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May 2025 edition
US-China Tariffs | Pretend to Work | Gucci Bamboo Exhibit
Link to US-China Tariffs | Pretend to Work | Gucci Bamboo ExhibitApril 2025 edition
No More Wealth Displays | Dior’s Express to Dali | Hiring Travel Companions
Link to No More Wealth Displays | Dior’s Express to Dali | Hiring Travel CompanionsMarch 2025 edition
Outdoor Destinations | Fashion to Farm | Ne Zha 2
Link to Outdoor Destinations | Fashion to Farm | Ne Zha 2February 2025 edition
Low-Tier City Development | Loewe | Sports & Fitness
View the article - Low-Tier City Development | Loewe | Sports & Fitness
January 2025 edition
Winter Economy | Cartier Exhibition | Toy Craze
View the article - Winter Economy | Cartier Exhibition | Toy Craze
December 2024 edition
Ecommerce Subsidies | Moncler Genius | Influence Driven Retail
View the article - Ecommerce Subsidies | Moncler Genius | Influence Driven Retail
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China Macro: Economy, Government, Society
Overview of any government movements affecting end consumers and brands
May 2025
China Doubles Down on “World-First” Launches and Experiences
Local governments across China are rolling out incentives to attract international brands, competitions, artists and creators to debut their latest offerings in China.View the article - China Doubles Down on “World-First” Launches and Experiences
April 2025
China’s Securities Industry Moves to Curb Wealth Displays
China’s securities industry has proposed new rules aimed at stabilising market sentiment by encouraging positive discourse and penalising industry insiders who flaunt wealth, damage the industry’s reputation or offer excessive incentives without justification.View the article - China’s Securities Industry Moves to Curb Wealth Displays
March 2025
China to Develop High-Quality Outdoor Sports Destinations
China is set to establish a network of high-quality outdoor sports destinations and supporting infrastructure by 2027, aiming to drive industry growth, boost regional economies and promote national fitness levels.View the article - China to Develop High-Quality Outdoor Sports Destinations
February 2025
China to Boost the “Silver Economy”
China has introduced initiatives to enhance its “silver economy”, including the development of diverse and tailored financial products and infrastructure to cater to the older population.January 2025
Boosting the Winter Economy: Sports, Culture and Infrastructure
The Chinese government is leveraging the winter economy as a key driver for growth, encouraging both leisure and professional winter activities while promoting winter sports culture.View the article - Boosting the Winter Economy: Sports, Culture and Infrastructure
December 2024
Double 11 Revolution: Government Subsidies Ignite Ecommerce Surge
Much has been written about the Chinese consumer stimulus package introduced by the Beijing government in October and many eyes are keen to see how this plays out in terms of consumer behaviour.View the article - Double 11 Revolution: Government Subsidies Ignite Ecommerce Surge
Trend Tracker: Consumer & Social Insights
An in-depth look at the latest consumption trends, social media movements and cultural shifts in China
May 2025
Rednote (Xiaohongshu) Releases 2025 Banned Words List
Chinese lifestyle platform rednote (Xiaohongshu) has released its updated 2025 manual, outlining which words can and cannot be used in livestreams and posts, especially in advertising.View the article - Rednote (Xiaohongshu) Releases 2025 Banned Words List
April 2025
Cuteness Meets Maturity
The upcoming fashion trend for 2025SS, dubbed ‘Lulicore 可露丽风’, blends Mocha Mousse neutral tones with youthful Morandi-inspired hues.March 2025
New Livestreaming Trend: Idolising Livestreamers
Tuanbo 团播, or group livestreaming, typically features multiple livestreamers resembling pop idols who dance to music, while a main host in the background interacts with viewers, encouraging them to send virtual gifts or vote for their favourite performer.View the article - New Livestreaming Trend: Idolising Livestreamers
February 2025
Fast-Growing Rednote Account In December Empowers Women Who Live Alone
The second fastest-growing account on China’s social media platform rednote (Little Red Book) in December was @独立女生小课堂, meaning 'Life Hacks for Independent Women.'View the article - Fast-Growing Rednote Account In December Empowers Women Who Live Alone
January 2025
Trending Fashion Styles on Little Red Book in 2024
From casual city-walk attire to chic gear for exploring nature, consumers are turning to Little Red Book and other social platforms for outfit inspiration tailored to specific life scenarios.View the article - Trending Fashion Styles on Little Red Book in 2024
