Consumer Trends

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.

Domestic sportswear brands stumble

Faltering demand for sportswear and intense competition both within the market and from leisure apparel is making brand development more pertinent than ever.

361 Degrees – tapping hinterland dynamism

The sportswear brand has sheltered itself from a downturn in the wider market by focusing on lesser-tapped western and northern regions.

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12 Jan 2012

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