Core Insights - WH Smith's CEO Carl Cowling has offered to resign following an independent review that uncovered accounting failures in the company's North American operations [1] Group 1 - The independent review revealed significant accounting failures within WH Smith's North American segment [1] - The resignation of the CEO indicates a potential shift in leadership and strategy for the company [1] - The findings of the review may impact investor confidence and the company's market position [1]

Vi e w p o i n t | 02 Nov 2025 19:01:28 ET │ 18 pages China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp. Favorable Duty-free Policies to Drive Consumption CITI'S TAKE CTG Duty Free's top line sequentially improved in 3Q25 with yoy decline narrowing to -0.4% yoy though earnings remained under pressure, down 29% yoy mainly due to lower gross margin, rising SG&A and increase in MI. Hainan offshore duty-free sales reverted to +3.4% in Sep and +13.6% during 1-8 Oct Golden Week. Riding on the new favorable duty-free policies wi ...

Core Insights - The CDFG Consumer White Paper highlights the recovery of the global duty-free and travel retail market, which reached $74.13 billion in 2024, marking a 3% year-on-year increase and recovering to 85.8% of its 2019 level [3] - China's market shows strong potential, with GDP growth supported by favorable policies and increased domestic demand, particularly driven by the optimization of duty-free policies and tourism growth [5] - CDFG has strengthened its market leadership with a 78.7% market share, leveraging its omnichannel strategy and supply chain advantages to achieve higher-quality development [6] Market Performance - The total user base of CDFG reached 104 million in 2024, reflecting a 26.1% year-on-year increase, with foreign users growing by 53.9% and their spending increasing by 84.5% [8] - CDFG's membership surpassed 45 million as of June 2025, with significant year-on-year growth and a stable month-on-month increase, indicating a solidified customer foundation across various segments [9] Customer Segmentation - CDFG's customer base is segmented into nine categories based on consumption preferences, age, and region, allowing for targeted marketing and product offerings [10][12] - Key segments include Self-Care Connoisseurs, HNW Luxury Lifestyle Connoisseurs, and Gen Z Trend-Driven Stylists, each with distinct consumption behaviors driving growth [12] Consumption Trends - New consumption trends include the rise of "Guochao" (China Chic), the experience economy, and channel integration, with domestic brands gaining traction among young consumers [14] - The duty-free shopping experience is evolving from transactional to experiential, requiring operators to curate lifestyle experiences rather than merely supply products [14] Category Insights - In the beauty category, makeup and fragrances are experiencing significant growth, driven by foreign travelers and male customers [15] - The luxury goods market shows diversification, with high-end and affordable luxury segments both performing well [16] - The liquor market is expanding with clear stratification across demographics, while food and general merchandise are steadily growing, particularly among Gen Z and senior consumers [17][18] Future Outlook - The duty-free and travel retail market is expected to continue advancing, with structural opportunities emerging and a focus on immersive customer experiences [20] - CDFG plans to deepen its digital-intelligence ecosystem and integrate various sectors to enhance customer engagement and promote high-quality industry development [20]

Summary of Inbound Travel Retail in China Industry Overview - The inbound travel retail market in China is projected to grow from **US$14 billion in 2024 to US$60 billion by 2034**, representing a **15% CAGR** [1][10][27] - By 2034, inbound travel retail is expected to account for **25% of China's total travel retail market**, up from **10%** in previous years [10][27] Key Drivers of Growth - **Globally Known Brands**: The presence of well-known brands and competitive pricing is attracting international tourists [4][10] - **Improved Shopping Experience**: The introduction of tax-free shopping (TFS) and instant tax refunds is enhancing the shopping experience for inbound tourists [5][10][31] - **Policy Support**: Recent policy changes are aimed at expanding tax-free shopping and improving infrastructure to support inbound tourism [26][48] Tax-Free Shopping Impact - The tax-free shopping market is expected to grow from **<US$0.5 billion in 2024 to US$20 billion by 2035** [94] - The **instant tax refund system** was expanded nationwide in April 2025, significantly increasing the number of malls offering this service from **2 to 17** among the top 20 malls in China [5][34][98] - Retail sales with tax refunds in cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai have shown remarkable growth, with increases of **160% and 75% YoY**, respectively, in the first half of 2025 [35][103] Competitive Pricing - Chinese brands offer products at **20-50% lower prices** compared to international markets, making them attractive to tourists [4][29] - Imported luxury goods in China are competitively priced, often similar to or lower than prices in key Asian markets [29][74] Market Segmentation - The inbound travel retail market is primarily driven by international tourists, excluding visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, who are expected to contribute significantly to growth [27][45] - The duty-free market is also gaining traction, with projections of **US$5 billion in spending by inbound tourists by 2035** [36] Implications for Retailers - Retailers, malls, and duty-free operators in China are expected to benefit the most from the growth in inbound tourism [6][40] - Companies like **CR Land, Hang Lung Properties, and CTG Duty Free** are identified as key beneficiaries [43] Risks and Challenges - Potential dilution of the Hong Kong retail market due to increased competition from mainland China [6][40] - The need for improved tax refund services and training for sales staff to facilitate the shopping experience for tourists [39] Conclusion - The inbound travel retail market in China is at a pivotal point, with significant growth potential driven by favorable policies, competitive pricing, and an enhanced shopping experience. Retailers and duty-free operators are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, although challenges remain in execution and market competition.