Core Viewpoint - BRANCHIC, a brand under FANCL Group, is closing all its online flagship stores in China, marking its exit from the Chinese market after only three years of operation [1][5][11]. Group 1: Brand Closure Details - BRANCHIC announced the closure of its online flagship stores on platforms such as Tmall, Douyin, and JD, effective August 1, 2024, due to group business adjustments [5][6]. - The brand was launched in Japan in October 2021 and entered the Chinese market in 2022, focusing on online sales [6][11]. - The closure indicates a complete withdrawal from the Chinese market, with only a limited offline presence planned for a pop-up store in Shanghai [5][12]. Group 2: Performance and Market Challenges - Despite initial success, including ranking in Tmall's top 20 for imported essence sales during the 2022 Double 11 shopping festival, BRANCHIC's performance declined significantly [11][12]. - The brand's online presence showed limited engagement, with Tmall followers at 26,900 and product sales peaking at over 4,000 for some items [12][14]. - The overall performance of FANCL Group's cosmetic business has been declining, with a reported 3.5% drop in sales for the 2025 fiscal year [17][20]. Group 3: Broader Industry Context - The closure of BRANCHIC is part of a larger trend of Japanese beauty brands withdrawing from the Chinese market, with 14 brands reported to have exited or closed stores in 2024 alone [15][22]. - Factors contributing to this trend include economic pressures, geopolitical issues, and a shift in consumer preferences towards domestic brands [20][23]. - The competitive landscape for beauty brands in China is increasingly challenging, necessitating strategic adjustments for survival [23].

Group 1: Core Insights - The third China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo showcased the health industry with a focus on medical health, quality of life, and Chinese premium products, highlighting cutting-edge products and technologies in the health sector [1] - The expo emphasized the integration of digital and biological technologies, presenting a comprehensive health service chain from birth to elderly care [1] Group 2: Company Highlights - L'Oréal, as the only foreign exhibitor in the beauty industry, presented its consumer-centric smart supply chain and global opportunity connections, aiming to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry [2] - Medtronic showcased its five pillars of innovation in the medical field, including local manufacturing and global integration, with a focus on the "Lantern Left Bundle Branch Pacing" heart catheter as a key innovation [2] - Starbucks highlighted its sustainable supply chain network in the coffee industry, collaborating with a leading energy systems company to set a green development benchmark [3] Group 3: Collaborative Efforts - Sanofi demonstrated its end-to-end healthcare ecosystem in China, celebrating 30 years of local manufacturing and showcasing the entire process of flu vaccine production and distribution [4] - Strong interest was noted at the booth of the Wellbeing Group, which focused on innovations in the cotton industry and aimed to connect various stakeholders to promote a healthy cotton industry [4][5] - GE Healthcare emphasized its role in enhancing the resilience of China's high-end medical device supply chain through extensive collaboration with over a thousand suppliers [5] Group 4: Industry Trends - The expo highlighted a deep consensus among upstream and downstream enterprises on collaborative development within the health industry [4] - The concept of a "win-win chain" was reiterated by multiple industry leaders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and co-creation for a sustainable health future [5]

Core Insights - The Chinese market is not only a "fulcrum" for L'Oréal's global supply chain but also a "window" for driving growth among global partners [1] - L'Oréal has been deeply engaged in the Chinese market for nearly 30 years, establishing strong connections with over 1 billion Chinese consumers through its 32 brands [1][3] - The rise of "self-value" among consumers indicates a shift from functional to emotional resonance in beauty product consumption, necessitating brands to enhance their supply chain capabilities [2] Industry Trends - The Chinese beauty market is becoming a significant force in leading global beauty transformations, with consumers increasingly seeking personalized, experiential, and sustainable products [3] - The digital ecosystem, social media environment, and e-commerce platforms in China are fostering new consumption models and accelerating industry changes [3] - L'Oréal is committed to long-term investments in China, having established two smart operation centers in Suzhou and Nantong, which emphasize automation, digitalization, and sustainability [3]

Core Viewpoint - L'Oréal participated in the 3rd China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo, showcasing its commitment to innovation and collaboration in the beauty industry supply chain [1][4]. Group 1: Exhibition Highlights - L'Oréal's theme for the expo was "Connecting Chains, Beautiful Echoes," emphasizing its focus on consumer-centric supply chain systems [1]. - The company set up three major exhibition areas: "Linking Beautiful Life," "Linking Beautiful Ecology," and "Linking Beautiful World," each highlighting different aspects of its supply chain innovations [2]. Group 2: Employment and Economic Impact - L'Oréal operates 32 beauty brands in China and has established a logistics network that serves over 100 million consumers, supported by production and operational centers [2]. - According to Asterès, for every job created by L'Oréal in China, 20 additional jobs are generated across the value chain, promoting employment and industry collaboration [2]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships - A strategic cooperation agreement was signed between L'Oréal and the China Barcode Technology and Application Association to enhance the digitalization of the cosmetics supply chain [3]. - The partnership aims to develop a comprehensive digital system for the entire industry chain, improving supply chain efficiency and accelerating the visualization process [3]. Group 4: Future Directions - L'Oréal aims to continue focusing on consumer needs and leveraging its end-to-end operational layout in China to respond to diverse demands with agility [4]. - The company plans to enhance consumer experiences through innovative technologies, ensuring that millions of Chinese consumers can enjoy the benefits of beauty products anytime and anywhere [4].

