Mastering WeChat Advertising: Insights into Ad Varieties, Costs, and Winning Tactics in China
WeChat, launched by Tencent in 2011, has evolved into an indispensable tool in China, merging messaging, social media, and mobile payments into one platform. With over 1.42 billion monthly active users, it’s a daily necessity for a myriad of tasks from communication to commerce, capturing a significant portion of China’s digital space. The average Chinese […]
Decathlon in Korea: varied offerings, strategic store locations, and affordability
Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer that has found success not only in its home country but also internationally, including in China. It entered Korea’s athleisure market by opening their first 7,800 square meter store in September 2018. It opened their store in Seongdo, a sports city west of Seoul known for its numerous […]
Sparkling Shift: China’s Diamond Market Evolution and The Rise of Lab-Grown Gems
China’s diamond market has been the world’s second-largest for over a decade. According to Statista, the Chinese diamond jewelry market was valued at approximately USD 8.8 billion in 2022. This article aims to explore the dynamic landscape of China’s jewelry market, specifically emphasising the shifting trends within the diamond sector. Driving forces, such as declining marriage rates, […]
Luxury Co-Branding in China: High-End Brands Take Collaborations to the Next Level
In China, luxury co-branding is not just a trend; it’s an innovation powerhouse that is reshaping the market with unexpected and often surprising partnerships. Far beyond conventional alliances, these collaborations bring together brands from dramatically different sectors – from local food and beverage giants to fashion brands (like the collaboration between Fendi and HEYTEA), and […]
China’s virtual influencers now endorse brands and livestream e-commerce
Due to the growing demand for entertainment and the rapid development of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), China’s virtual influencer industry is experiencing exponential growth. According to iiMedia, in 2022, China’s virtual influencer industry was valued at RMB 186.61 billion overall, with a core market size of RMB 12.08 billion. Projections indicate that by 2025, […]
Winter sports brands in China’s post-winter olympics era
Although the curtain has closed on the Winter Olympics era in China, the winter sports market continues to flourish. A fierce competition has emerged between domestic and foreign winter sports brands in the post-Winter Olympics era. This rivalry highlights the crucial role of effective marketing strategies in captivating consumer attention and fostering brand success within […]
China’s Women’s Day evolution: from empowerment to commercialization and back
Since establishing International Women’s Day in China in 1949, Chinese society has made tremendous progress in gender equality in many aspects such as education, economic welfare, and social status. The recognition of Women’s Day has sparked women’s consciousness and protected many women oppressed by feudalism at that time. Today, Women’s Day inspires people to take […]
Gucci in China: a tale of elegance and cultural connection
The luxury goods sector has experienced significant growth in China over recent decades, triggered by a remarkable surge in disposable income. Consequently, renowned international luxury brands such as Coach, Hermès, and Prada have all strategically penetrated the Chinese market, seeking to capitalize on the burgeoning demand. However, among the abundance of luxury brands vying for […]
Webtoons market in South Korea: Expanding into Netflix series, games, and beyond
South Korea, renowned for its diverse cultural exports ranging from K-pop and K-dramas to cuisine and beauty products, has another sector gaining global attention: the webtoons market. Webtoons, digital web comics originating from South Korea, have been increasingly popular both domestically and globally. With the digitalization of various industries and the widespread use of smartphones, […]
The hotel industry in South Korea: A haven of experiential delights for locals and visitors
The hotel industry in South Korea has been significantly shaped by the fascination with South Korea’s Hallyu. Initially bolstered by a surge in tourist interest, hotel businesses flourished, only to face a substantial setback following the COVID-19 outbreak, resulting in a sharp decline in revenue from KRW 9.19 trillion in 2019 to KRW 5.98 trillion […]
Why Brand Naming in China is Trickier Than You Think
Entering the Chinese market presents a tantalizing opportunity for foreign companies, given its substantial import/export revenue of RMB 42 trillion in 2022. However, navigating this market comes with numerous challenges, beginning with the crucial task of brand naming in China. A good brand name serves as the initial point of contact between consumers and brands. […]
South Korea’s health functional foods market: becoming daily essentials
Amid South Korea’s aging population and growing health consciousness, health functional foods (건강식품) have significantly influenced the nation’s dietary landscape. Health functional foods (건강식품), as defined by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, are dietary supplements containing functional ingredients beneficial or nutritious for the body. These products are witnessing rapid growth as consumers prioritize […]