The unveiling of new products and the opening of first-on-the-ground stores has become a major driver of consumption in the Chinese economy since 2024 as shoppers in the country seek out novel and original experiences.
Known in China as the "debut economy", the trend covers everything from the first reveal of a product or the opening of flagship stores to the creation of new business models and technologies.
At a mall that mainly focuses on young customers in Beijing, a new store called Minibox has gathered hundreds of fashion items, spanning cosmetics, aromatherapy products, creative products and a range of others.
Making its debut in China back in October 2024, the store has widely received positive market feedback.
"These new product styles attracted us to come," said a consumer.
Japanese bookstore brand Tsutaya also opened its first store in Beijing in 2024, attracting curious readers with its unique, lounge-like atmosphere where customers can study, work or chat. The store comes complete with self-serviced snacks and beverages, available for a small hourly fee.
"Beijing has the Tsutaya Books 'share lounge' across the Chinese mainland. There are many creative professionals in Beijing who have a need for a comfortable space to work and create," said Yang Xinfang, senior supervisor of Tsutaya Books in Beijing.
Cities across China have been supporting the opening of first stores, as they tend to bring consumers out to major shopping areas. According to official researchers, the trend reflects a step forward of the country's consumer economy.
"China has entered into a stage where commodity consumption is transitioning to service consumption. It requires the supply end to constantly provide innovative goods and services. We also need to be in line with the global market, promoting the integrated development of domestic and international markets. More international brands should be introduced, allowing them to launch new products globally and simultaneously as well as making various kinds of debuts," said Guan Lixin, deputy director of the Circulation and Consumption Research Institute with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Emerging products, brands become new driver for China’s consumption growth
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
