To the Lower Tiers!

While Zara, Uniqlo, and H&M race to dominate Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other cities that you have heard of, Forbes reports that local fast fashion brands like ME&CITY and URBANEIGHTDAY are expanding even more rapidly in second, third and forth tier cities. Interestingly, these brands are relying on Western “it” celebrities for their marketing. I must confess that I have not been to the shops of any of these brands. I believe there is a ME&CITY in Xidan.

Nels Frye is a freelance writer, photographer, consultant and stylist, based in Beijing. Focuses are on street style, other consumer trends, and broader social issues.