Custom consumer experiences the future of retail, expert says

The consumption of China's high net worth individuals (HNWI) will be more refined and more personalized, raising more requirements for merchants, an industry expert said.

Renee Cheng, partner and vice-president of Shenzhen Cheng Chung Design Co Ltd, said: "China's HNWIs have unique taste. Instead of pursuing big logos to show off, they look for ways to express themselves and align with their own philosophy of life. They need a space where their emotions are carefully taken care off."

She noted that merchants should carefully learn about their customers habits, the structure of their families, what they like and what they don't like in order to fully understand their spiritual pursuit and provide consumers with tailor-made solutions.

"In the future, the most valued service is tailor-made service," Cheng said. "Art, aesthetics, healthiness and sustainability will be more and more important for HNWIs."

CCD launched ROUSSILLON — a lifestyle complex — in Shenzhen, Guangdong province on Wednesday. The complex is a combination of artistic exposition, fine dining, and design consultancy.

According to a recent report jointly issued by YF Life Insurance International Ltd and Hurun Research Institute, in 2025, there were nearly 5.13 million high net worth families in China.