China is now one of the biggest markets for luxury products, with many global retailers now vying to compete for the market alongside domestic brands.

This month sees the continuation of popular retail trends such as community building and artist collaborations. Many sports brands realise the value in embedding themselves in local sporting communities, offering a range of additional services outside of products, such as races and networking. Collaborating with local artists is also a way to add localisation to the store and appeal to the Chinese market.

Technology also features this month with a store dedicated to the newest in robotics, but also as a fixture in beauty stores, who are using technology to offer more personalised analysis services to customers.

Take a look at the best new stores opening in China this month.

Robot Mall, Beijing

Robotics is big business in China, and the country has launched a mall dedicated to the technology. The opening was timed to the World Robot Conference.

When entering the mall, visitors are greeted by a giant robot’s hand in the ceiling that has joints similar to a human. They can see the big stars of the display, humanoid robots on the first floor, including the most impressive models, Walker S and G1.

The second floor is an interaction space for shoppers to see robots that can take part in sports or games, as well as robot animals. Customers are able to test and play games against these robots.

Repairs and servicing of robots take place on the third floor, while the fourth floor is aimed at business needs, such as industrial and medical robots.

Finally, shoppers are able to visit a restaurant that is staffed by robots, including cooks, serving staff, a bartender powered by AI, and robot musicians.

Image credit – Salomon

Salomon, Shanghai

Sports brand Salomon has launched a new concept store in Shanghai.

The store reflects the brand’s French roots, beginning with the store location which is classical French-styled. The interior of the space is also influenced by the brand’s Paris store. 

The store has themed zones on each floor, dedicated to a particular idea. The ground floor, Le Salon, is a space to showcase artwork, featuring pieces from Liu Yongtai, Chen Wei and Li Xingyu. The second floor, La Galerie, is dedicated to the brand’s history and story, and features items curated from the Salomon archive.

Finally, L’Atelier, on the top floor, is designed to host events, and resembles a French living space, with seating and a kitchen.

The brand’s opening was attended by ambassadors Bai Jingtin and Zhao Jinmai. They helped to launch Road to Future, an artist collaboration and Go Wild, a community event.

Image credit – Pas Normal Studios

Pas Normal Studios, Shanghai

Making its debut in the Jing’an District this month is a flagship from cycling brand Pas Normal Studios.

The brand hopes the store will be a hub for the cycling community in Shanghai, which is growing at a rapid pace. Visitors will be able to browse the full range of the brand’s products as well as take part in events planned by the store. 

The store has been offering free cups of coffee from premium coffee brand Coffee Collective to passersby to encourage them to browse Pas Normal Studios’ latest collections. Additionally, the brand is attempting to build a network for the cycling community by creating rides and networking sessions, along with food and drinks.

Image credit – LVMH

Louis Vuitton, Nanjing

Luxury brand Louis Vuitton has launched its new beauty boutique in Deji Plaza. The location is famed for its collection of high end stores and is one of the best selling places in China.

The new location sees the first launch of a new beauty range from Louis Vuitton, a rare debut for a store in China. The new range is called La Beaute and went live on the brand’s Chinese website at the same time. The range is a specially curated selection of items, such as palettes, lip products and other accessories. The creative director, Dame Pat McGrath, ensured that the range of colours suit a variety of skin colours. 

Additionally, the packaging is refillable and features the brand’s floral motif.

Aveda, Shanghai

Premium hair care brand Aveda has launched a new standalone store in Xintiandi.

The exterior of the space has been designed to resemble hair swept across the building and down towards the entrance. Customers visiting the store will be able to find the full Aveda product range across hair and scalp care.

There are also a range of additional services on offer, including the option to analyse the health of hair and skin by use of a microscope. After this service is complete, Aveda staff are able to offer a range of products tailored to treat each customer’s needs.

The centre of the store contains an exclusive aromatherapy space which can only be found at this location. Customers can interact with the space to choose sounds such as wind and other natural phenomena, while the store releases aromas that resemble plants.

Finally, there is a hair salon in the upper levels that offer a range of luxury and specialist hair treatments, along with meditative singing bowls and relaxing herbal teas. Events will be a regular feature at the store, where Aveda will showcase hair specialists and stylists.