Retail in the Post-Pandemic Era: Trends and Opportunities (CBRE)

Following the lifting of pandemic control measures at the end of 2022, China’s consumer market has rebounded strongly. National total retail sales of consumer goods grew by 8.2% y-o-y in H1 2023, with the contribution rate of final consumption expenditure to economic growth reaching a record-high 77.2%. Domestic demand is now firmly established as the main engine of economic growth.

At the same time, the impact of COVID-19 on the consumption, lifestyles, and values ​​of domestic residents is accelerating the emergence of structural trends that will have a far-reaching impact on the retail sector in areas ranging from store strategy to sustainable development. These trends will also influence demand for retail properties and asset management.

This report by CBRE identifies the main trends characterising China’s retail property market in the post-pandemic era and provides recommendations for retail occupiers, investors and developers preparing to navigate what will be a critical period for the cyclical recovery of China’s retail market and normalisation of domestic consumption.

This report was originally published in https://www.cbre.com/insights/reports/retail-in-the-post-pandemic-era-trends-and-opportunities