To many young people, what lies ahead seems more uncertain than ever. Luckily, clever companies like Pandamandy see potential in a new concept called “future mail”, which allows anyone to send postcards to themselves, their families, or friends years into the future.  The “future mail” phenomenon fresh to hit China draws its inspiration from Western predecessors like www.futureme.org, an American website that specializes in delayed emailing.

Pandamandy recently opened a new store at 798 Art District in Beijing in the hope of improving customer service and attracting new forward-looking clients. Postage is charged based on how far in the future a piece of mail will be delivered: 12 RMB for a 2012 delivery and 50 RMB for 2050. Postcards designed by Pandamandy are priced at 10 RMB each and already over 200,000 postcards have been sold in a year.

Adding to Shanghai’s quickly growing members only scene is Drop, a Hong Kong import. Fans of the HK version report that this spot lacks the oomph of its older cousin across the pond.

The book, After Graduation, We got a Naked Wedding sheds light on modern issues as the last group of post-80s graduates say goodbye to college and enter adult life. The book tackles the house hunt, job search, pregnancy and even multiple love interests but the crux of the story is its questioning of what it takes to find a bride in China.

裸婚 (literally “naked wedding”) suggests a new way to move into adulthood. The book suggests shaking off the supposition that a man’s family must win a bride with financial trappings. The book suggests a new approach — no car, no house, no big wedding day; but a simple ceremony that wouldn’t strip the groom’s family of their savings.

This new way of thinking about weddings is gaining attention as 80s graduates face hard times: rising housing prices, coupled with financial crisis.

Metro passenger traffic in Shanghai reached its highest ever on July 24^th when 6.72 million commuters hit the rails.

After ICBC opened four “metro banks” at People’s Square, Zhenping Rd, Jing’an Temple and Xujiahui Station this June, Citibank responded by unveiling its own outlet at People’s Square, made it the first foreign bank to open a retail location in a Shanghai metro station. Not only following consumers to locations more convenient for them, the bank also accommodates commuters’ busy schedules, operating throughout the workday from 8 AM to 8 PM.

Trendspotter

Kiki, 24

Advertising Consultant, Shanghai via Changzhou

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Though the notion of “group purchase” has had a strong following since 2003, it is coming back this year in a brand new way. Taking a cue from flash purchase concepts (see the American group purchase website, groupon.com), China has re-invigorated its enthusiasm for shopping en masse. Flash purchases promote a different product every 24 hours, including cosmetics, food, entertainment products, electronics and even food and beverages like Starbucks. Discounts range from 50% to 80%.

Sales from the top 10 group purchase websites from the first half of 2010 in China

I myself have purchased several things on lashou.com and tuanmei.net, like a hotpot set at 54% off and a set of Time Complex Capsules from Elizabeth Arden for my mom at 72% off. Group purchases have good discounts, but it gives me a negative impression when it comes to restaurants (the restaurants are often crowded because of the amount of people taking advantage of the group offer).

- Kiki, 24, female, Shanghai

To go along with their new slogan, “Live Young,” Evian will offer a promotional baby T-Shirt to customers in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou if they order 3 cases of Evian mineral water from Sep. 1st to 30th.

In order to better define and China’s generational segmentation, we offer a look at the technology and media that helped guide different generations’ characters. As you can see, the introduction of new technologies has impacted how Chinese youth perceive themselves and their social circles.

The answers above were provided by mainland respondents, commenting on their own generations.

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