Retail in China

Retail in China experienced moderate current value growth in 2024, although a slight slowdown in the rate of increase was seen compared with 2023. Macroeconomic factors played a significant role, with the economy slowing down, and the housing market facing challenges. High unemployment rates and reduced disposable incomes impacted consumer confidence, leading to more rational consumption and more cautious spending habits.

Euromonitor International's Retail in China report offers insight into key trends and developments driving the industry. The report examines all retail channels to provide sector insight. Channels include hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters, convenience stores, mixed retailers, health and beauty retailers, clothing and footwear retailers, furniture and furnishing stores, DIY and hardware stores, durable goods retailers, leisure and personal goods retailers. There are profiles of leading retailers, with analysis of their performance and the challenges they face. There is also analysis of non-store retailing: vending; homeshopping; internet retailing; direct selling, as available.

Product coverage: Retail E-Commerce, Retail Offline.

Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

Why buy this report?
* Get a detailed picture of the Retail market;
* Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;
* Understand the competitive environment, the market’s major players and leading brands;
* Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.


Retail in China
Euromonitor International
February 2025
List Of Contents And Tables
RETAIL IN CHINA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Retail in 2024: The big picture
Digital and social media initiatives drive retail growth
Shifts in retail channels favour value-based retail and online sales
What next for retail?
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2024
Seasonality
618 Shopping Festival and Double 11 Shopping Festival
Shanghai May 5th Shopping Festival
MARKET DATA
Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2019-2024
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2024-2029
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
DISCLAIMER
SOURCES
Summary 2 Research Sources
CONVENIENCE RETAILERS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Rising sales for convenience retailers thanks to growth across China’s lower-tier cities
Adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) enhances operational efficiency and competitiveness
Leaders in convenience retailers sustain their dominance despite competitive pressures
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Strong growth forecast for convenience retailers in China over the next five years
Strategic expansion into lower-tier cities set to drive growth
Hours of operation and product portfolios likely to be extended
CHANNEL DATA
Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
DISCOUNTERS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Rapid growth for discounters in China, as consumers seek value for money
Domestic discounters surpass international rivals in the competitive landscape
A preference for smaller stores in discounters
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Anticipated continued momentum for discounters in the Chinese market
Increased importance of localisation in discounters in China
Private label is an area with growth potential
CHANNEL DATA
Table 65 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 66 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 67 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 68 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 69 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 70 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 71 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
HYPERMARKETS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Continued decline for hypermarkets in China, amidst shifting consumer preferences
Walmart Supercenter maintains its leadership amidst decline for hypermarkets
Strategies to try and stop the decline for hypermarkets
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Stability forecast for hypermarkets amidst evolving consumer preferences
Differentiation strategies aim to drive growth for hypermarkets
Improvement in delivery coverage anticipated
CHANNEL DATA
Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
SUPERMARKETS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Supermarkets sees modest growth amidst evolving consumer behaviours in 2024
Move towards supply chain efficiency in supermarkets
Players move online and focus on fresh food to remain competitive
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Steady growth expected for supermarkets, with opportunities in lower-tier cities
Competitive pressure from retail e-commerce will challenge the performance of supermarkets
Polarisation may be seen in supermarkets
CHANNEL DATA
Table 79 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 80 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 81 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 82 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 83 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 84 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 85 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
SMALL LOCAL GROCERS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Value growth maintained in small local grocers amidst post-COVID-19 shifts
Small local grocers continues to play a crucial role in China’s retail landscape
Small local grocers remains highly fragmented
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Slow and stable growth expected to be maintained for small local grocers in China over the forecast period
Challenges to growth as younger generations prefer modern grocery retailers
More players will leverage digital tools to get ahead
CHANNEL DATA
Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
GENERAL MERCHANDISE STORES IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Various factors impact department stores in China in 2024
Steady growth for variety stores, driven by innovation and Gen Z preferences
Leading department stores adapt and maintain growth in a competitive landscape
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Stable growth forecast for department stores through community commercialisation
Rapid development expected for variety stores moving forward
Variety stores likely to look at enhancing customer loyalty
CHANNEL DATA
Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR SPECIALISTS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Shifting consumer preferences lead to stable but cautious growth for apparel and footwear specialists
Domestic brands dominate as fast fashion falters in apparel in 2024
The popularity of live broadcasts means more offline retailers are becoming involved
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Resilience expected for apparel and footwear specialists in China, despite the challenge from other channels
Creating outlets in which consumers want to spend time
Opportunities for digital transformation within apparel and footwear specialists
CHANNEL DATA
Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS SPECIALISTS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Appliances and electronics specialists remains stable amidst housing market slowdown
Premiumisation is notable in appliances and electronics specialists in tier-1 and tier-2 cities
Competitive landscape shifts, with key retailers struggling
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Slow and stable growth, and the consumer shift towards energy efficiency
Rising competition from retail e-commerce
Possibility of a change in leadership in the forecast period
CHANNEL DATA
Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
HEALTH AND BEAUTY SPECIALISTS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Steady growth for beauty specialists, driven by domestic brands
Steady growth and increasing concentration for pharmacies
Intensification of competition amongst leading players in pharmacies
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Return to stronger growth expected for beauty specialists, driven by domestic brands and innovation
Continued growth for pharmacies as they offer wider product ranges
A key strategy for beauty specialists will be differentiation
CHANNEL DATA
Table 118 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 119 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 120 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 121 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 122 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 123 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 124 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 125 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 126 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
HOME PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Stable but slower growth for homewares and home furnishings stores
Rise in DIY projects drives continued growth for home improvement and gardening stores
Ikea’s share strengthens amidst competitors’ decline
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Stable growth expected despite ongoing challenges, with non-toxic products sought
Players likely to invest in both online and offline resources to attract consumers
Pet shops and superstores set to see the most dynamic growth
CHANNEL DATA
Table 129 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 130 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 131 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 132 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 133 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 134 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 135 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 136 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 137 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 138 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 139 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
DIRECT SELLING IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Innovation in products and services boosts consumers’ interest
Amway’s strong performance amidst decline of competitors
Entry of new players discouraged by need for a permit
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Stable growth expected for direct selling due to greater trust
Challenges and opportunities from social commerce
Expansion into lower-tier cities
CHANNEL DATA
Table 140 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 141 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 142 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 143 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 144 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 145 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
VENDING IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Moderate growth, led by increased need for convenience
Increased prevalence of technology-enabled vending machines
Categories served by vending expand beyond the traditional
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Stable moderate growth expected for the next five years
Smart vending will continue to see significant growth in popularity in China
Increasing competition for vending from convenience stores
CHANNEL DATA
Table 146 Vending by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 147 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 148 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 149 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 150 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 151 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
RETAIL E-COMMERCE IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Robust growth for retail e-commerce, despite slight slowdown
Competitive landscape shifts, with Douyin and Pinduoduo gaining ground
Simplified shopping experiences in e-commerce
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Sustained high growth projected for retail e-commerce
Innovation and technological advances set to drive growth in the future
Hyper-personalised shopping likely to be the future of e-commerce in China
CHANNEL DATA
Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

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