Crystal Tai on China Luxury, Sportswear Trends, and Consumer Sentiment

In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes back Crystal Tai. Crystal is a journalist, cultural strategy researcher, and Managing Partner at Nüora Global Advisors. Formerly Senior Managing Editor at Jing Daily, her work explores how changing values + consumer behaviors, and social movements shape business trends and global markets. 

In this episode, Crystal shares her insights on the latest developments in China’s sportswear and athleisure markets, including the ongoing popularity of Lululemon, the rise of niche sports labels, and emerging winterwear trends as the season approaches. She also provides an update on Chinese travel patterns in the post-COVID era, assesses overall consumer sentiment, and offers her take on Starbucks’ challenges in the Chinese market.

As always, Crystal brings her sharp reporting and deep understanding of Chinese consumer culture to the conversation—plus, a light-hearted discussion on Taylor Swift’s engagement and its reception among Chinese fans. Enjoy! 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       How Lululemon continues to perform in China and key takeaways from its recent Q2 report.

·       The rise of niche sports brands and new trends in the sports and athleisure market.

·       Winterwear and winter sports trends to watch as the season kicks off.

·       Post-COVID travel patterns and evolving consumer behaviors in China.

·       Current Chinese consumer sentiment and what it means for global brands.

·       Starbucks’ challenges in China and whether the brand can bounce back.

·       A fun look at celebrity news—Taylor Swift’s engagement—and its impact in China.