Why smart retail solutions are crucial for HK retailers in 2025

IP-related products have seen a 448.94% YoY increase in 2024.

Hong Kong merchants will need to adopt smart retail solutions and marketing strategies in 2025 as consumers increasingly seek products with emotional value and interactive experiences, according to SHOPLINE.

The report noted that the global intellectual property (IP) economy is experiencing rapid expansion, with character licensing, derivative products, and cross-border collaborations driving significant market growth.

Iconic brands like Pokémon, which has generated over $$100b since its debut, along with newer IPs such as Japanese webtoon character Chiikawa and Pop Mart’s LABUBU and CRYBABY, are fuelling a global character merchandise craze.

IP-related products have seen a 448.94% year-over-year increase in gross merchandise values, with sales and order volumes up by more than 200% in 2024. The blind box trend grew by 137.77% in 2024, with searches for “blind boxes” spiking.

Merchants like Ani-Mall®, Medialink’s official anime merchandise platform, leveraged pre-orders and strategic marketing to drive success. During the Lunar New Year period, Ani-Mall® saw a tenfold increase in GMV and a ninefold surge in orders, largely fuelled by its exclusive pre-order campaign for “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK” Blu-ray boxset. The campaign was amplified through live streams, promotions, and pop-up stores, successfully converting fan interest into sales.

AI-powered tools are also helping merchants optimise their sales strategies. For instance, Misutabai used SHOPLINE’s Product Growth Explorer to analyse over 5,000 products, refine pricing, and manage inventory for high-demand blind box products.

The blind box trend is anticipated to continue to evolve with new formats such as blind box tours and meal sets, creating even more opportunities for merchants.

"We understand that traditional marketing models are insufficient in engaging today's savvy consumers,” said Vincent Kan, deputy general manager at SHOPLINE Hong Kong. “Looking ahead to 2025, we believe deeply connecting with consumers' emotional needs will be key to achieving growth against the odds, and technological innovation will unlock even greater potential."

Also Read

Code-Create uses AI for quick fashion

Why Hong Kong’s retail recovery is taking longer than expected

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

I want to download the media kit