China’s consumers are starting to binge on cosmetics again in signs economy

Chinese consumers are shopping again, in a timely boost for the beleaguered economy, as they regain some semblance of normal life after unprecedented lockdowns aimed at containing the coronavirus pandemic.

Demand for travel, cosmetics, outdoor gear and food has surged in recent weeks as policy-driven stimulus kicked in, workers returned to offices and factories and the government started easing restrictions on people’s movement.
Online sales of cosmetics are increasing rapidly, boosted by aggressive discounting and live-streaming promotions. Shanghai-based skincare producer Lin Qingxuan posted a 147 per cent year-on-year sales gain on International Women’s Day in early March, a local news site reported.

Pinduoduo has recorded more than 50 million retail orders per day since mid-March, a 60 per cent increase from a year ago, “showing the recovery in the domestic retail market,” the e-commerce site told the Post. Colour cosmetics such as lipsticks, eye shadow, eyebrow pencils saw “decent growth,” it added.