Keeping Up with the Li's - Comparing China and US consumer spending

Oct. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- The competition is on. Based on a recent survey of consumers in China and the United States, Chinese consumers are looking for the smartest phones, biggest television screens, and the latest fashions far more than their American counterparts.

Comparing oneself to the next door neighbor is also becoming a global phenomenon. The  survey includes comparisons in consumer spending in Germany, United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Brazil, and Japan. Overall, the line between “necessity” vs. “luxury” is becoming blurred around the world. Weekly maid services, restaurant-quality kitchen appliances, and professional gym equipment have become quite common.

The survey was conducted by HuMuch.com to better understand consumer shopping behavior around the world. It was conducted through phone or email with approximately 1,200 consumers from Sep. 1 to Sep. 22, 2012. Quotas based on aged and gender were used to help ensure a representative sample. China included Mainland China and Hong Kong. United Arab Emirates responses were primarily in Dubai.

Summary of results:
-In all major categories, Chinese consumers are planning to purchase more than American consumers in the next 3 months
-But, China is not alone. Brazil and the UAE are also quite optimistic in purchasing plans
-Luxury apparel and handbags were among the most desired items, as well as high-end cosmetics
-Brazilian consumers have a strong taste for household appliances
-UAE consumers love cars, and to travel
-German consumers want electronics, even more than Japanese consumers


HuMuch’s mission is to help consumers. It offers a – free – website, where consumers around the world can find, share and compare prices around the world. The primary users are travelers, those living, working, and studying abroad, and folks interested in learning about prices and price levels in different parts of the world. For the latest on prices around the world: http://humuch.com