Group 1 - The third China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo showcases innovations in the health industry, emphasizing a full lifecycle health industry chain from birth to elderly care [1][3] - Over 100 companies participated in the health life chain exhibition, featuring advanced technologies such as a portable ultrasound device weighing less than 300 grams for thyroid examinations [1][3] - The health industry innovation is not limited to end products but spans all stages from research and development to application, highlighting the integration of AI in orthopedic surgeries and personalized surgical planning [3][4] Group 2 - Global beauty company L'Oréal presented its smart supply chain innovations focused on consumer-centric approaches, optimizing the entire process from research and development to delivery [4] - Biopharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk showcased its integrated digital chronic disease management model, emphasizing collaboration with industry partners to enhance sustainable health management in China [4][5] - Yiling Pharmaceutical demonstrated its commitment to traditional Chinese medicine innovation, establishing over 60 raw material bases nationwide and expanding its international market presence [5][6] Group 3 - The exhibition illustrated a clear picture of a "chain" of health, with various companies presenting solutions that create a closed loop in disease prevention and treatment [5][6] - The integration of upstream raw material suppliers and downstream medical institutions facilitates seamless connections between China's market demands and global innovation resources [6]

Core Viewpoint - The beauty industry in China is experiencing a significant market reshuffle, with major brands consolidating their positions while smaller brands face survival challenges due to increasing operational costs and fierce competition [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - In the first half of 2025, the total retail sales reached 24.55 trillion yuan, showing a year-on-year growth of 5.0%. The cosmetics retail sales amounted to 229.1 billion yuan, with a growth of 2.9% [1]. - Despite the overall market growth, there is a stark contrast between the performance of large companies and smaller brands, leading to a concentration of market heat among top players [1]. Group 2: Brand Closures and Market Exit - Sa Sa International closed its last 18 offline stores in mainland China by June 30, marking its exit from the market after 20 years of operations [3]. - Over a dozen beauty brands have closed or exited the Chinese market in the first half of 2025, including well-known brands under major beauty groups, indicating that foreign brands are not guaranteed success in China [3][4]. - Amorepacific's high-end skincare brand "SIENU" and Innisfree have also closed their online stores, reflecting the declining influence of Korean wave culture and increasing operational challenges [3][4]. Group 3: Strategic Adjustments by Major Brands - Major beauty companies are streamlining their brand portfolios in response to intense market competition and rising operational costs, focusing resources on mature and popular brands while closing less efficient ones [5]. - Unilever's high-end skincare brand TATCHA has ceased operations on major e-commerce platforms, highlighting the challenges faced by even well-established brands [5]. Group 4: Capital Market Activity - Domestic beauty companies are increasingly seeking capital market opportunities, with several companies planning IPOs in 2025, including raw material suppliers and brand operators [7][8]. - Notable IPO activities include 毛戈平's successful listing in late 2024, which has inspired other domestic beauty brands to pursue similar paths [7][8]. - Industry experts believe that seeking capital market support is a strategic choice for the future development of domestic beauty companies [9].

Core Insights - The Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center, representing the sixth generation of Yiwu's market, is attracting significant interest from businesses, with over 19,000 qualified merchants registering for 900 available commercial spaces in the infant and beauty products sector [1][2] - Despite global trade challenges, Yiwu's market continues to thrive, with an average daily foot traffic of 219,000 and a 4.87% year-on-year increase in foreign visitors [1][9] - The bidding process for commercial spaces involves rigorous qualification checks, ensuring that only serious and capable businesses can participate, which has led to a competitive "space grabbing" environment [2][3] Market Dynamics - The bidding for the infant and beauty products sector saw a starting price of approximately 5 million yuan per square meter, with final bid prices ranging from 134,333 to 136,666 yuan per square meter [3][4] - The value of commercial spaces in Yiwu is closely linked to market maturity, industry type, location, and size, with some spaces listed for transfer at prices exceeding 10 million yuan [6][9] - Yiwu's market has become a critical hub for over 210,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, attracting more than 20,000 foreign merchants and nearly 9,000 foreign-funded entities [9][10] Strategic Initiatives - Yiwu is implementing a "vertical layout" strategy to enhance industry clustering, allowing related products to be grouped together for more efficient procurement [7][8] - The Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center is positioned as a key node for Chinese manufacturing to reach global consumers, integrating market and digital trade services [10][11] - Yiwu's brand overseas expansion plan aims to establish 46 brand projects in 20 countries by 2024, facilitating over 70,000 products for international buyers [11]

