Laopu Gold Expands Overseas, China Sees Record Cosmetics Sales and Burberry Names New Ambassador

China’s Cosmetics Sales Hit Record High in May Amid Strong Online Demand

From January to May 2025, China’s total retail sales reached 20.3 trillion RMB, up 5.0 percent year-on-year. Cosmetics sales totaled 188.9 billion RMB, rising 4.1 percent, with May alone hitting 43.5 billion RMB, a record high for the month. The surge was partly driven by holiday-related tourism and strong performance across online platforms. On Douyin, beauty sales reached 23.5 billion RMB, up 18 percent, while JD.com and Tmall also saw significant growth during the 618 shopping festival.

Laopu Gold to Open First Overseas Store at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Chinese heritage gold jeweler Laopu Gold will open its first international store on June 21 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The brand plans further expansion into Asian markets, including a Tokyo location. Backed by BA Capital, Laopu Gold aims to grow brand presence and retail footprint overseas. The company went public in 2024 and reported 8.5 billion RMB in revenue that year, up 167.5 percent from 2023.

Burberry Names Stray Kids’ Seungmin as New Brand Ambassador

Burberry has appointed Seungmin of K-pop group Stray Kids as its latest brand ambassador. Known for his versatile stage presence, Seungmin’s personal style aligns with Burberry’s modern British aesthetic. The partnership highlights the brand’s continued engagement with younger global audiences and its dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Judydoll Parent Company Acquires Biophyto-genesis

Joy Group, the parent company of Chinese cosmetics brand Judydoll, confirmed its acquisition of functional skincare brand Biophyto-genesis. Founded in 2012, Biophyto-genesis specializes in science-backed skincare for sensitive and problem-prone skin. Professor Li Yuanhong will remain as Biophyto-genesis’s Chief Product Officer, continuing to lead product development.

Anta Appoints Greater China Head of Amer Sports as New President of Jack Wolfskin

Following its acquisition of German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin on May 31, Anta Group named Amer Sports Greater China President Yao Jian as the new global president of Jack Wolfskin. Yao will oversee global operations and report directly to Anta Chairman Ding Shizhong. With previous roles at Nike and The North Face, Yao brings extensive industry experience. Meanwhile, Ma Lei succeeds Yao as President of Amer Sports Greater China.

The Glenrothes Launches Limited Artist Collaboration with Jin Yucheng

The Glenrothes unveiled a global limited-edition artist collaboration with Chinese writer and artist Jin Yucheng. The release includes 128 collector sets featuring seven single cask whiskies, each inspired by Jin’s original copper plate etching and themed around Chinese characters reflecting nature and time. The whiskies, aged 20 and 21 years, highlight The Glenrothes’ signature slow distillation and cask aging, combining craftsmanship with artistic interpretation.

China’s 618 Shopping Festival Faces Tepid Response as Economic Pressures Persist

China’s 618 mid-year shopping festival concluded on June 18 with muted consumer enthusiasm despite over a month of discounts and promotions across e-commerce platforms. Economic pressures, including job insecurity, sluggish wage growth, and the property downturn, continue to dampen retail sentiment. While platforms like JD.com and Alibaba reported strong order volumes and high-performing brands, analysts noted that prolonged sales periods and year-round discounts have diluted the event’s impact. Government subsidies and an early start helped boost May retail sales, but paused incentives in June may weigh on future consumption.

Over 10,000 Participants Join Lululemon’s Align 10th Anniversary Yoga Festival Across China

Lululemon marked the 10th anniversary of its Align line with its largest yoga community event in China. The month-long carnival featured more than 100 yoga sessions across 43 cities, attracting over 10,000 participants. Events took place at major city landmarks including Beijing Worker’s Gymnasium, Shanghai Gate M, and Chongqing Jiangbei, blending yoga practice with local culture and scenic backdrops. The campaign highlighted Lululemon’s commitment to community and its yoga-inspired origins.