Swiss Expert Praises Laopu Gold for Reshaping Luxury Market

BEIJING, Sept. 9, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Swiss luxury industry expert Professor Stéphane JG Girod has highlighted the growing influence of Chinese brand Laopu Gold, a company that is rapidly reshaping the luxury market. According to Girod, whose research at the prestigious IMD business school focuses on the global luxury industry, Laopu Gold is setting new standards and challenging established Western brands with its innovative business model and commitment to traditional craftsmanship.

Laopu Gold's robust performance, particularly in the Chinese market, has garnered significant attention. In 2025, the brand's sales surpassed those of the renowned Richemont Group's jewellery business. This achievement has prompted Girod to conduct in-depth research, analyzing how Laopu Gold has become a leading benchmark for luxury consumption in China.

The brand's unique value proposition lies in its use of 100% solid gold (24K), a practice that distinguishes it from many Western luxury brands that typically use 18K gold. This commitment to high-quality materials, combined with a distinctive product portfolio and a new retail experience, has helped Laopu Gold stand out in the market. Girod notes that the brand's approach reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, where modern Chinese consumers are increasingly valuing cultural authenticity and superior craftsmanship over traditional Western symbols of luxury.

Laopu Gold's success is evident in its market performance. From January to June 2026, the brand consistently ranked first globally in single-store sales efficiency and floor area efficiency in the luxury market. In the jewellery category, its performance was several times higher than that of other international brands. It is now the only Chinese brand to have entered the high jewellery segment of the luxury market.

Girod points out that traditional luxury brands have long relied on high prices, expansion, and market exposure to grow in China. However, these strategies have led to brand dilution and a disconnect between pricing and actual product value. As Chinese consumers become more sophisticated, they are re-evaluating the essence of high-end consumption, focusing on superior quality, genuine product value, and innovative cultural expression.

The brand's success can be attributed to its ability to integrate traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern design. Laopu Gold's store designs, inspired by Ming- and Song-style study rooms, provide an immersive and refined retail experience that resonates deeply with mature consumers. The brand's multi-tiered product portfolio, covering daily wearable accessories and high-end artistic goldware, caters to a diverse customer base.

According to Girod, Laopu Gold's commitment to long-term brand building, adherence to premium materials, and innovative design strategies have established a solid foundation for the brand's future. While some luxury brands are exploring less expensive materials, Laopu Gold remains steadfast in its use of 24K pure gold. This approach has helped build consumer trust and foster a unique brand identity.

Girod's research suggests that Chinese brands are no longer content with simply imitating Western luxury models. Instead, they are developing their own paths towards a more "honest luxury." This shift is driven by a desire to authentically connect with their cultural roots and offer products that resonate with modern consumers. For Laopu Gold, this means creating unique value propositions that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

The brand's future development is seen as promising, with Girod noting that Laopu Gold has established important brand pillars that can support its long-term growth. The expert believes that the company's strengths in creative design, refined craftsmanship, and cultural inheritance could pave the way for international expansion. If Laopu Gold were to open a creatively designed store in Europe, Girod suggests that European consumers could well embrace it.

Overall, Laopu Gold's rise to prominence marks a significant moment in the global luxury market. Its success challenges the dominance of Western brands and underscores the evolving preferences of modern Chinese consumers. As more Chinese luxury brands continue to emerge and innovate, they are likely to reshape the industry in ways that prioritize cultural authenticity and quality craftsmanship.