Retail in Asia

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Gucci, Burberry demand lower Hong Kong rents as market wilts

Luxury companies including Kering SA are demanding lower Hong Kong store rents to reflect the island city’s waning appeal with wealthy Chinese shoppers.

The owner of the Gucci brand may close some of its shops there if those costs don’t come down, Kering Chief Financial Officer Jean-Marc Duplaix said late on Monday.

UK trenchcoat maker Burberry Group Plc said last week it may also try to lower its rent bill after sales growth slowed to a two-year low. Luxury spending in Hong Kong, one of the world’s largest hubs for high-priced shopping, has been suffering since China began discouraging extravagant spending among government officials in late 2012.