Looking ahead, the core competitiveness of offline retail lies in moving beyond the traditional product-led model to offer value-added services and facilities that cater to consumers’ emotional needs. By acting…
China
Retail
simple
China Trends in Offline Retailing Market Report 2025
Looking ahead, the core competitiveness of offline retail lies in moving beyond the traditional product-led model to offer value-added services and facilities that cater to consumers’ emotional needs.
Opportunities for the general population: evolve from transactional venues into integrated value entities offering price, emotion and experience
Segment opportunities: cater to the needs of Tier 1 city residents and high-income groups for quality living, emotional connection and unique experiences
Segment opportunities: position as a place of trust, leisure venue and industry benchmark for consumers in Tier 2 and lower tier cities
Future outlook
THE MARKET
Market trends
China’s retail market enters a stable growth phase, with offline retail rebounding from previous volatility and maintaining its core role within the retail landscape
Supermarkets, convenience stores and membership stores actively update product selection and invest in own brand innovation
Graph 7: offline distribution channels of new products, 2015-25
Market factors
Macroeconomic overview
Consumer confidence rebounds after fluctuations
Graph 8: confidence index* for improved financial situation in the next three months, 2020-25
Graph 9: consumer confidence in their finances improving in the coming three months, 2020-25
The rapid rise in flagship store openings is poised to drive footfall to physical retail
Offline and online retailing are integrating at a faster pace to upgrade the consumer experience across all scenarios
The national consumption stimulus policy has shown significant results
Graph 10: YOY growth rate of commodity value sales by companies above a designated size, by category, 2019-25
Changes in family structure will continue to impact the long-term development of the retail market
Graph 11: family structure changes*, 2002-23
Graph 12: age distribution of marriage registrants, 2019-24
Changes in family structure: the rising proportion of small families brings diverse offline retail shopping demand
Changes in family structure: as the number of pet-owning households continues to grow, consumer demand for pet-friendly retail spaces is on the rise
Graph 13: number of pet dogs and cats living in towns and cities, 2019-24
Changes in family structure: the silver economy is here, and the age-friendly adaptation of offline stores needs to be prioritised
Graph 14: aging population structure, 2003-24
Market highlights
Leverage diverse formats to counter homogeneous competition and address segmented consumer demand
Adopt omnichannel strategies across online and offline platforms, shift market competition from price to experience
Overseas markets: technology supports the optimisation of offline retail operations
Overseas markets: AI shopping trolleys become helpful companions for consumers
CONSUMER INSIGHTS
Summary
Value-for-money and experience-driven needs are reshaping the retail market
Value-for-money and experience jointly drive demand in offline retail
Graph 15: penetration rates of different offline stores, 2024-25
Discount stores and fashion/lifestyle product stores provide younger people with cost-effective options and emotional value
Graph 16: penetration of different offline stores, by age, 2025
Outlets and paid membership supermarkets cater to higher earners looking for sensible luxury
Graph 17: penetration of different offline stores, by monthly household income, 2025
Upgrade offline retail: evolve from a single-function venue for transactions to a comprehensive value entity integrating low prices, emotional engagement and exclusive experiences
Fresh grocery, food and alcohol retain a competitive advantage in offline retail
Graph 18: retail channel preferences, by category, 2025
Upgrade offline retail: enhance the fresh grocery shopping experience
Graph 19: number of categories preferred for online/offline purchases, by monthly household income, 2025
Graph 20: % of consumers who prefer offline purchases, by monthly household income, 2025
Consumers’ expectations for offline stores are gradually shifting towards product trials and shared experiences with friends and family
Graph 21: purpose for visiting offline stores, 2025
Upgrade offline retail: reinforce stores’ emotional attributes – social interaction and family companionship
Graph 22: purpose of visiting offline stores – socialising with friends or family, by demographics, 2025
Diversify business models to meet diverse consumer demands
Offline shopping habits vary significantly across cities, retailers should adopt targeted business strategies
Customer motivations for visiting offline stores vary slightly across retail formats
Graph 23: reason for visiting offline stores, by retailer types shopped at in the last six months, 2025
Discount stores should focus on product selection in their competition strategies
Graph 24: reason for visiting offline stores, by retailer types shopped at in the last six months, 2025
Leverage influencer marketing and pop-up events to drive outlet footfall
Graph 25: reason for visiting offline stores, by retailer types shopped at in the last six months, 2025
New-generation outlets are becoming travel destinations
Fashion/lifestyle product stores tap into the demand for relaxation and stress relief
Graph 26: reason for visiting offline stores, by retailer types shopped at in the last six months, 2025
Customers of paid membership supermarkets are particularly focused on exclusive benefits
Graph 27: reason for visiting offline stores, by retailer types shopped at in the last six months, 2025
Looking ahead, the core competitiveness of offline retail lies in moving beyond the traditional product-led model to offer value-added services and facilities that cater to consumers’ emotional needs. By acting as third spaces integrating shopping, leisure and social interaction, retailers can offer unique experiences that are unmatched online.
Laurel Gu, Director, China Insights
Market Definitions
This Report defines offline retail as a retail model where the consumer searches for and purchases goods through offline channels, specifically including the following:
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