Chinese Consumers Are An Evolving -- And Complex -- Target For Marketers

Marketers eager to tap into China’s huge – 1.3 billion potential customers – consumer market need to get a better understanding of the country’s economic and cultural complexities, says Chris Davis of Campaign Asia. Consumer demographics, buying patterns and product preferences vary by region and by major city, and each of these is at a different stage of economic development. But there are some key facts: Chinese shoppers look for prestigious brands; women tend to control the family’s purse strings; Internet shopping, product and price comparisons, and buying are surging; and senior citizens form a sizeable purchasing segment and do considerable shopping for their grandchildren. A crucial insight: China is becoming more modern and international in its outlook, but not “Western”.