The luxury market in China has seen a meteoric rise in online sales between 2020 and 2022. By 2023, online channels such as e-commerce platforms and official brand websites have penetrated 46% of the mainland China luxury market. This report, based on data from iResearch Consulting, delves into the trends and strategies in mini-programs and online advertising within the luxury sector.
The Rise of Luxury Mini-Programs
Mini-programs have become a significant battleground for luxury brands, with a monthly user reach exceeding 40 million. These platforms play an increasingly important role in stimulating consumer interest and encouraging repeat purchases. In May 2023, the industry saw a breakthrough with a 54.1% YoY growth in user coverage and an increase in the number of mini-programs from 69 to 78.
Market Share and Trends
Luxury mini-programs account for 60% of the market, followed by beauty and duty-free categories. The luxury sector continues to expand its mini-program offerings, contributing to the entire industry's growth. In terms of traffic, the landscape across various sub-industries remains stable.
Top Performers
DIOR leads in both fashion and beauty categories, while Hainan's duty-free shops continue to attract attention. Luxury brands leverage their unique appeal and scarcity to attract a large user base, with the top 15 mini-programs having a monthly active index exceeding 700.
Marketing Strategies for Luxury Mini-Programs
1. Regularized E-commerce Operations: Brands offer diversified and multi-category mini-programs to meet different consumer needs.
2. Digital Transformation of Offline Events: Fashion shows and exhibitions are optimized for online presentation to enhance user experience.
3. Omnichannel Strategy: Luxury brands are opening stores in second-tier cities and below to capture emerging markets.
4. Localized Marketing: Brands are capitalizing on China's unique festivals for targeted marketing campaigns.
User Demographics
Women and young adults under 40 are the primary consumers, especially in second-tier cities, which show enormous potential.
Hainan Duty-Free Mini-Programs
Since March, there has been a surge in tourists, surpassing the peak during the previous year's National Day holiday. The Hainan duty-free mini-program serves as the official online shopping platform, offering various pick-up options and has seen a 62.3% YoY growth in user base.
Analysis of Luxury Display Advertising
The luxury industry has seen a 10.1% YoY growth in display advertising spend, mainly driven by non-beauty luxury brands.
Advertising Strategies
Beauty Luxury Brands: Focus on video websites and full-screen ads to strengthen brand recall.
Non-Beauty Luxury Brands: More inclined towards festival-based advertising, with mobile still being the dominant platform.
The luxury industry in China is rapidly adapting to the digital landscape, leveraging mini-programs and online advertising to reach a broader audience. Brands are employing various strategies to enhance user experience and drive sales.
Contact us to find out more about how you can leverage these insights for your brand. Download the full report here.