CHAGEE geelato’s nationwide first stores, UFC GYM’s first store in the Chinese mainland, TWOI Design Lab’s first cream-style themed flagship store in southwestern China, Recently, a number of new first stores have arrived at Chengdu.

 

 

In May, Chengdu is filled with fresh energy across its streets and neighborhoods. Milk tea chain CHAGEE has announced the launch of first stores for its “geelato” ice cream series in five cities, one of which is Chengdu.

 

 

The opening of UFC GYM’s first store in the Chinese mainland is another much-anticipated “debut”. Operating stores in more than 40 countries and regions, UFC GYM had not previously entered the Chinese mainland market due to high licensing standards. Therefore, its arrival at Chengdu has attracted significant public attention.

 

 

Recently, new Chinese consumer brand TWOI Design Lab opened its first cream-style themed flagship store in southwestern China in Chengdu. Spanish luxury skincare brand Natura Bissé made its debut in southwestern China with the “Awaken Your Glow” pop-up store. New Zealand merino wool brand icebreaker chose Chengdu as the first destination for its latest global brand image store. In Jiaozi Park Business District, the newly opened Jellycat Dog Hotel’s themed store has launched its brand-new fluffy companion—Munro Scottie Dog—at SKP Chengdu…

 

 

Data shows that Chengdu has ranked third nationwide for seven consecutive years in terms of the number of new first stores. Chengdu saw the introduction of 876 new first stores in 2025 and plans to add over 850 more this year. The cumulative total number of first stores has exceeded 4,800, the highest in central and western China.

 

Why has Chengdu become a preferred destination for brand debuts? The answer lies in its urban vitality and strong consumer foundation. While its total retail sales of consumer goods consistently rank among the highest among sub-provincial cities, Chengdu boasts a large young population with a high propensity for consumption and an open mind for new products and business offerings. Chunxi Road, Jiaozi Park, MixC Shopping Mall, and other business districts are operating at a high level of commercial vitality. They are not only equipped to host global brand debuts but are also capable of inspiring first launches of local innovation. As a result, a complete ecosystem of “first stores—first launches—first exhibitions” has taken shape.

 

Edited by Zhang Yuanlin

Source: Home in Chengdu