Perceptions and predictions about consumer behaviour are constantly popular subjects of debate. Only last year we saw consumer discretionary stocks nipping at technology’s heels. More recently tech stocks have fallen due to concerns around privacy, international trade and less than expected earnings.
This drives investors’ focus to consumer staples and discretionary. Retailers such as Estee Lauder and Ralph Lauren have led the gains on the S&P 500 with a 12% and 9% rise respectively while Alphabet was down 0.4% (Feb 2019), and very recently LVMH has hit record sales and earnings on Asian markets.
Given the dynamics of this market, our client invited the APAC head of commercial strategy from a leading cosmetics firm to speak. Our expert, with a wealth of experience in this field, shared his sharp views on global trends and China trends, and particularly on APAC’s competitive growth strategy.
Thereafter our client opened a frank discussion with our expert, leading to insights on:
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The advancement from brick & mortar model to e-commerce to new retail
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New marketing and the influence of KOLs on big brands in China
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Alibaba’s Luxury Pavilion club
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The impact on sales through platforms such as Taobao and Tmall
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The growth of splurging millennials in China
What is your point of view on the balance between technology and consumer? Or could you use some clearer insights about these robust sectors?
