Strategy
The Li & Fung Research Centre have once again assembled their panel of experts to identify and comment on the trends that will shape doing business in China in the year ahead.
China’s consumer market has demonstrated strong resilience in the post-crisis era. The year 2011 marks the beginning of China’s 12th Five Year Plan; boosting domestic consumption will be high on the government agenda. With impressive economic growth and huge government efforts to reorient the country’s economic growth model to become more consumerdriven, China’s retail and consumer market presents huge opportunities.
Today, retail and consumer companies home and abroad are casting their eyes on China, bringing exciting changes to China’s commercial landscape. To win in the market, enterprises must keep abreast of the latest market developments.
Here is a brief summary of the Ten Highlights of Commercial Sector, 2010-2011:
1. With growing government attention, the growth model of China’s retail and distribution sector is set to change in the 12th Five Year Plan period
Accelerating the transformation of economic growth model is one of the chief targets of China’s 12th Five Year Plan. Going forward, China will adopt a more pro-consumption growth model. In this regard, China’s retail and distribution sector shall play a bigger role in the future. We expect the Chinese government to put more attention to promoting a better market environment for retail and distribution sector. Enterprises, on the other hand, will gradually change their profit models and place more focus on efficiency, quality, and sustainability. China’s retail and distribution sector is set to move in a new direction.
2. Domestic consumption sets to grow strongly in 2011; real retail sales growth may slightly decline due to inflation
With relatively solid economic fundamentals, our experts believe that China’s domestic consumption will register robust growth in the coming year. Nonetheless, chances are inflation will continue its upward trend in 2011, with CPI growth stronger in the first half of the year it is likely that inflation will cast clouds on consumption sentiment, which may drag down real retail sales growth.
3. Online retailing continues to register stunning growth; growing popularity of “bricks and clicks” model, online retailing platform operators investing in own logistics and fulfilment facilities, and the rise of group purchase websites are important trends to watch
Online retailing will continue its strong growth momentum in 2011. The rise of online retailing has brought exciting changes to the retail and commercial landscape in China, of which, our experts point out three major trends to watch. First, the “bricksandclicks” model will become more popular, as traditional retailers in China feel the pressure to respond to the everexpanding online retailing market. Second, as the service level of logistics services providers in China still varies, it is likely that online retailing platform operators in China will continue to increase their investment in own logistics and fulfilment. Third, the rapid increase in the number of group purchase websites in China is another major trend.
4. Silver market set to become a new growth point in domestic consumption
China is aging fast. It is forecast that by the end of the 12th FiveYear Plan, the elderly population will reach 200 million, accounting for 15% of China’s total population. The rise of elderly consumers presents huge opportunities. The silver market is set to become a new growth point in domestic consumption in the coming years. Today, China’s silver market is underserved with a lot of unfilled demand. Enterprises are advised to tailor their products and services for the elderly to tap the huge potential.
5. Going green is catching retailers’ real attention; efforts begin to bear fruits
Retailers in China are getting more serious towards going green. Over the past few years, some larger retailers have embarked on a series of green initiatives, such as launching energy efficient stores and requiring their suppliers to go green, to name just a few. We are happy to see that these efforts are beginning to bear fruits. Looking ahead, we expect gogreen initiatives will receive stronger government support.
6. Meat and vegetable traceability system to be in full swing amid increasing food safety awareness
There are growing concerns for food safety and product quality in China. To address the food safety issues, the Chinese government has taken steps to build a safer food supply chain.
In 2010, a pilot scheme on a traceability system for meat and vegetables was launched. By improving traceability from farm to table, it is hoped that consumers’ interests can be better protected.
7. Retailers accelerate format revamps and innovation to cater to increasingly diverse customer needs
Competition in China’s retail market has intensified in the past few years. Facing headtohead competition, retailers are seeking different ways to win the hearts of highly diverse and increasingly discerning Chinese consumers. The focus of retailers is gradually shifting from scale expansion to operational excellence. For instance, retailers in China are accelerating format revamps and innovation to attract customer footfalls. Many now develop a multiformat approach to cater to the needs of different customer profiles.
8. Expansion of railway networks sets to transform the commercial and retail landscape
Railway transportation such as subways, light rail transit and intercity passenger lines have witnessed robust development in China. Rapidlydeveloping railway networks are transforming China’s commercial and retail landscape. Large daily passenger flows, particularly at interchange railway stations, have created new business opportunities in stations and nearby areas. New commercial clusters in the vicinity of railway stations are emerging across China.
9. Commercial property market sees strong investment; the development of commercial streets has won attention
Amid a series of tightening measures by the Chinese government to cool down the residential property market, many property developers in China have turned their eyes to the opportunities in the commercial property market looks set to continue in 2011. In particular, the development of commercial streets across China has caught much attention. Our experts expect that the supply of floor space of commercial streets will continue to rise in the coming years.
10. Retail and distribution enterprises face ever-increasing costs; growing calls for the Chinese government to help lower the costs of doing business
In recent years, retail and distribution enterprises in China have faced rising business costs. Undoubtedly, increasing market competition has driven up overhead costs such as rental and labor; there are some structural issues behind the high transaction costs facing China’s retail and distribution sector which are inherent in the country’s policy framework, such as fewer tax concessions and higher electricity tariffs. Industry players urge the government to take steps to help lower the costs of doing business.
To read the full report please click here.
Feb 1, 2011