In “Chinese Whispers,” we share the biggest news stories about the luxury industry in China that haven’t yet made it into the English language.
In this week’s edition, we discuss:
- Topshop closing its Tmall flagship store,
- Victoria's Secret's China campaign, and
- 5 skincare products Chinese male shoppers crave.
1. Topshop edges closer to exiting China following the announcement of Tmall store closure - LadyMax#
This week, the British fashion and lifestyle brand Topshop announced that it would soon close its flagship store on Tmall. Following the announcement, it kicked off the clearance sales on the platform, which will continue until November 30.
Even though Topshop disclosed earlier this year that they were looking for new business partners after divorcing their previous Chinese partner Shangpin (“尚品”) in August, a source close to the brand told fashion media outlet LadyMax Topshop seemed to decide to give up the Chinese market.
Topshop first entered China back in 2014, in collaboration with the Chinese fashion e-commerce site Shangpin. In December 2016, the two parties reached an exclusive partnership agreement and planned to open up to 80 physical stores in mainland China.
2. Victoria’s Secret partners with Meitu to engage with Chinese consumers - Meitu#
In the lead-up to this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Runway Show, which will happen on November 8 in New York City, the fashion lingerie brand collaborated with Chinese selfie app Meitu to launch a “Victoria’s Secret Angel” project with the country’s fashionistas.
The campaign, started on October 18, asks Meitu users to upload their VS-inspired outfits, sketches and designs on to the app. People can then vote on these uploaded photos and the one with the most likes and comments will become this year’s “Victoria’s Secret Meitu Angel.” The winner will enjoy the following benefits: an official VS angel certificate, 14,519 (RMB 100,000) in cash, a Victoria’s Secret Tmall coupon, a perfume set, a customized VS towel, and more.
3. Chinese men's favorite skincare products - Sohu Fashion#
La Mer's regenerating serum, Lab Series' gel cream, AUPRES' moisturizing emulsion, Biotherm's cleanser, and Dreamtimes' cleanser were named as the five most popular skincare products among Chinese male shoppers for the upcoming Singles' Day shopping event, Sohu Fashion reported.
