Industry Overview
As one of the first few sectors opened to foreign investment after China’s WTO accession, the country’s retail sector has witnessed booming growth with the influx of foreign retail giants. More than half of the world’s top 50 retailers have entered China. Most started by opening stores in Beijing, Shanghai and other big coastal cities. For those companies, China's second and third tier cities are attractive for future growth.
Competition in the retail sector is intense. Although the retail market is still dominated by domestic brands, foreign brands have made significant inroads, and are particularly popular with younger generations.
U.S. Position in the Market
Despite the restrictive business environment, some U.S. retailers
have established strong footholds in China. Wal-Mart, for
example, has successfully opened retail establishments in many
cities with over 100 stores in China. Most retail outlets in
large urban centers such as Beijing and Shanghai stock U.S.
branded products.
Market Research Reports
Franchising China
Retail Market Report Shanghai
Key Industry Contacts
Links to non-Commercial Service organizations are provided solely as a convenience to our users. The Commercial Service makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of the information provided on the following web sites. The FCS is not responsible for the content of the individual organization webpages found through these links, and their inclusion here should not be understood as an endorsement of these organizations.
China Chain Store and Franchise Association
Tel: (86-10) 5191-6555
Fax: (86-10) 5191-6856
http://www.ccfa.org.cn
Ministry of Commerce
Foreign Investment Administration
Tel: (86-10) 6519-7327/7301
Fax: (86-10) 6519-7322
http://www.mofcom.gov.cn
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
(CCPIT)
Sub-Council of Light Industry
Tel: (86-10) 6839-6468
Fax: (86-10) 6839-6422
Email: ccpitsli@public3.bta.net.cn
http://www.ccpit.org
Major Trade Shows 2009
Shanghai International Franchise Exhibition 2009
September 19-20, 2009 at INTEX Shanghai.
http://www.chinafranchiseexpo.com/en/Default.asp
U.S. Commercial Service Contact Information for Retail & Franchising
The U.S. Commercial Service offers a broad array of market entry services to U.S. companies in the retail sector. Please refer to the following relevant contacts for additional information on how we can help you expand your business in China.
Beijing Office:
Tel: (86-10)8531-3000
Fax: (86-10)8531-3701
Frank Joseph
Shen Yan
Shanghai Office:
Tel: (86-21)6279-7630
Fax: (86-21)6279-7639
Kevin Chambers
Guangzhou Office:
Tel: (86-20)8667-4011
Fax: (86-20)8666-6409
Cathy Wang
Chengdu Office:
Tel: (86-28)8558-3992
Fax: (86-28)8558-3991
Eric Wolff
Hong Kong Office:
Tel: 852-2521 5233
Fax: 852-2845 9800
Ms. Swee-keng Cheong
Email: swee-keng.Cheong@mail.doc.gov