Retailers, restaurants take lead in race to woo unmarried consumers

The singles economy - call it, if you will, the marketplace geared to serve the growing number of single consumers with customized products and services - has taken off in China, and two segments appear to be taking the lead, in terms of imagination and effectiveness.

One is the market segment serving up individualized, small-scale and refined home appliances. The other one comprises restaurants that target single diners.

What's stoking the rise of the singles economy is demand for certain products and services from an increasing number of appearance - and quality-conscious young singles in China, market insiders said.