China's Special Action Plan for Boosting Consumption is a positive for foreign brands in China, but there remain some challenges

Here are the eight pillars in Beijing’s plan to boost consumption in China

Highlights of a study proposing solutions for the evolving landscape of China's consumer market amidst economic uncertainties and shifting consumer behaviours.

Few countries are likely to be impacted by the Trump election like China, but the dramas may not unfold as badly as many people are predicting

Beijing's total package for stimulus this year may be its largest yet in nominal terms, but how will it impact the all-important consumption segment?

Chinese herbal bread combines traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients with Western breadmaking techniques. While its appearance is similar to regular bread, its recipe draws from familiar traditional Chinese medicine ingredients known to young people in China. Coupled with carefully crafted marketing messages, many young individuals feel that consuming this bread can alleviate "health anxiety."

Standup paddleboarding is trending this summer, catering to Chinese consumers' desire for personalized experiences in water sports. And brands tapping into the trend are further enhancing its appeal.

For about ¥200 ($27.50) a day, you can place your personal ad in some of China's metro stations. Chinese consumers are having a lot of fun with this platform job hunting, celebrating birthdays, proposing to loved ones, and even promoting influencer images…

Shanghai’s retail market is unrivalled in China for both size and dynamism, supported by China’s most sophisticated consumers meaning that the city is at the forefront of consumer trends

Anyone who has spent time in China is likely to have noticed how elaborate the packaging can be relative to similar products in Western countries. Goods are wrapped up as if for high tea in the depths of a Heilongjiang winter - one may have to make their way through four or five layers of intricate wrapping before reaching a tasty morsel buried deep inside. The perceived status, discovery or safety from fanciful packaging trumps any environmental concerns for most consumers.

It's a lot cheaper to retain a customer than acquire a new one, so the old adage says. Many marketers in China don't seem to have got that memo, with marketing plans based around increasingly expensive livestreams and KOLs for sales, with limited initiatives to retain those customers once they've transacted.We track many loyalty initiatives at China Skinny, but one of the most exciting we've seen lately is from Chinese EV brand, Nio. Car sales have been one of the brightest categories in China's retail sphere, last month growing 17% year-on-year. As we noted in July, Beijing has been strategic in putting its weight behind car sales - it takes a lot of packaged goods or shoe sales to match that of a single car in making retail sales look rosy.

It wasn't long ago when every marketer in China was talking about ecommerce. Alibaba and JD battled it out for supremacy, and then another challenger, Pinduoduo, came from nowhere, and it became a three-horse race.Whilst the traditional ecommerce platforms still dominate online sales in China, the new world of livestreaming, KOLs and social commerce has dominated marketing forums over the past few years.

"If you protect yourself from the sun, you will be whiter than others. If not, you will be uglier," so said a sun hat advertisement last month on Douyin from the multi-billion dollar Chinese sun protection brand, Beneunder.

Last week saw millions of Chinese kids take the gruelling Gaokao. The average 31 hours a week spent doing homework and extracurricular classes from the age of three, have largely been to prepare for the notorious 9-hour exam which determines the university they get into. Many consider the Gaokao scores to shape the trajectory of their lives.

Can you name one event in your lifetime that has shaken the world more than Covid? The world has forever-changed since early-2020. Whereas many of Covid's consequences have been negative, there have been some silver linings which will hopefully stay with us long after the face masks and vaccine passes have gone.

Over the years, China has made the headlines for its cottage industry of fakes, from infant formula to condoms to fake zoo animals. This has left many with an impression that China is a nation of copycat producers. But in reality, China has been busy beavering away for years coming up with innovative ideas that change the way people live, consume and market.

Andy Lau is one of Greater China's most celebrated and distinguished actors, singer-songwriters and film producers. The 60-year old Hong Konger has acted in more than 160 films, while maintaining a successful singing career. Hundreds of awards have borne his name - more than any other male Cantopop star.

Nothing beats a good lockdown to dull the spirits of Chinese consumers. As Shanghai's severe lockdown has passed 50 days for some residents, and has recently been re-tightened, a large number continue to struggle to order the staples, let alone purchase discretionary goods and services.