"Fluffing the Pillows for China's Luxury Globe-Trotters" (Business Spectator)

“The business of luxury experiences such as dining at Michelin restaurants or African Safari hunting trips is growing faster than the traditional luxury business of selling branded clothes, watches, cosmetics and jewellery. Spending on luxury experiences accounts for more than half of the estimated $1.8 trillion revenue in the industry. Sarah Willersdorf, a principal at the BCG’s New York office, told Business Spectator that changing demographics was one of the key factors behind the shift in the luxury industry.”

"Global Luxury Brands Slow Store Expansion on Mainland China" (South China Morning Post)

“The glitzy romance between the landlords of mainland shopping centres and global luxury brands has entered a rocky patch as many top-end labels ease up on the pace of store openings in the key market. The caution comes amid flat sales growth. Property analysts say the pace of store openings will continue to slow this year, despite the priority given to mainland expansion several years ago.”

"China Lunar New Year Shopping: Luxury Goods Sales Down, Regular Goods Sales Up" (International Business Times)

“For the first four days of the biggest shopping season and the most important traditional holiday in China, consumer market sales rose steadily. The MOC did not release national figures, but said sales in Beijing and Chengdu rose 9.2 percent and 13 percent year-on-year respectively. During the same period, sales in the provinces of Shaanxi, Anhui and Henan grew by 14.3 percent, 11.2 percent and 10.4 percent. Online retail, catering, tourism and entertainment also prospered during the holiday, the MOC said in a statement on its website.”

"Luxury Goods and Emerging Markets: Bruised But Not Beaten" (CNBC)

“China has been particularly tough for retailers; the government instigated its anti-corruption clampdown on expensive gift-giving and opulence a year ago and cognac sales fell sharply on the back of a government crackdown. Some of the bigger players are now re-assessing their game plan, thinking twice about where to open stores in order to appeal to an evolving consumer base.”

"Chinese Opt For Korean Imports Over Western Beauty Brands" (Ad Age)

“South Korea gave the world Samsung and Gangnam Style, but don't overlook its funky beauty exports: Snail slime facial masks. Fermented cosmetics. Bee venom skin creams. Those Korean products, along with more conventional beauty fare, have gained international fans, especially in China, where South Korean brands are taking market share from established Western players.”