China’s economy is rewriting the rules of retail as the Central Economic Work Conference wrapped up this week, doubling down on plans to boost domestic demand in 2026. But let’s rewind: 2025 has been a blockbuster year for consumer power, with Gen-Z and millennials driving wild new trends that blend tech, sustainability, and pure fun.
From AI-powered fashion apps 🧥 to midnight drone-delivered bubble tea 🥤, businesses are racing to meet demands for hyper-personalized experiences. The conference highlighted how ‘green consumption’ and smart home tech became 2025’s breakout stars, while rural e-commerce sales jumped 40% this year alone.
🔑 Why it matters: With 650 million digital-native shoppers under 40, China’s market isn’t just recovering—it’s reinventing. Analysts call it the ‘Experience Economy 2.0,’ where livestreamed farm-to-table unboxings and VR mall-hopping are the new normal.
What’s next? The 2026 strategy focuses on ‘quality growth’—think premium pet tech for China’s 200 million ‘cat parents’ 🐈 and AI diet planners. As one conference delegate put it: ‘Consumption isn’t just spending—it’s how China codes its economic future.’ 💻🚀
