chengdu retail

"Retail supply is expected to remain limited in H2/2026, supporting further market absorption and a continued decline in the vacancy rate. Existing shopping centres will continue to focus on refurbishment, tenant mix upgrades and differentiated retail experiences to attract consumers."

"Amid tightening supply of traditional shopping malls and stronger cultural and tourism demand, innovative retail formats and cultural tourism venues are set to drive experience-led growth this year."

"In addition to the continued low level of new supply, Chengdu’s large population base—coupled with sustained net inflows—remains the strongest underpinning for the city’s consumer market."

"Chengdu government has proposed Debut Economy as a development strategy, building a full ecosystem with measures including introducing various high-level first stores and hosting brand launch events. In Q3/2025, sports brands’ leasing demand remained stable and was the major category for brands first set foot in the Chengdu retail market."

"With a diminishing number of new projects, ongoing adjustments and renovations of existing developments have consistently introduced fresh dynamics to the market. Although Chengdu’s total retail sales experienced slow growth, more robust incentive policies have driven increased consumption of electronic products and appliances, contributing to a stable average vacancy rate across citywide shopping malls."

"With sustaining supply and weak growth in demand, Chengdu retail market’s average shopping mall vacancy rate edged up in Q4/2024, compared to the stable 10% in the first three quarters."

"Foreign tourists in Chengdu have increased considerably in 2024. The first buy-and-refund spot in Sichuan province was set up at Chengdu IFS in September, facilitating the tax refund process for foreign consumers. More renowned brands have opened stores at Chengdu airports. All above are favorable to promote the consumption of foreign tourists."

"Chengdu retail market’s new projects have become more diverse, adding much freshness to the market. Apart from the opening of new shopping malls and relaunch of renovated projects, non-traditional retail projects have kept on innovating retail space and contents, exploring possibilities for Chengdu retail development."