Observed Signal · Sep 9, 2026 · Analysis · Source: PR Newswire: Advertising & Marketing · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Swiss Professor Analyzes Laopu Gold's Luxury Market Disruption
A report from The Economic Observer highlights how Chinese high-end jewelry brand Laopu Gold is challenging Western luxury houses. Professor Stéphane JG Girod of IMD, a Swiss business school, has conducted research on the brand, noting its 2025 sales in China surpassed the jewelry business of the Richemont Group. Girod attributes Laopu Gold's success to its use of 24K gold, integration of traditional Chinese aesthetics, and innovative retail experiences. The brand has consistently ranked first globally in single-store sales efficiency among luxury brands in 2025 and early 2026. Girod sees this as a shift in consumer values towards authenticity and cultural resonance, posing challenges for traditional luxury brands. He plans to release a research report on Chinese luxury brands on November 5, 2026.
The article is an analysis of a Chinese luxury brand's market performance, not directly related to AdTech, MarTech, or advertising technology. It does not involve advertising campaigns, media buying, or ad tech infrastructure.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Laopu Gold's 2025 sales in China surpassed the jewellery business of the Richemont Group.
- Professor Stéphane JG Girod of IMD conducted research on Laopu Gold as a case study for emerging Chinese luxury brands.
- Laopu Gold consistently ranked first globally in single-store sales efficiency among luxury brands in 2025 and H1 2026.
- Laopu Gold uses 100% solid 24K gold, differentiating itself from Western brands that often use 18K gold.
- Girod's research report on Chinese luxury brands is scheduled for release on November 5, 2026.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Laopu Gold's sales in the Chinese market in 2025 surpassed the jewellery business of the Richemont Group.”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
McKinsey: Luxury Consumer Preferences Are Shifting
A McKinsey study finds shifting preferences in the global luxury market: wealthy consumers are increasingly favoring experiences over material goods. McKinsey projects the worldwide luxury industry could grow by up to 6% in coming years. The study also highlights geographic differences in demand—Chinese customers show interest in different luxury categories than US customers—signalling a change in product and marketing priorities for luxury brands and retailers. The article was published by Lebensmittelzeitung / Deutscher Fachverlag on 2026-07-06.
LVMH revenue stagnates in Q3, China weighs
French luxury group LVMH reported revenue of €57.15 billion for the first nine months of 2026, a nominal decline of 2% year-over-year, but organic growth of 2%. In Q3, organic growth slowed to 1%, with weakness in China impacting the Fashion & Leather Goods division, which saw organic sales drop 5% in the quarter. Growth was driven by Watches & Jewelry (organic +8% in nine months) and Selective Retailing (organic +6%), notably Sephora. Currency effects negatively impacted reported revenue by 3 percentage points. The company divested Marc Jacobs to WHP Global on September 1, 2026. Despite uncertainties, LVMH plans to continue investing in product development and retail concepts.
Richemont Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth
Swiss luxury group Richemont reported currency-adjusted revenue growth of 11% to €22.4 billion for the 12 months to end-March 2026, driven by a 17% sales increase in the Americas. Annual profit rose about one quarter to €3.48 billion. The company said the conflict in the Gulf region reduced demand and tourism, causing a 3% decline in the Middle East & Africa segment in the three months to end-March. Richemont cited higher gold prices and travel-cost pressures as headwinds, and the group did not provide a formal forecast. Chairman Johann Rupert highlighted continued strength in the US economy. Richemont shares fell roughly 1% on the news, and analysts had expected slightly stronger results.
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