The luxury game

• Published 05 Mar 2009

Paul French, chief China representative of Access Asia, a consultancy and research company, gives his take on a well-known consumer conundrum.

In the west, the luxury goods business has slumped alarmingly. Yet in China, stores keep opening and the luxury brands and mall owners keep on pumping out the good-news press releases. But when anyone visits these stores, they are empty, and the staff are standing around picking their noses. So, what is actually going on?

China Confidential Funds

China Confidential Funds, a new research service launched by FT China Confidential, is dedicated to illuminating the mainland fund industry. Our team of fund industry experts in Shanghai search out the interesting trends in fund performance, strategy, interactions with overseas funds, regulatory changes, distribution and management. We also use a proprietary system to track the emerging flows of Chinese money. Click here to find out more.

Other Articles on this Issue

• The Big Call

  No rebound…yet

• Consumer China

  Urban uber-shoppers

  Myspace and Facebook face the facts

  Sending white elephants to the countryside

  Ctrip crowded out

• Forbidden City

  China’s protectionism paranoia is justified

  Chinalco's bid for Rio, what are the chances?

• Funds Data

  Investors retreat from China equity funds

• In Depth

  Is China on the brink of a property rout?

• Guest Column

  3G in China: It’s here! Now what?

• The Best of Chinese Commentators

  The financial crisis’ second tide

  The bond issue

• News In Review

  18th February - 4th March

• Editor's View

  Welcome to China Confidential!

• View issue