Economist Podcasts Stayed in China: a domestic-brand boom
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Jun 25, 2025 
Don Wineland, the China business and finance editor at The Economist, and Tom Gardner, the Africa correspondent, delve into the seismic shift in China's consumer landscape. They discuss how homegrown brands like La Bubu are capturing local markets while challenging established foreign luxury names. Additionally, they explore the rise of Christian conservatism in Africa, noting how American influences are reshaping traditional values. The conversation also touches on the significance of Motorsport Valley in the UK and its role in fostering engineering innovations.
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Pop Mart's Popular Blind Boxes
- Don Wineland describes Pop Mart's flagship store in Shanghai as a cartoon spaceship packed with people eager for blind box collectibles.
- La Bubu dolls sell from $20 to $150,000 at auction, illustrating China's emerging creative consumer culture.
Chinese Brands Thrive Amid Slow Consumption
- Chinese brands prosper despite weak consumption by catering to price-sensitive and quality-conscious buyers.
- Some brands position as premium alternatives, challenging Western dominance in sectors like tea and luxury goods.
Chinese Consumers Seek Quality, Local Brands
- Rising Chinese consumer discernment reduces reliance on foreign brands, favoring quality local products supported by market reach.
- Domestic brands benefit from expanding beyond major cities into smaller urban markets where spending grows.