautious market development, grounded in digital engagement and brand-building, is a recipe for success in China’s fast-evolving market For many British brands, China presents both an enormous opportunity and a unique set of challenges. With a growing middle class, an appetite for niche and premium products, and …

Influencer marketing in China is often the engine of sales; UK brands must adapt to thrive in its unique ecosystem China’s social commerce space revolves not around ambient influencer posts, but an intricate ecosystem where content, commerce and credibility converge. British brands stepping into this arena must unlearn much of what they assume about sponsorship in the UK and embrace the layered roles of KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), KOCs (Key …

A successful brand‑distributor partnership depends on clear communication, mutual expectations and shared expertise For British consumer brands expanding into China, appointing a distributor is a pivotal moment but one that is often misunderstood. Too often, the partnership is viewed as transactional, with responsibility for growth quietly outsourced to the Chinese side. But to distributors in China, what matters most is not just the product, but the relationship. They want UK …

The lifting of tariffs marks a potential turning point for British brands in China, but understanding local sentiment, policy shifts, and the role of soft power is more important than ever China’s decision to reduce or remove some retaliatory tariffs has encouraged a cautious optimism among British businesses. Yet while the trade climate appears to be improving, brands entering or re-entering the Chinese market are faced with the more complex …

As China’s middle class grows more sophisticated, luxury is evolving. For British brands, the challenge is to stay relevant without diluting their heritage Once a rarefied pursuit of the few, luxury in China is undergoing a subtle but profound transformation. Over the past two decades, global luxury brands from Burberry to Bottega Veneta have raced to establish themselves in the world’s second-largest economy. The assumption was simple: as China’s middle …

Whether you want to regain control, stay in the market or make a clean break, here’s how to manage a breakdown with your Chinese distributor, and how to avoid it becoming a full-blown disaster If Part 1 of this series focused on what brands must do to prepare before signing with a Chinese distributor, Part 2 explores the more difficult scenario: what happens if that relationship breaks down? As Zarina …

Making sure you have the right distributor before you enter the market is essential to ensure your brand’s IP is protected and you won’t come unstuck further down the line. In the first of this two-part series, we explain what to do in advance of finding a Chinese partner It’s no secret that the Chinese market offers immense opportunities for international brands. But engaging a distributor without thorough preparation can …

China’s population is shrinking, creating challenges and opportunities for its economy and British businesses In 2022, China’s population fell for the first time in six decades, dropping from 1.4126 billion to 1.4118 billion, a decline of 850,000. This trend has accelerated, with losses of 2.08 million in 2023 and 1.39 million in 2024, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics. The United Nations projects a further decline of 204 million …

Chinese consumers view UK brands through a lens of heritage and quality, but success in this dynamic market demands cultural sensitivity and strategic adaptation In the bustling marketplaces of Shanghai and Beijing, where modernity intertwines with tradition, UK brands have carved a unique niche among Chinese consumers. From the tartan elegance of Burberry to the refined engineering of Jaguar Land Rover, British products are often synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and …

China’s growing childfree parent sector is redefining consumer behaviour, driven by economic pressures, cultural shifts and a focus on personal freedom The decision to remain childfree in China is a relatively new phenomenon, rooted in a blend of economic, social and cultural factors. Historically, large families were a cornerstone of Chinese society, supported by Confucian values that emphasised familial duty and lineage. However, rapid urbanisation, rising living costs and changing …