Retail in China

March 2024
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Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retailing industry in China with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Convenience Stores
  • Discounters
  • Hypermarkets
  • Supermarkets
  • Traditional Grocery Retailers
  • Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
  • Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
  • Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
  • Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
  • Department Stores
  • Variety Stores
  • Warehouse Clubs
  • Direct Selling
  • Homeshopping
  • Vending

If you're in the Retailing industry in China, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Retailing in China report includes:

  • Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
  • Detailed segmentation of international and local products
  • Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Retailing in China?
  • Which are the leading retailers in Retailing in China?
  • How are products distributed in Retailing in China?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
  • How significant are discounters and private label in China?
  • How has the impact of COVID-19 and national lockdown impacted consumer demand?
  • Which formats have benefited the most from stockpiling and enforced home seclusion?
  • How will the wider economic impact of COVID-19 shape the retail landscape in the future?
  • Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Download Table of Contents

Retail in China

Retail in 2023: The big picture
Boosting consumption remains a major challenge
No clear boundary between online retailers and offline retailers
What next for retail?
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2023
Seasonality
618 Shopping Festival and Double 11 Shopping Festival
Shanghai May 5th Shopping Festival
Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2018-2023
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2023-2028
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028

DISCLAIMER

Summary 2 Research Sources

Convenience Retailers in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Convenience retailers continues to see growth momentum in 2023
Concentration increases in convenience stores
Adoption of self-checkout accelerates
Potential for growth in low-tier cities
Frozen food to gain more shelf space
Hours of operation likely to be extended
Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Supermarkets in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Growth remains moderate for supermarkets
Shift to e-commerce hampers store-based sales, but offers opportunities
Players lower their prices and focus on fresh food
Growth momentum set to be limited for supermarkets over the forecast period
Potential in low-tier cities and for private label
Players likely to opt for smaller formats
Table 65 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 66 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 67 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 68 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 69 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 70 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 71 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Hypermarkets in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Downturn in value sales continues for hypermarkets
Strategies to deal with rising rents
More fresh products on shelves to maintain consumers’ interest
Players likely to pivot to supermarkets or warehouse clubs
Delivery coverage set to increase
New shopping concepts could be seen
Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Discounters in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Robust demand for discounters
Small store strategy first and foremost
More players are entering the channel
Ample growth potential for hard discounters from a low base over the forecast period
Localisation will remain important
Private label is an area with growth potential
Table 79 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 80 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 81 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 82 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 83 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 84 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 85 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Small Local Grocers in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Small local grocers returns to growth as the pandemic ends
Outlet numbers continue to decline, and pre-pandemic level of sales not achieved
Small local grocers remains a highly fragmented channel
Small local grocers set to see value growth
Challenges to growth as younger generations prefer modern grocery retailers
More players will leverage digital tools to get ahead
Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

General Merchandise Stores in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Department stores sees only a modest rebound
Variety stores sees more robust growth
Intime increases its share as it adapts to the changing landscape
Low growth forecast for department stores, but opportunities remain
Variety stores set to perform well by offering lower prices
Enhancing customer loyalty will be important for players in variety stores
Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Apparel and Footwear Specialists in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Apparel and footwear specialists maintains value decline
Leading retailers have shown business resilience
Traditional clothing retail companies explore live-streaming channels
Apparel and footwear specialists will continue to see refinement of technology-empowered store management
Outlet expansion is no longer just copy and paste
Collection stores anticipated to show good development momentum
Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Appliances and Electronics Specialists in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Gome Group faces a severe business crisis
Regional chained appliances and electronics specialists find opportunities in low-tier markets
Premiumisation is a notable trend in appliances and electronics specialists in tier-1 and tier-2 cities
Uni-marketing and digital technology are used by appliances and electronics specialists
Appliances and electronics specialists become a standard feature of mid-range to high-end shopping centres
The competitive landscape is set to see a reshuffle
Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

Home Products Specialists in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Consumers are willing to spend more on their homes as restrictions ease
Home products specialists has diversified growth drivers
Investing in both online and offline resources to attract consumers
Home products specialists expected to grow steadily
Offering a holistic experience will be important to attract consumers
Pet shops and superstores is a niche, but might have opportunities in tier 1/2 cities
Table 118 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 119 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 120 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 121 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 122 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 123 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 124 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 125 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 126 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Health and Beauty Specialists in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Health and beauty specialists witnesses robust growth
Leading players emphasise services when expanding
Beauty and personal care e-commerce players are moving focus to offline channels
Integrated health and beauty stores – a new form of retailing
Differentiation will be a key strategy for beauty specialists
Mergers of pharmacy chains are on the rise
Table 129 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 130 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 131 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 132 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 133 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 134 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 135 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 136 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 137 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 138 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 139 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Vending in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Vending sees strong growth, benefiting from the return of consumer mobility
Concentration in high-tier cities
Vending sees an expanded product offering
Solid growth anticipated for vending over the forecast period
Vending expected to see increasing competition from convenience stores
Smart vending set to continue to gain traction
Table 140 Vending by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 141 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 142 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 143 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 144 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 145 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Direct Selling in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Limited momentum observed in 2023
Strict government regulation remains in place, limiting the growth potential
Amway maintains its leading position
Limited prospects for growth over the forecast period
Offline gatherings will remain important for building relationships
Regulator likely to modify the existing ordinance
Table 146 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 147 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 148 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 149 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 150 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 151 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028

Retail E-Commerce in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Robust momentum continues for retail e-commerce
Cross-border e-commerce shows strong growth
Shopping festivals remain popular, which helps maintain growth
Live-streaming likely to continue to encourage sales
Budget e-commerce platforms likely to gain a competitive edge
AI generated content (AIGC) set to transform retail e-commerce
Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2017-2022
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2017-2022
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2017-2022
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2017-2022
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2018-2022
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2019-2022
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2022-2027
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2022-2027
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2022-2027
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2022-2027
The following categories and subcategories are included:

Retailing

      • Fashion Vending
      • Health and Beauty Vending
      • Appliances and Electronics Vending
        • Alcoholic Drinks Vending
        • Hot Drinks Vending
        • Soft Drinks Vending
        • Tobacco Products Vending
      • Foods Vending
      • Home Products Vending
      • Other Products Vending
        • Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
        • Personal Accessories Direct Selling
        • Eyewear Direct Selling
        • Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
        • Consumer Health Direct Selling
        • Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
      • Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
      • Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
      • Foods Direct Selling
      • Home Products Direct Selling
      • Other Products Direct Selling
        • Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
        • Personal Accessories E-Commerce
        • Eyewear E-Commerce
        • Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
        • Consumer Health E-Commerce
        • Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
        • Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
        • Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
        • Toys and Games E-Commerce
      • Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
      • Foods E-Commerce
        • Home Care E-Commerce
        • Home and Garden E-Commerce
        • Pet Care E-Commerce
      • Other Products E-Commerce
        • First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
        • Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
      • Grocery E-Commerce
      • General Merchandiser E-Commerce
      • Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
      • Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
      • Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
      • Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
      • Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
      • Other E-Commerce Retailers

Retailing

Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, and wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry). Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.

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