A coup for the fashionistas

Lane Crawford, an upscale multibrand fashion boutique with branches in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Taking after its Milanese progenitor, the store offers a shopping experience that combines fashion, design, art and dining.

"The idea of 'slow shopping' and creating an entire sensory experience seems to translate well in China," the founder, Carla Sozzani, told China Daily after the Beijing store opened. "It is meant to offer an experience for the five senses and the mind together. What we always hope to bring to any city is an interest in lifestyle and values beyond the trendy and fashionable."

The idea of integrative retail space is also being adopted by more business owners.

Brand New China, a pioneer in China's multibrand retail market, is now undergoing a revamp. Founded in 2010 by the publisher Hong Huang, the store has been a springboard for young emerging designers.

The store is now transforming from a fashion boutique to a lifestyle experience center that offers everything from ceramics to bicycles and kitchenware. The store also plans to expand its space for art exhibitions and other kinds of events.