Consumer Trends

Taobao – dominance set to continue

Taobao’s position as the industry leader so far seems unassailable in spite of the large number of new entrants and investment by online retail competitors.

Jingdong – big spender dependent on discounting

The unlisted Jingdong may hope to raise as much as $5bn in an IPO to continue driving its rapid growth.

Growth in discretionary spending among cardholders moderates in December

China's Bankcard Consumer Confidence Index, a measure of cardholder spending on non-essential items, picked up 0.8 percentage points YoY to 86.72 in December, China UnionPay, which compiles the index, said. However, MoM growth moderated to a mere 0.03 percentage points from November, the slowest magnitude in MoM growth since July last year when discretionary spending began recovery.

Beverages – sour, turning a little sweeter

Lower input costs, increasing competition and industry consolidation are the key themes for 2012.

Consumer China - Forecast for 2012

Cooling inflation is likely to support general retail sales though incomes among wealthier households could get hit by falling asset prices.

Media entertainment – the ups and downs of showbusiness

New restrictions on TV programming and the unpredictability of film making ensure a volatile environment for entertainment companies.

Enlight media – going local

The television programme producer is driving advertising sales by tapping local channels with a wider reach.

Bona Film – picking the big hitters

Success in selecting box-office hits to distribute this year has helped the film company turn a profit in the first nine months of 2011.

Huayi Brothers – holding out for next big picture

A lack of blockbusters this year and a high base of comparison with 2010 when the film distributor launched the record-selling 'Aftershock' is hurting 2011 performance.

Robust discretionary spending in November among cardholders

China's Bankcard Consumer Confidence Index, a measure of cardholder spending on non-essential items, picked up a further 0.06 percentage points from October to 86.69 in November, and the highest level since March this year, China UnionPay, which compiles the index, said today.

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09 Feb 2012

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