China’s Tier-1 culture is stretching out through key influencers and popular apps to lure the Tier-4 consumer into a new set of behaviours – but brands wanting to reach them will have to balance modern aspirations and traditional practices.
What’s happening?
- Rapid technological developments in China are designed for Tier-1 city consumers, but anyone in lower tier cities can see and access exactly the same content on platforms and apps.
- A slower pace and higher quality of life in lower tier cities doesn’t negate consumer demand for premium products and brand experiences.
- Values don’t change fast, and while people might be able to buy new products, they don’t aspire to be like the residents of Shanghai or Beijing.
Takeaway
If Tier 1 cities are full of online influencers and people getting rich quickly, there is a subtler story coming out from the lower-tier cities where consumers value their greater sense of safety and belonging and are content with everyday luxuries.
Sourced from WARC