Consumer climate • Table.Briefings

January 29th, 2026

Involution: Beijing strikes a sharper tone in the price war

New threats of punishment show how serious Beijing is in its fight against ruinous competition. The anti-involvement campaign is also included in the new five-year plan.

By Jörn Petring

Feature | Consumption

January 14th, 2026

Localization: How Adidas relies on "Styled by China" instead of "Made in China"

Adidas has successfully transformed its China strategy. Local designers are given more freedom and create greater emotional brand loyalty with so-called guochao elements. But the recipe is not a sure-fire success.

By Fabian Peltsch

News | Travel industry

January 14th, 2026

Monopoly abuse: Market supervisory authority launches investigation against Trip.com

The Chinese market supervisory authority is launching an investigation into Trip.com. The online travel company is alleged to have abused its market power with coercive clauses, among other things.

By Fabian Peltsch

News | Consumption

November 4th, 2025

China business: Starbucks sells majority stake to Boyu Capital

The US coffee chain is divesting control of its most important foreign business: Boyu Capital is acquiring a majority stake in Starbucks China for around USD 4 billion. The store network is to be adapted more closely to local consumer habits.

By Fabian Peltsch

Interview | Society

September 14th, 2025

'If you don't want to do the job, ten others are standing by'

Hu Anyan delivered parcels and wrote a book about China's working reality, which will be available in German in a few weeks. In this interview, he talks about exploitation, the lack of respect for simple jobs – and why it is becoming more difficult to achieve professional fulfillment in China.

By Fabian Peltsch