Chinese shoppers are seeking unique experiences, “Chinese shoppers are becoming more sophisticated and are no longer just interested in brands but, instead, are seeking unique experiences,” says Chris Cabot, president of Value Retail China. The company hosted a round table event, in 2013 ‘Meet the Experience Hunters’, at ITLM Asia in Shanghai in which Chris was one of four speakers. The event was designed to explore the psyche of the Asian luxury traveling consumer and touched on themes including luxury goods and travel and how to combine the two, authenticity and source of origin and ‘retail-tainment’.
Chinese shoppers are seeking unique experiences
Chinese shoppers are seeking unique experiences
Value Retail is the creator and operator of the Chic Outlet Shopping(R) Villages, a unique concept in outlet shopping and the only company to specialize exclusively in the development and operation of luxury outlet shopping villages. The nine Villages across Europe offer an entire range of hospitality services including Welcome Centers, multilingual hosts, VIP Lounges, personal shoppers, ‘shop and drop’ hands-free shopping and a chauffeur service.
Chinese shoppers are seeking unique experiences
As Chris Cabot explains, the company believes part of the reason for its growth in tax-free sales of 34% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2012 is because the company is meeting the strong demand from international travelers for ‘experience shopping’: “The Villages are very much tourism destinations in their own right, providing a full day trip of ‘retail-tainment’. The experience they receive brings International tourists back time and again to visit us.”
Chinese shoppers are seeking unique experiences
“I am happy to see the fast development of the Chinese luxury market. Initially, people tended to buy things with big brand names and logo as symbol of their wealth and success, but once they pass that stage, they will eventually look for something new, which is a valued experience.” commented Ying Shea - Chief Development Officer, Luxury Business, SK Group.
Chinese shoppers are seeking unique experiences
Daniel Wang, Managing Editor & Feature Director, Madame Figaro China, “The temptation of luxury products to me is not only about its design or appearance but also a chance to fulfill a dream. Chinese consumers are experiencing the culture, the dream value and a lifestyle provided by the luxury product they purchase.” Chinese shoppers are seeking unique experiences.