December 2024
Young Chinese Professionals Invest Their Free Time in Taking Classes
Young professionals are increasingly drawn to low-cost trial classes—ranging from fitness to floral art—often priced as low as RMB 9.9.View the article - Young Chinese Professionals Invest Their Free Time in Taking Classes
New Global Entrants and Channel Extension
Highlighting exciting global brands and concepts that have entered/extended and are making waves in the industry
May 2025
Anta Acquires Jack Wolfskin for $290 Million
Chinese sportswear giant Anta Sports 安踏集团 has announced its acquisition of outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin from Topgolf Callaway Brands for $290 million. The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of Q2 or early Q3 2025.View the article - Anta Acquires Jack Wolfskin for $290 Million
April 2025
Sporty & Rich opens its first online flagship store in China on Tmall
American athleisure brand Sporty & Rich officially launched its first China ecommerce store on Tmall Luxury Pavilion—Alibaba’s exclusive platform for high-end brands, which has hosted names like Gucci and Coach since its debut in 2017.View the article - Sporty & Rich opens its first online flagship store in China on Tmall
March 2025
Manolo Blahnik Launches on Tmall
British luxury shoe brand Manolo Blahnik has officially launched its first online shop in China via Tmall, following the opening of its first mainland China boutique in November 2024 at Shanghai’s Plaza 66 shopping mall.February 2025
Skincare Brand RéVive Announces Full Entry into China
On 15 December, luxury skincare brand RéVive marked its official entry into the Chinese market with a press conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of its first product launch.View the article - Skincare Brand RéVive Announces Full Entry into China
January 2025
Skins Returns to China with an Unexpected Ambassador
Australian sportswear brand Skins has re-entered the Chinese market and selected 46-year-old actor Sha Yi 沙溢 as its ambassador.View the article - Skins Returns to China with an Unexpected Ambassador
December 2024
Essentials Fear of God Taps Into Douyin’s Ecommerce Wave for China Debut
On 23 October, LA-based fashion brand Essentials Fear of God launched on China’s TikTok, Douyin, marking its first official retail channel in China and debuting a new collection ahead of other global markets.View the article - Essentials Fear of God Taps Into Douyin’s Ecommerce Wave for China Debut
Global Game-Changers
Exploring groundbreaking marketing strategies from global brands that capture consumer attention and drive industry trends
May 2025
Gucci Exhibits Its Iconic Bamboo Bags in Shanghai with Immersive Installation
Gucci recently hosted a striking exhibition at Shanghai’s Sun Ke Villa, celebrating the legacy of its iconic Bamboo handbag, which first appeared in 1947.View the article - Gucci Exhibits Its Iconic Bamboo Bags in Shanghai with Immersive Installation
April 2025
On Running Softens Up Shanghai with Cushioned Store Experience and Local Collaborations
From 1 to 9 March, On Running transformed its Shanghai Xintiandi store into a cushioned oasis, inside and out, to showcase its CloudTec Phase technology—designed for a smooth, responsive and cushioned running experience.March 2025
Head & Shoulders ‘Rents’ Shoulders in Creative Campaign
To strengthen its brand association and reinforce its original English name, Head & Shoulders launched a creative campaign in China centred around the idea of ‘renting’ shoulders.View the article - Head & Shoulders ‘Rents’ Shoulders in Creative Campaign
February 2025
Loewe Celebrates Chinese New Year with a Tribute to Traditional Craft and Culture
As a continued dedication to honouring China's Intangible Cultural Heritage and its rich artistic traditions, Loewe has unveiled its Year of the Snake collection.View the article - Loewe Celebrates Chinese New Year with a Tribute to Traditional Craft and Culture
January 2025
Cartier Showcases 298 Iconic Pieces in Shanghai Exhibition
In honour of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, Cartier has brought 298 iconic jewellery pieces, watches and archival documents to Shanghai.View the article - Cartier Showcases 298 Iconic Pieces in Shanghai Exhibition
December 2024
How Moncler Genius Bridged Global Design with Local Appeal in Shanghai
On 19 October, Italian fashion brand Moncler held its Moncler Genius 2024 global show at the closing of Shanghai Fashion Week, themed "The City of Genius."View the article - How Moncler Genius Bridged Global Design with Local Appeal in Shanghai
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Chinese Innovators: Products & Marketing Campaigns
Showcasing the most exciting campaigns from Chinese brands that redefine the market and resonate with local consumers