Core Viewpoint - The beauty flagship stores in China are evolving into cultural and experiential hubs, moving beyond traditional retail functions to create immersive brand experiences and deeper consumer connections [4][11][24]. Group 1: Flagship Store Evolution - The flagship stores have undergone three stages of evolution: 1. High luxury experimentation phase (pre-2010) with brands like Chanel and LV establishing their presence [7]. 2. International scale expansion phase (2020) where major brands like Lancôme and Dior opened flagship stores, validating their core value [7]. 3. New explosion cycle (2023 onwards) led by domestic brands and emerging international players, focusing on unique cultural narratives [7][11]. Group 2: Structural Changes in Retail - The offline retail landscape is experiencing structural changes, with a significant reduction of nearly 6,000 cosmetic counters in 51 cities from 2019 to 2023, while high-end beauty areas in shopping centers remain vibrant [6]. - Brands are simplifying their counter networks and increasing flagship store layouts, positioning flagship stores as the heart of brand strategy and cultural embodiment [6][11]. Group 3: Experience and Engagement - Flagship stores are redefining the concept of "experience," serving as value hubs that deepen service, content production, and scientific communication [19][21][24]. - The focus is on creating immersive experiences that resonate with new-generation consumers, moving away from traditional shelf-based shopping [9][24]. Group 4: Location and Design Strategies - The selection of flagship store locations emphasizes cultural significance, transforming brand narratives into spatial experiences [13][15]. - Innovative store designs reflect brand philosophies, with elements that foster a dialogue between nature and consumer, enhancing brand differentiation [16][18]. Group 5: Future Trends - The future of beauty retail may hinge on spatial imagination and a sense of belonging, as brands strive to create unique, immersive environments that resonate with consumers on a deeper level [33].

Group 1 - Maureen Chiquet's career trajectory is notable for her transition from a liberal arts background to leading Chanel's global business, showcasing a rare professional leap in the fashion industry [2][4] - She has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" by Fortune and "100 Most Influential Women" by Forbes, highlighting her significant impact in the corporate world [4] - Chiquet's journey reflects the common struggles of modern individuals facing existential challenges and self-discovery, culminating in her decision to resign as Chanel's global CEO in 2016 [4][5] Group 2 - Chiquet faced the challenge of being labeled an "outsider" due to her literary background in a business-driven industry, necessitating continuous proof of her capabilities [6] - Her career was marked by a cycle of learning and unlearning, particularly during her early days at L'Oréal, where she encountered various professional hurdles [6][10] - The dichotomy of passion versus reality, the balance between adhering to rules and innovating, and the struggle to maintain authenticity in a high-profile role were significant themes in her career [7][10] Group 3 - Chiquet's approach to overcoming challenges involved deep self-reflection and a commitment to continuous learning, allowing her to adapt across different sectors [9][10] - She emphasized the importance of embracing paradoxes, finding balance between rules and innovation, and leveraging her introverted nature as a strength in leadership [10][11] - Her decisions were guided by a deep exploration of her values, focusing on what she truly desired, which ultimately led to her departure from Chanel [10][11] Group 4 - Chiquet's leadership at Chanel required a deep understanding of the brand's heritage while also innovating to attract new consumers in a rapidly changing market [11] - She advocated for acknowledging vulnerability as a source of strength, transforming perceived weaknesses into unique advantages in her leadership style [11][13] - Her story serves as a testament to redefining success in a world filled with labels and templates, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique paths [13][15]

Group 1 - The beauty industry is experiencing intense competition, leading major beauty groups to streamline their brand portfolios [1][4] - In the first half of 2023, the retail sales of cosmetics reached 229.1 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 2.9%, while overall retail sales increased by 5.0% [1] - Many beauty brands, including Sasa International and Amorepacific's brands, have closed stores or exited the Chinese market, indicating a challenging operating environment [2][3] Group 2 - The closure of brands like SHIHYO and TATCHA reflects the increasing operational costs and competitive pressures in the Chinese market [3][4] - Domestic beauty companies are increasingly attracted to the capital market, with several companies planning IPOs in 2023 [5][6] - The trend of seeking capital market support is seen as a strategic move for domestic beauty companies to enhance their growth prospects [7]