Chinese consumers in the age group of 50 (or above) tend to make less online purchases than any of the other age groups. We can assume they are not technology-driven users, though it is actually not the case.

According to a report by KPMG (2015), Chinese consumers over 50 years old are barely buying products online, even though 45% of them are quite well-off (RMB 50 000 and higher). Furthermore, 73% of them seems to never purchase products online.

However, they are more likely to make online purchases of services such as hotel reservations (47%), restaurant bookings (35%) or domestic trips (32%), which shows that they are still quite a good niche.

KPMG highlights an issue on that matter: older generations are overlooked by brands in their marketing strategy, although they might be a meaningful niche, especially regarding services.

Source : KPMG

You would like to know more about Promise Consulting? Blog Promise Consulting

March 2, 2016, JING DAILY

In an industry where fashion and art often collide, it’s hard not to think of Louis Vuitton. The brand has been busy blazing trails in this way in the last few years, opening an art museum outside of Paris in 2014 that would eventually lead to a collaboration with Beijing-based Ullens Center for Contemporary Art for an exhibition of Chinese contemporary artists. Art&Business magazine called the brand’s “love affair” with art one of the most “amorous,” highlighting the fact that over the years, Louis Vuitton has had partnerships with artists from around the world in exchange for using designs in its collection.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Louis Vuitton has sponsored a five-part documentary series on China’s CCTV9 that stars women who have been key figures on the international stage of fine arts. Titled in Chinese Journey of a Muse and Craft a Destiny in English, each episode of the series follows a different woman on the road to self-discovery. These include Chinese supermodel Liu Wen; Karen Blixen, the Danish author best known for the novel Out of Africa about her life in Kenya; Yayoi Kusama, a contemporary artist and writer from Japan; Song Huaigui, a pioneer in the Chinese fashion industry who played a huge part in bringing Pierre Cardin to China for a runway show in 1979; and Dadawa, a contemporary Chinese musician who has earned global recognition as well as an MTV award for her work.

Some of these leading ladies have been involved with the Louis Vuitton brand in some shape or form. Yayoi Kusama took her signature bold spots and applied them to a playful collaboration with the French fashion house in 2012. Karen Blixen was a known fan of bringing along Louis Vuitton luggage on her iconic journey. And Liu Wen has modeled for the brand on multiple occasions, most notably in 2013 for a scarf capsule collection featuring colorful designs by renowned street artists.

[READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE]

First-tier cities, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen (“The Big Four”), are defined by their economic development, number of inhabitants, industries and well-known brands settled in and per capita Gross Domestic Product, among other factors.

This classification is quite handy to luxury brands, as they will settle in first-tier cities to win over potential luxury clients. A report by Accenture (2013) has shown that consumers from these cities tend to buy expensive brands more than those from second and third-tier cities, whom are satisfied with products worth 1000 yuan or less. Finally, they are more demanding regarding the quality of the product, its authenticity and uniqueness.

However, this trend is beginning to turn around, as bigger brands are getting interested in second and third-tier cities. Their consumers are looking for conspicuous logos and products worn by celebrities whereas they are less knowledgeable on that subject than consumers from first-tier cities, which may give an opportunity to luxury brands on creating a new fashion image.

Source : Accenture - JingDaily

You would like to attend to the Conference in Paris, 04/14, 8:30-10:30 AM: [CLICK HERE]

You would like to know more about Promise Consulting? Blog Promise Consulting

Shopping is one of the main reason of travelling for wealthy Chinese consumers. Luxury goods bought overseas are either purchased for personal use, either for gifting, even though the latter is not as popular as it was two years ago, declining for 30% in two years. As a matter of fact, according to a survey by Hurun (2015), 82% of “super travelers” are shopping on their behalf.

Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption policies had a negative impact on the luxury goods market in China, which is why gifting products from brands of high value that were used as bribes aren’t as common as they were before. Since it is strictly forbidden and is applied inside China, wealthy Chinese consumers are now shopping abroad especially for personal use.

Source: Hurun Report - Financial Times

You would like to attend to the Conference in Paris, 04/14, 8:30-10:30 AM: [CLICK HERE]

You would like to know more about Promise Consulting? Blog Promise Consulting

This is the amount associated to the worldwide personal luxury goods market for the last year and estimated by Bain & Co. It was expected to grow – from 2014 to 2015 – only at 1 to 2 % at constant exchange rates and 13% at current exchange rates. This market should weigh for 24% of the total amount accounted of 1 044 billions €.

Personal luxury goods includes fashion, cosmetics and jewellery amongst others.

Slowing down little by little over the years even though they are still among the top in this segment, China seems to suffer from this impact on its economy.

Chinese’s preferences now went to a less materialistic way of living and are favoring traveling or spas, purchases that influences their well-being. Also, Chinese prefer to shop abroad, as the consumption tax and import tariff impede their spending and since they are willing to buy original and authentic goods that they are most likely to find outside their country.

Source : Bain & Co, Global Luxury Report, 2015

You would like to attend the Conference in Paris, 04/14, 8:30-10h30 AM : [CLICK HERE]

You would like to know more about Promise Consulting? Blog Promise Consulting

Endri Hasanaj | Mar 25

With the luxury ecommerce market set to reach $41.8 billion by 2019, navigating the online space is becoming increasingly crucial for high-end retailers. Whereas luxury brands have traditionally set themselves apart by creating an exclusive in-store experience, the significant shift to online over recent years has brought with it a new set of customer expectations. Luxury vendors now face the challenge of redefining their approach in order to stay relevant and ensure they continue to reach their target audience.

Traditionally, luxury retail has thrived on brand loyalty; customers in the market for a high-end product would typically have a brand in mind and go directly to that particular store to make their purchase. A sale would be dependent not on price factors or product specs, but rather on a first-class in-store customer experience. However, the internet has made it easier than ever to run comprehensive product, price and vendor comparisons, meaning that today’s shoppers are not only extremely well-informed, but accustomed to choice.

As highlighted by this Technavio report regarding the end of last year, this has led to a notable shift in luxury consumer patterns; high-end shoppers in the online sphere strongly favor a multi-brand environment over single-brand sites. Convenience is now a pivotal factor, and one that online marketplaces are evidently fulfilling more successfully than their uni-brand counterparts. Chrono24, for example, serves as a one-stop-shop for luxury watches, offering competitive pricing, convenient delivery and extensive brand diversity. A quick look at their range here – from Rolex to Cartier to Omega – shows that they are effectively eliminating the need to shop around for these brands individually.

[READ THE FULL ARTICLE]