May 2025
Suning Max Stores Roll Out AI Assistants for Smarter Retail
Suning Max 苏宁易购Max店 has introduced new in-store AI assistants powered by Deepseek and a proprietary retail big data model.View the article - Suning Max Stores Roll Out AI Assistants for Smarter Retail
April 2025
FunnyElves Creates A "Scar Archive"
Chinese beauty brand FunnyElves 方里 partnered with online therapy platform 壹心理 to launch a mental health hotline and a “scar archive”, offering a safe space for women to share their personal stories and experiences with trauma.March 2025
AnKoRau Takes Its 2025AW Show to the Countryside
Athleisure wear brand AnKoRau 安高若 hosted its 2025AW show on its mother brand Zuczug’s farm in the outskirts of Shanghai. The setting brought the brand closer to nature, perfectly aligning with its message of embracing the outdoors and staying active.View the article - AnKoRau Takes Its 2025AW Show to the Countryside
February 2025
To Summer’s Chinese New Year Campaign: "Why Not Take a Detour?"
Fragrance brand To Summer 观夏 launched a poetic Chinese New Year campaign inspired by the snake and mythical creatures from a traditional Chinese literary work Classic of Mountains and Seas 山海经 and A Happy Excursion 逍遥游.View the article - To Summer’s Chinese New Year Campaign: "Why Not Take a Detour?"
January 2025
Xiaomi Launches Washing Machine with Separate Drum for Underwear
Xiaomi has introduced a new washing machine featuring a separate drum specifically for underwear, inspired by customer comments, earning the brand praise for responsiveness and agility.View the article - Xiaomi Launches Washing Machine with Separate Drum for Underwear
December 2024
Digital-First Skincare BrandSimpcare Unveils Eco-Chic Flagship
Targeting Asian sensitive skin, Chinese skincare brand Simpcare opened its first flagship store, using eco-conscious and sustainable materials.View the article - Digital-First Skincare BrandSimpcare Unveils Eco-Chic Flagship
Ecommerce Insights: Platform Strategies & Success
Deep dive into ecommerce performance, interpreting platform strategies and highlighting winning brands and products
May 2025
Sports Apparel and Equipment Sector Saw 20% Growth in Q1 2025
Across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, the Sports & Outdoor category had a 20% overall growth in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $7.2 billion in net sales.View the article - Sports Apparel and Equipment Sector Saw 20% Growth in Q1 2025
April 2025
Beauty’s Best-Seller Is Facial Skincare Sets
The beauty category has had a strong start to the year across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, with 26% overall growth February 2025 YTD compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $10.5 billion in net sales.View the article - Beauty’s Best-Seller Is Facial Skincare Sets
March 2025
Small Growth in China’s Fashion Ecommerce
The fashion category saw a strong start to the year across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, with 7% overall growth in January 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $8.6 billion in net sales.View the article - Small Growth in China’s Fashion Ecommerce
February 2025
Strong Growth in China’s Sports & Outdoor Ecommerce Market in 2024
Global and local market leaders such as Nike and Anta retained their dominance, while challenger brands like Mizuno, Onitsuka Tiger and Salomon achieved exceptional growth, highlighting the increasing appeal of niche and premium sports brands.View the article - Strong Growth in China’s Sports & Outdoor Ecommerce Market in 2024
January 2025
Alibaba Reshapes Ecommerce with New Business Group
On 21 November, Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu revealed plans to consolidate the company’s domestic and international ecommerce operations into a unified business group.View the article - Alibaba Reshapes Ecommerce with New Business Group
January 2025
November Beauty & Personal Care Ecommerce Data
After October proved to be the biggest month of the year across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, November was surprisingly only the 4th biggest for the beauty & personal care department, representing 11% of YTD sales.View the article - November Beauty & Personal Care Ecommerce Data
December 2024
October Best Performing Ecommerce Month This Year-To-Date
October proved to be the biggest month of the year so far with $12.3 billion in net sales, representing 14% of YTD sales, suggesting that double 11 continues to play a key role in the annual sales curve.View the article - October Best Performing Ecommerce Month This Year-To-Date
China Entertainment
A look at pop culture, music, film & TV, celebrity and arts in China
May 2025
Is Speed’s China Trip a Blueprint for Digital-Age Localisation?
