Nike, Adidas replace big-name luxury as China goes casual

Hong Kong

FOR Beijing resident Alex He, the cost of a trip to the mall can easily top US$3,000. Mr He, 29, works in the finance industry and while he doesn't regularly go shopping for clothes, "when I do shop", he said in an interview, "I buy a lot".

Recent purchases include several pairs of Adidas shoes that he found at an outlet mall. He also fancies Under Armour shorts and shirts. "I used to buy a lot of luxury brands. But in the last year or so, I've been purchasing more of the sports brands because they are more comfortable and more fashionable," said Mr He.