Group-buying is on the rise in China, powered by WeChat groups set up in lockdown. As people tighten their purse strings, retailers and restaurants are encouraging people to pool their purchasing power and get discounts when buying in bulk, not just for groceries, but luxury items, too.

China may be returning to a state of ‘normality’ following COVID-19, but after spending months in lockdown, certain crisis-time consumer habits seem to be sticking around – one of the most visible being a mass shift to e-commerce. So, how do people want to browse and buy online post-pandemic?

An online community for Gen Zers, Bilibili’s offering centres around anime, comics, and gaming – a low-cost membership grants early access to anime releases. With an interactive interface and the likes of karaoke live-streams, the network provides a niche platform for young people to connect.

Burberry has opened its first ‘social’ shopping store in China, integrating WeChat into how visitors interact with all aspects of the store. By introducing gamified elements into the brick-and-mortar shopping experience, luxury brands can pique the interest of young, experientially-minded shoppers.