Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido has announced plans to introduce a new brand into China with the aim of gaining 20% growth in this market.

According to Chinese media, Avon (China) Heilongjiang Branch may face a fine of up to CNY2 million and even be asked to take criminal responsibility if it is found to be involved in multi-level marketing.

China's General Administration of Industry and Commerce has commenced an investigation on NUK Baby Powder sold on the Chinese market following a report in South Korean media which said that a number of baby powder products, including NUK Baby Powder made by Babyra, contain the carcinogen actinolite.

According to Yan Zhirong, the executive president of Amway Greater China, the company's sales in China increased by 28% to CNY17 billion in 2008.

Japanese retail giant Takashimaya and Gubei Group, a subsidiary of China Enterprise, have jointly announced that Takashimaya will open a new department store in Gubei, Shanghai.

Despite the downturn in the economy, Christian Nothhaft, managing director of Watsons China, has announced that the company plans to open 120 new stores in 2009, which means opening two new stores weekly.