For years, French, Italian and American luxury brands have【C1】______as China s middle class developed a(n)【C2】______for high-end fashion and jewelry. But that sales boom is【C3】______based on the disappointing results many Western luxury retailers have reported of late,【C4】______much suggests this slowdown will be【C5】______. French luxury brand Hermes said watch sales fell 11% in large【C6】______because of China, and the company is expecting overall growth this year to remain【C7】______compared to recent averages. Meanwhile, Prada said it expects the tough times for luxury to continue after its China sales fell 4% in 2014. 【C8】______, Hermes, known for its highly coveted Birkin bags and horse-themed silk scarves that go for thousands of dollars each, has continued to【C9】______its stores in China. Why？ Because there is【C10】______data to suggest that luxurys current slowdown in China is【C11】______a speed bump. According to a new report by the Economic Intelligence Unit【C12】______by Citigroup, China s wealthy will have double the【C13】______of their U.S counterpart within five years. That means a lot of people will be wanting to shop at Prada and Gucci and buying expensive Estee Lauder beauty products. And such companies are happy to【C14】______. Fashion company Michael Kors which is just getting started with its China expansion, recently said sales there are "starting to【C15】______." Kors main competitor Coach, which plans several new stores in China, saw its sales there rise 13% in its most recent quarter. Tiffany is full【C16】______ahead with its China expansion【C17】______disappointing numbers over the holidays at its Hong Kong stores, a favorite haunt of mainland customers. So it s clear that any Chinese slowdown is seen by luxury and retail executives as a temporary change. "Chinas prestige beauty growth remains at high single digits, and we see【C18】______opportunities to enter additional cities, doors and【C19】______, and【C20】______more brands," Estee Lauder CEO said last month.
【C1】

A. thrived
B. appeared
C. risen
D. started