Amidst China's economic slowdown, foreign enterprises such as coffee shops and clothing boutiques claim that their businesses are flourishing.

Statements from more than 30 foreign trading companies updating investors on their Chinese ventures showed trend differences among sectors. Of these establishments, 18 were concentrated on consumers. Up to 13 claimed that sales increased in the fourth quarter or full year, revealing only three downswing and two flat. Furthermore, out of eight industrial companies, six claimed deficiency in the Chinese market or weakening sales.

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Among the thriving firms are American coffeehouse chain Starbucks, on-trend chain retailer Hennes & Mauritz (popularly known as H&M), Swedish pulp and paper maker Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) and world's biggest fast food restaurant McDonald's.

Starbucks chair and CEO Howard Schultz said that "The success we are enjoying in China is really kind of highlighted by this past quarter." During a call with investors last Jan. 21, Schultz further revealed that like most international companies, Starbucks does not break out China operating results in its account. He further revealed that the firm launched more than 150 outlets in the country, the most it has opened so far.

On the other hand, McDonald's unveiled a 4 percent up in its fourth quarter sales in China. It also unveiled that this year, it will put up more than 250 restaurants, also making the biggest number in any of its market across the globe. In a meeting with the investors on Jan. 25, CEO Steve Easterbook said that the company is confident of the Chinese market's potential as well as the strategies it aims to carry out.

The Chinese population has emerged from being poor and rural to an urban middle class, a transformation unparalleled by other markets, according to Magnus Groth, SCA CEO. The change also pave way for the SCA business. 

Tagschina, consumers, Starbucks, H&M, Mcdonalds, SCA