China’s luxury spending has surged in the first two months of 2024, as the country’s consumers splurged on high-end goods during the Lunar New Year celebrations. The strong demand has given a fresh start to the global luxury industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
China’s Luxury Market Outperforms the World
According to the latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China’s sales of luxury cars rose by 32% year-on-year in January and February, reaching 1.16 million units. The growth was driven by the popularity of brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Tesla, which all reported double-digit increases in sales.
Similarly, according to the China Gold Association, China’s sales of gold jewelry soared by 80% year-on-year in the same period, reaching 95.81 tons. The growth was fueled by the festive demand, the rising gold prices, and the recovery of consumer confidence.
The strong performance of China’s luxury market has contrasted with the sluggishness of the rest of the world, where the luxury industry has suffered from the lockdowns, travel restrictions, and economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Bain & Company, the global personal luxury goods market contracted by 23% in 2023, the largest decline in history.
China’s New Year Splurge Reflects Changing Consumer Behavior
The surge in China’s luxury spending during the New Year period reflects the changing consumer behavior of the country’s affluent and aspirational shoppers, who have been influenced by several factors, such as:
- Domestic consumption: Due to the limited international travel options, more Chinese consumers have shifted their luxury purchases from overseas to domestic markets, taking advantage of the lower prices, the wider selection, and the improved services offered by the local retailers and e-commerce platforms. According to Bain & Company, China’s share of the global personal luxury goods market increased from 11% in 2023 to 20% in 2024, while the share of Europe and the Americas decreased from 62% to 45%.
- Digital engagement: Due to the increased online exposure and interaction, more Chinese consumers have become aware of and interested in the latest trends, products, and brands in the luxury sector, especially among the younger and more tech-savvy generations. According to McKinsey & Company, China’s online penetration of the personal luxury goods market increased from 13% in 2023 to 23% in 2024, the highest in the world.
- Emotional gratification: Due to the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, more Chinese consumers have sought emotional gratification and self-expression through their luxury purchases, especially during the festive occasions, such as the New Year, Valentine’s Day, and the Lantern Festival. According to a survey by Deloitte, 56% of Chinese consumers said they bought luxury goods to reward themselves, while 49% said they bought them to celebrate special moments.
China’s Luxury Spending Offers Opportunities and Challenges for Brands
The surge in China’s luxury spending offers both opportunities and challenges for the global luxury brands, who need to adapt to the changing market dynamics and consumer preferences. Some of the strategies and actions that the brands need to consider are:
- Localization: The brands need to tailor their products, prices, and promotions to the local market, taking into account the cultural, seasonal, and regional differences. The brands also need to collaborate with the local partners, such as the distributors, retailers, and influencers, to enhance their presence and reputation in the market.
- Digitalization: The brands need to leverage the digital channels, such as the social media, live streaming, and e-commerce platforms, to engage and interact with the Chinese consumers, and to offer them personalized and seamless experiences. The brands also need to harness the data and analytics, such as the consumer feedback, behavior, and preferences, to optimize their marketing and operations.
- Innovation: The brands need to innovate their products, services, and business models, to cater to the evolving and diverse needs and tastes of the Chinese consumers, especially the younger and more sophisticated ones. The brands also need to embrace the sustainability and social responsibility, to align with the values and expectations of the consumers.