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Consumersi

News about consumer spending and shifting shopping habits from around the world with a focus on developments in Hong Kong and mainland China.

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  • Guest stays outside of room at night because of ‘time difference’ tiredness
  • Online observers dub posh hotel a ‘police station’ due to strict monitoring

Visa delays and insufficient flight capacity have held back a full recovery in China’s outbound travel after the Covid-19 pandemic, Trip.com CEO Jane Sun says.

The EV maker has unveiled a new version of its plug-in hybrid technology that it hopes will encourage more widespread adoption of electric cars in China, ratcheting up pressure on traditional carmakers like VW and General Motors.

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From L’Oréal’s minority stakes in To Summer and Documents, to Estée Lauder’s investment in Melt Season, the world’s biggest beauty brands are making moves to acquire Chinese up-and-comers

In Southeast Asia, Chinese EV builders from established giants like BYD and Great Wall to start-ups such as Hozon are offering discounts in a bid to take on Japanese rivals whose petrol cars dominate the market.

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The supermarket chain is importing more products from mainland China in a bid to lure Hongkongers who have taken to travelling to Shenzhen and other mainland cities where they can shop and dine for cheaper, says chairman of CK Hutchison.

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Alibaba and others have released encouraging early sales data from China’s biggest shopping season after Singles’ Day, an indicator of consumer sentiment in the world’s second-largest economy.

Readers discuss the benefits of HK Express’ new baggage policy, why now might be the best time to reconsider the 2014 universal suffrage proposal, the need to foster intellectual curiosity, and the challenge of waste-reduction efforts.

Economist Richard Koo’s theories influenced Western policy decisions after the global financial crisis, and now he has strong words for Chinese policymakers on the need for fiscal stimulus to ward off a ‘balance-sheet recession’.

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With consumption taking a hit in fraught economic times, safe-haven investments are outshining discretionary diamond purchases in the eyes of many Chinese buyers.

Indian Gen Z and millennials are driving a new trend for gourmet and artisanal ice creams, with brands offering flavours inspired by everything from local cakes and desserts to chilli and street food.

China’s property investment fall accelerated in the first four months of the year, while retail sales growth slowed in April, data released on Friday showed.

Environmental sustainability is a leading concern for the younger generation, and they have been pushing businesses to take more action on climate change, according to a Deloitte survey.

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Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio plans to stay on the sidelines amid a bruising price war in the sector, even after it launched a new mass-market brand to target budget-conscious consumers.

Hoka, the running shoe brand known for its thick soles, is opening two stores in Hong Kong this year as it ramps up its presence in Asia amid a fitness and health boom.

Popular chain Bakehouse and long-time operator Kee Wah Bakery hope new rules will help them deliver made-in-Hong Kong goods to hungry consumers across the border.

The company is investigating how rodent parts got into packets of sliced ‘chojuku’ bread, but says it is unaware of anyone failing sick after eating it.

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The Labour Day holiday saw a surge of tourism in China, setting records and providing a boost to consumption at a time when the country is looking to solidify its economic recovery.

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