An insight by Andrew Howie

China has experienced a relentless surge in consumer buying power since the 1990’s. The Chinese consumer has become wealthier and more accepting of western retail formats- with international supermarket chains, department stores and mass retailers paving the way for luxury retailers. Luxury brand companies have been investing in the China market, with  Louis Vuitton, Bally, Gucci, Ferragamo among the first wave of retailers in China more then 10 years ago. But now with consumer spending increasing and the loosening of government restrictions, foreign luxury brands face pressure to strengthen the commitment to the mainland or risk loosing ground to the rivals. Read the rest of this entry »