Core Insights - Quanzhou has transformed from a poor coastal city to a leading industrial powerhouse in just over 30 years, with a strong county-level economic ecosystem driving this change [1] - The city boasts over 110 listed companies, primarily private enterprises, contributing 80% of the city's GDP and over 70% of employment [1] - Quanzhou's counties and cities have ranked highly in the 2025 CAICT Top 100 Counties list, with five entities making the list, surpassing other cities like Suzhou and Nantong [1] Economic Structure - Quanzhou's economic model is characterized by "one county, one chain," with each county specializing in different industries such as footwear, building materials, and textiles [3][4] - The total output value of Quanzhou's nine major industrial clusters is expected to exceed 3.2 trillion yuan in 2024 [3] Consumer Behavior - The shift from "extreme cost-performance" to "quality-price ratio" reflects the growing middle class and affluent population in Quanzhou [5] - A significant portion of the consumer base consists of local business owners and returnees, with over 20% of commercial project customers being from outside the area [6] Commercial Development - Quanzhou's modern commercial landscape began developing in the early 2000s, transitioning from traditional retail to modern shopping complexes [7] - Currently, Quanzhou has 45 commercial projects with a total area of 3.7 million square meters, with the five top counties accounting for 25 projects and 2.27 million square meters [8] Case Studies of Commercial Projects - **SM Quanzhou Jinjiang City Square**: Opened in 2005, it has become a local shopping hub, adapting to consumer needs and maintaining a steady increase in daily foot traffic [10][12][19] - **Nanan Zhongjun World City**: Opened in 2018, it has evolved into a city-level shopping center, achieving a 23% increase in daily foot traffic in the first seven months of this year [20][24] - **Shishi Dehui Plaza**: Known for its community-focused approach, it has seen a steady increase in daily foot traffic, with a strong local customer base [30][34][35] Strategic Insights - Successful commercial projects in Quanzhou emphasize deep localization, understanding local culture and consumer habits, and integrating these insights into every operational aspect [41] - Long-term sustainability and community engagement are crucial for thriving in county-level markets, with a focus on building emotional connections with consumers [42][43]