While China’s retail market was heavily impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 in Q1/2020, the market has steadily recovered. According to eMarketer, retail sales are forecast to reach USD5.2 trillion for the full year 2020, making it the largest consumer market in the world.

Savills published 2020 China 20 Retail Cities report in collaboration with USGBC.

Brands are highly concentrated in core cities: Shanghai and Shenzhen saw a significant increase in retailer indices while Xi’an entered the Top 10 for the first time.

Luxury, cosmetics and coffee stores recorded the most active expansion. Many brands relentlessly launched new concepts to attract consumers.

Green is the new black. Leading international brands are taking steps to innovate material procurement, recycling processes and business models.