MILLWARD BROWN LAUNCHES NEW STUDY ASIAN PERSPECTIVES DURING TROUBLED TIMES

Description

Euromonitor International’s analysis of the Chinese cosmetics and toiletries market pinpoints two key factors, which have helped the industry expand in recent years, firstly, the rising affluence amongst consumers, and secondly the development of better distribution channels. Increased disposable income has meant that more consumers can afford higher value products and so, are increasingly buying into the growing ‘upper mass’ sector or are trading up from mass brands to premium ones. Distribution has been affected by chained retailers, such as Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Hong Kong based Sa Sa, extending their retail networks in China. Already present in the market these retailing giants have been penetrating deeper into affluent areas such as Shanghai, and at the same time, expanding into other less affluent regions and away from the first tier cities.