Famous for his chaotic humour, high-energy streams and in-real-life (IRL) global adventures, American YouTuber and livestreamer Speed recently turned his attention to China, and the results have been fascinating.View the article - Is Speed’s China Trip a Blueprint for Digital-Age Localisation?
April 2025
Korean Star Kim Soo-hyun’s Scandal Sparks Controversy in China—Why Do Chinese Fans Care?
Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing intense scrutiny following allegations that he dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. The scandal has been seen across Chinese social media due to his popularity and the overall influence of Korean culture.March 2025
'Ne Zha 2' Becomes China’s Highest-Grossing Animated Film
Ne Zha 2 哪吒之魔童闹海 has made history, grossing over RMB 10 billion ($1.4 bn) at the Chinese box office, making it the country’s highest-grossing animated film of all time.View the article - 'Ne Zha 2' Becomes China’s Highest-Grossing Animated Film
February 2025
Idol Jackson Yee Stars in Film 'Big World', Tackling Disability Representation
The film 'Big World 小小的我' tells the poignant story of a young man with cerebral palsy striving to break free from societal constraints to lead a fulfilling life.View the article - Idol Jackson Yee Stars in Film 'Big World', Tackling Disability Representation
January 2025
Film 'Her Story' Wins Hearts Across China with Fresh Female Perspectives
'Her Story 好东西' has captured audiences nationwide with its heartfelt portrayal of three women supporting each other: a primary school girl, her single mother and their young neighbour who is a singer.View the article - Film 'Her Story' Wins Hearts Across China with Fresh Female Perspectives
December 2024
'See You Again': The Reality Show Cashing In on the Divorce Economy
A reality show from Mango TV, 'See You Again 再见爱人' follows celebrity or influencer couples facing relationship challenges.View the article - 'See You Again': The Reality Show Cashing In on the Divorce Economy
Video Opinion: Industry Voices
Featuring an interview series—either from the Hot Pot China team, network, client representatives, partners, or consumers
May 2025
How Do US–China Tariffs Impact Global Brands?
In this special edition of Voices, our CEO, Jonathan Travers-Smith, explains why China hasn't retaliated aggressively to Trump's tariff war—and what that signals to brands about China’s long-term market.View the article - How Do US–China Tariffs Impact Global Brands?
April 2025
Navigating China’s Evolving Retail Landscape
For this month’s Voices, we speak with Hot Pot China’s advisory board member Robin Trebbe, former VP of Adidas China, to get his insights on China’s retail landscape and what brands should do to stay ahead.View the article - Navigating China’s Evolving Retail Landscape
March 2025
China’s Fastest-Growing Categories—Where Brands Should Focus Next
Davy Huang, Business Development Manager at JD Worldwide, shared his views on the fastest-growing categories in China and what brands should watch in 2025. JD is China's second-largest cross-border ecommerce platform.View the article - China’s Fastest-Growing Categories—Where Brands Should Focus Next
February 2025
Female Empowerment Leading Fashion in 2025 & The Rise of KOCs
As we step into 2025, female empowerment is shaping fashion trends in China like never before. We spoke with an emerging UK-based lifestyle KOC (Key Opinion Customer) @莉蔚weiwei about the trends she predicts for 2025.View the article - Female Empowerment Leading Fashion in 2025 & The Rise of KOCs
January 2025
How To Build Your Brand On China's Social Media
Our Account Director, Fan Tu, shared her expert insights on brand building on China’s leading social platforms, Little Red Book and Douyin.View the article - How To Build Your Brand On China's Social Media
December 2024
How Is China’s Running Scene
We spoke with three runners from diverse backgrounds and running habits, offering firsthand insights into the evolving fitness mindset of Chinese consumers.Just want the headlines?
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