Commerce

The rise of independent domestic brands marks a significant shift in China's skincare industry. Amidst this evolution, East Beast stands out with its audacious pricing and unique approach. Unlike many local brands that cater to the mass market, East Beast has boldly ventured into the high-end segment, challenging the dominance of international giants like Lancôme and Estée Lauder. Bold Pricing and High-End Focus Founded in 2020 by former L'Oréal France product manager He Yi and Dr. Bai Yanjing from L'Oréal China's innovation lab, East Beast has made a name for itself in a remarkably short time. Their product range includes cleansing series, serums, creams, and hand creams, all priced significantly higher than most domestic brands. For instance, their 30ml Reishi Essence is priced at 808 RMB, and the 35g King Mushroom Mask Cream nearly reaches 900 RMB. This bold pricing strategy is not without reason. According to iiMedia, China's skincare market is thriving, with an estimated market size of 280.4 billion RMB by 2023. This prosperity allows local brands like East Beast to explore the high-end market with newfound possibilities. Moreover, the mature and rational consumption habits of China's younger generation create a supportive environment for premium pricing. Embracing Local…

Hanfu, the traditional attire of the Han Chinese, has seen a resurgence in popularity, with enthusiasts embracing its elegance and cultural significance. A notable trend within this resurgence is the rise of "co-branded Hanfu," which refers to Hanfu garments created in collaboration with well-known brands or intellectual properties (IPs). But this trend raises a critical question: Is co-branded Hanfu a genuine cultural collaboration that benefits both the Hanfu community and the IPs, or is it merely a way to exploit consumers? The Appeal of Co-branded Hanfu: A Consumer Perspective When it comes to purchasing co-branded Hanfu, how strong is the consumer desire? To gain insight, I spoke with several Hanfu enthusiasts, or "tongpao," and discovered a common theme: they generally do not buy Hanfu solely for the collaboration. Instead, their purchase decisions are driven by the design's aesthetics and the garment's cost-effectiveness. One enthusiast mentioned, "I won't buy Hanfu just because it's co-branded. I'll only buy it if it looks good and is reasonably priced." This sentiment highlights a significant issue in the co-branded Hanfu market: many of these garments are overpriced and of poor quality. Additionally, some designs stray so far from traditional Hanfu that they can barely be…