Entertainment success depends on elitism and uniqueness
Restaurants, pubs, fitness centers, KTV With the growing number of entertainment options, a smattering of private, concept clubs is finding that success in the new China relies on exclusivity and uniqueness.
Beijing and Shanghai have the largest number of such clubs in the country. Beijing has the Capital Club, American Club, Chang An Club, and China Club. Shanghai has the Ambassy Club, Banker Club, Yongfoo Elite, and Stock Exchange Club.
The price of becoming a private club member is high. At most clubs, members pay around 100,000 yuan ($13,000) for an admission fee, 1,200 yuan ($158) in monthly dues, as well as paying for food and beverages at the establishment.
People of any profession can join, but new applicants are almost always recommended by existing members. Once elected, applicants must go through a strict vetting process.
In order to stay exclusive, all clubs have a target number at which they will cap membership. Once they reach this level, they should have enough income to cover costs and make a profit, and can start putting applicants on a waiting list - making membership even more prestigious.
Chang An Club says it has about 1,200 members, and only 200 vacancies remain. China Club's maximum membership number is 2,000. It now has 1,300 members.
Beijing American Club plans to start a waiting list after admitting another 300 members in four to five years' time. The club, the newest of the four in Beijing, had 500 members at the beginning of this year.
The oldest club in Beijing, the Capital Club, was established in 1994. It now has 1,000 members, 900 of whom are active members, with the rest based in countries such as the United States, Europe and Australia.
To boost their profile and keep in the black, private clubs sometimes open up to members of the public, providing banquets or corporate public relations events.
China Club, located in a siheyuan, (traditional Beijing quadrangle) built during the 17th century, is regarded as a dining club and is open to the public. The Chang An Club holds banquets and wedding ceremonies for non-members.
However, the Capital Club believes serving members only is an advantage. It claims it is the only truly private club in Beijing, and always sticks to a members-only policy.
(China Daily 05/30/2007 page18)
