What you need to know

This year, China’s beauty retail market has performed a satisfactory growth rate that brings more possibility to the market. Local domestic cosmetic store brands such as Gialen and T3C continue to expand, especially in lower tier cities, whereas Sephora remains the top retailer in tier one cities. The retail model of syncing online and offline activities is no longer new but a common practice in the market. Although online shopping continues to flourish, many brands have shifted their focus back to the bricks-and-mortar stores to attract consumers offline.

Covered in this Report

The retail sales in the beauty market in China include the following products: body care, colour cosmetics, deodorants, depilatory products, facial care, fragrances, hair colorants, hair styling agents, oral hygiene, shampoo & conditioners, shaving products, soap, bath & shower products and sun care.

Channels covered in this Report:

  • Chain retailers (eg Sephora, Gialen, SaSa, Watsons, Mannings)

  • Cosmetology specialised retailers (eg Omey, Dr Plant)

  • Brand specialty stores (eg Innisfree, Etude House, Kiehl’s, L’Occitane)

  • Independent beauty stores (eg private-owned colour cosmetics store, girl’s stores)

  • Brand counter at department stores/shopping malls

  • Supermarkets/hypermarkets

  • Online channels (eg Tmall, Taobao, JD, YHD, Jumei, VIP)

Subgroup definitions (by monthly household income)

  • Low household income is defined as RMB6,000-9,999 in tier one cities; RMB5,000-8,999 in tier two and three cities.

  • Mid household income is defined as RMB10,000-17,999 in tier one cities; RMB9,000-15,999 in tier two and three cities.

  • High household income is defined as RMB> =18,000 in tier one cities; RMB> =16,000 in tier two and three cities.

Subgroup definitions (by residents segment)

  • Urban residents are those who were born and have been living in tier one cities for more than one year.

  • Rural residents are those who were born and have been living in tier two and tier three cities for more than one year.

  • Rural-to-urban migrants are those who were born in tier two/three cities but moved to tier one cities for more than one year.

  • Returning migrants are those who have studied or lived abroad for more than one year or have worked or lived in tier one cities for more than two years but now lives in tier two and three cities.

  • Residents fleeing the city are those who were born in tier one city but now living in tier two/three cities for more than one year.

  • Overseas returnees are those who have studied or lived abroad for more than one year.

Back to top