Purpose - The objective of this paper is to explain how the Chinese distribution market will continue to bring tremendous business opportunities to commercial enterprises given the relatively strong economic fundamentals and substantial government-led measures for boosting domestic demand. Research design, data, and methodology - The study conducted a survey on China’s 2011 retail market data. After empirically analyzing the data on retail sales, online retail markets, and franchises, we believe that online retailing in China will maintain its growth momentum. Results - This study shows that 2012 is expected to be a challenging year for the retail sector, as both external and internal pressures are likely to persist. Some of the major challenges facing retailers in China are mentioned below. Conclusions - Retailers in China face several major challenges. First, the uncertain economic outlook is having a considerable impact on China’s retail market. Second, China’s retailers face an unfair competition environment. Third, they are suffering the impacts of product safety problems.