

E131: Laopu Gold: the Cartier of China?
11 snips Sep 8, 2025
Laopu Gold is redefining Chinese luxury with its heritage-inspired designs and revolutionary fixed pricing. The brand has seen an astounding 167% revenue growth in 2024, becoming a key player in the luxury market. Discover how it gained popularity on Xiaohongshu and why it's expanding globally, starting with a flagship store in Singapore. Delve into the rise of Chinese heritage brands and their appeal in today's fashion landscape. Will Laopu truly become 'the Cartier of China'? Tune in for an insightful discussion!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Founder’s Rebrand From Trading To Luxury
- Founder Xu Kaoming started in gold trading with Golden Treasury in 2009 and rebranded to Laopu in 2016.
- The firm shifted from trading to a clearer branded luxury offering over several years.
Fixed Pricing Over Gold-by-Weight
- Laopu decouples retail price from live gold weight pricing and uses fixed product pricing set a few times a year.
- This lets them capture 50–60% margins and avoid short-term gold volatility affecting revenue.
Luxury Positioning Through Stores
- Laopu positions itself as a premium Chinese luxury brand with black, high-end storefronts like at Marina Bay Sands.
- Store design and premium mall locations reinforce luxury perception and make gold visually prominent.