单项选择题

For years, French, Italian and American luxury brands have 1 as China"s middle class developed a(n) 2 for high-end fashion and jewelry. But that sales boom is 3 based on the disappointing results many Western luxury retailers have reported of late, 4 much suggests this slowdown will be 5 .
French luxury brand Hermès said watch sales fell 11% in large 6() because of China, and the company is expecting overall growth this year to remain 6 compared to recent averages. Meanwhile, Prada said it expects the tough times for luxury to continue after its China sales fell 4% in 2014.
7 , Hermès, known for its highly coveted Birkin bags and horse-themed silk scarves that go for thousands of dollars each, has continued to 8 its stores in China. Why Because there is 9 data to suggest that luxury"s current slowdown in China is 10 a speed bump. According to a new report by the Economic Intelligence Unit 11 by Citigroup, China"s wealthy will have double the 12 of their U.S counterpart within five years. That means a lot of people will be wanting to shop at Prada and Gucci and buying expensive Estée Lauder beauty products. And such companies are happy to 13 .
Fashion company Michael Kors which is just getting started with its China expansion, recently said sales there are "starting to 14 ." Kors" main competitor Coach, which plans several new stores in China, saw its sales there rise 13% in its most recent quarter. Tiffany is full 16 ahead with its China expansion 15 disappointing numbers over the holidays at its Hong Kong stores, a favorite haunt of mainland customers. So it"s clear that any Chinese slowdown is seen by luxury and retail executives as a temporary change.
"China"s prestige beauty growth remains at high single digits, and we see 16 opportunities to enter additional cities, doors and 17 , and 18 more brands," Estée Lauder CEO said last month.