Chinese consumers make up 29% of all luxury purchases globally. More than half of these purchases happen abroad – more often than not, outside of authorised trading channels, in the grey market. Now, Chanel has cut its prices in China to dissuade such purchases. But will other luxury brands follow?

After becoming the world’s largest bloc of outbound travellers in 2012, 97% of wealthy Chinese people intend to go shopping when they travel. And 90% of them carry out extensive amounts of research on what and where to purchase before they’ve even left home.

Australian shoppers pay up to 35% more than their international counterparts for items from retailers like Topshop, Gap and IKEA. In response, ShopandBox gives the power back to consumers. But do people really want the hassle of dealing with a third party when ordering online?

Viewed with suspicion by many, a taste for oysters is firmly established in France. But between disease and seasonal discrepancies, fresh oysters are a rare treat for inland residents. Huître en ligne is a start-up promising to deliver fresh oysters anywhere in France, all year round.