Carcinogen found in Clinique product: report#
American independent laboratory Valisure on March 6 claimed that benzene, a carcinogenic chemical, was detected in the acne treatment products of Clinique, a brand under Estée Lauder, Reuters reports. In response to this test result, Estée Lauder and Clinique China, said: “All products sold in China meet relevant national standards and laws and regulations. Products can be used with confidence.” However, Estée Lauder did not respond to inquiries about whether the benzene content exceeded standards.
Ugg names new brand envoy#
Ugg yesterday announced singer-songwriter Leah Dou as its brand ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region. As a new-generation singer-songwriter, Dou’s free-spirited creative style and relaxed vibe resonate with Ugg’s emphasis on casual comfort. Their collaboration this time revolves around the brand's new “Venture Daze” series.
Moschino opens Shanghai flagship#
On March 8, Moschino opened a new flagship store in Shanghai’s Jing’an Kerry Center. The flagship store sells women’s wear, men’s wear, children's wear, and accessory collections, all displayed within architect Andrea Tognon’s new interior design concept.
Tiffany expands in Zhengzhou#
Tiffany & Co. opened a boutique in Zhengzhou’s David Mall on March 8. Maxence Kinget, President of Tiffany Greater China, Bao Tao, General Manager of Denis Department Store Division, along with actress Ma Yili and actor Feng Shaofeng, attended the opening ceremony.
Apple to open 8th store in Shanghai#
Apple is set to open its eighth store in Shanghai this month, expanding its retail presence in China amid slowing iPhone sales in the country. The new store, named Apple Jingan and opening on March 21, will join the city’s already substantial collection of Apple stores, contributing to the company’s network of 47 locations across China. Despite iPhone sales decline in China following the release of the latest model in September, the country remains a crucial market for Apple due to its large consumer base.
Chinese e-comms firms make inroads in South Korea#
Chinese e-commerce companies are rapidly expanding their presence in the South Korean market, utilizing aggressive pricing strategies to attract consumers. According to data from WiseApp, platforms like AliExpress are experiencing significant growth in user numbers. Other Chinese apps like Temu and Shein are also setting new records in user counts. While Coupang remains the top shopping portal in South Korea, AliExpress is closely following, indicating a competitive shift in the market landscape.
‘Electronic fashion’ climbs Taobao’s search list#
Tmall data reveals a surge in searches for early spring fashion, travel outfits, International Women’s Day gifts, and more, catapulting them to the top three spots on Taobao’s hot search list. Apart from traditional clothing styles, “electronic fashion” has emerged as a new trend in spring outings. Since February, searches for headphones have surged by over 200 percent, and foldable smartphones are now slung over the shoulders of fashionable individuals, becoming the new must-have accessory for this generation.
Travel bookings in China surge#
Domestic long-distance and outbound travel bookings for the Qingming (Tomb-sweeping) Festival holiday (March 30 to April 6) are surging, according to data from Meituan and Dianping. The advance booking volume of overseas hotels has tripled compared to last year. From March 8 to March 10, bookings for Thailand expanded seven times. On Meituan and Dianping, travel consumption (including hotel accommodations, scenic tickets, transportation, etc.) increased by over 40 percent compared to the same period last year.
Uniqlo reiterates China expansion plan#
Uniqlo’s Chief Marketing Officer for the Greater China Region, Wu Pinhui, recently stated to media outlets that Uniqlo will continue investing in the Chinese market in 2024. It plans to maintain its strategy of opening new stores throughout the year, particularly in prime locations in first-tier and emerging cities, aiming to establish large stores in landmark districts.
Prada to boost ‘experiential shopping’#
Prada Group's Chairman of the Board, Patrizio Bertelli, recently announced plans to strengthen retail strategies to meet the growing demand for its products worldwide and adapt to the increasing trend of high-end luxury consumers leaning towards “experiential shopping.” Over the next five years, the group plans to invest up to 1 billion euros ($1.12 billion) to expand and upgrade its global retail spaces, aiming to provide a higher quality shopping experience. Prada will focus on major cities globally, transforming its stores into comprehensive destinations offering not only fashion collections, but also additional services such as culinary experiences and cultural exhibitions to foster community awareness and brand immersion.