China’s relatively new middle class consists of a rapidly shifting, diverse population. At present, China’s lower middle class accounts for 44 percent of the total middle class. As the middle class matures, however, the number of people in the upper middle class—households that earn $12,000 to $25,000—will spike dramatically. Companies must prepare for the different shopping behaviors of each sub-segment within the middle class. Lower middle class shoppers, for example, tend to buy top-tier products that can display their wealth and status. These middle class consumers sometimes spend a large portion of their income on expensive goods. By contrast, upper middle class shoppers, who are more experienced with different types of brands, will seek out relatively high-quality products without paying as much attention to brands or will pick out products that merely reflect personal tastes.