Shanghai’s prime shopping district swaps fashion boutiques for performance flagships, a founder-led apparel startup opens four outlets, synthetic stones win couples and consumers stitch puffers.

QwenWork sold nearly 100,000 near-free AI subscriptions on China’s biggest livestream channel in half an hour. Turning them into paying users is the harder part.

Strong sales mask rising traffic costs, tighter margins and a tougher battle to turn promotion-driven demand into loyalty.

Opening of Casa Cucinelli in a historic Shanghai residence and a gala celebrating its founder’s life, Brunello Cucinelli is bringing its Italian humanist philosophy closer to Chinese consumers while strengthening its long-term presence in the market.

French fragrance and skincare house is expanding in China with a minimalist retail space and single-ingredient fragrances, responding to consumers who are becoming more selective and experience-driven.

Bain finds luxury buyers now value self-fulfillment more than status. Hermès, Coach and Six Senses show how brands can sell connection while keeping the object rare.

Instead of adapting global products with local colorways, a Shanghai team now shapes silhouettes, fabrics and fit from scratch.

Pop Mart, Qeelin and Alo are building businesses around joy, reassurance and escape as young mainland consumers reward brands that offer more than a transaction.

As Mamonde and Filorga retreat, Fenty Beauty, Pañpuri and Serge Lutens are betting on more selective consumers.