Mobile payments in China: How China became a cashless, mobile-first country
Mobile payments in China have become a key part of daily life causing a clear shift to a cashless society across the nation. This change is reshaping city living and making it simpler for foreign guests to adjust. As China keeps opening up, including the recent growth of its visa-free transit program, travelers from other […]
Temu’s rapid growth: Can its low-cost approach sustain and overcome regulatory risks?
Temu is a Chinese online shopping platform owned by PDD Holdings, the multinational conglomerate that owns discount shopping app Pinduoduo. Known for its bargain prices, this international version of Pinduoduo was launched in the United States in September 2022. It soon became available in some European countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany, in 2023. Since then, Temu […]
China’s samples economy report
Product samples are incredibly popular in China, driving the growth of a unique economy that hasn’t seen the same rise in the West due to specific economic factors and consumer preferences. In China, product samples are evolving from a promotional tactic to a packaging option, as consumers are increasingly willing to buy sample-sized products. This […]
Consumer pain points in China’s beauty market
In the very competitive beauty market in China, many brands are fiercely and rapidly innovating to satisfy the needs of consumers. However, there are still remaining pain points that have not been addressed at all or have not been addressed effectively by brands. To identify some of these pain points, we conducted social media listening […]
From learning platform to live commerce giant: New Oriental Education’s business turnaround
China boasts one of the highest numbers of private schools globally. By 2023, over 33.4% of all educational institutions in China were privately owned, with nearly 16% of the country’s total student population enrolled in these institutions. Among the prominent players in this sector is the “New Oriental Education & Technology Group” (新东方企业网). Established in […]
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, […]
Pinduoduo’s trailblazing expansion and challenges in international markets
Since its establishment in September 2015 by Colin Huang, an entrepreneur with a successful career in software engineering at Google, Pinduoduo experienced a meteoric rise. The company rapidly ascended to become China’s most swiftly expanding e-commerce platform. It reached a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of USD 15 billion within a mere 2 years following its […]
Shein’s market strategy: how the Chinese fast-fashion brand is conquering the West
Shein is now the largest Chinese cross-border fast fashion e-commerce company. The e-tailing brand reaches consumers in the United States, France, Russia, Germany, and over 150 other countries. In 2023, the app had over 261.9 million downloads, with over 53 million users worldwide. The e-commerce platform stands out as one of the most rapidly expanding fashion retail websites in the […]
Lost in translation: eBay and Amazon’s China challenge and exit strategy
Amazon and eBay are household names across the world. Amazon, which initially started as a bookstore, made its name as a global e-commerce giant that changed the landscape of online retail. eBay, on the other hand, became synonymous with online auctions and provided a platform for entrepreneurs and small businesses to reach a worldwide audience […]
“Why are young people starting to be against involuted shopping?”: trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Due to the increasing sentiments of anti-consumerism and anti-involution among young Chinese people in recent years, e-commerce platforms and livestreamers are competing against one another more fiercely than ever to boost sales, often offering large discounts and promotions. For instance, during this year’s Double 11 shopping festival, China’s top beauty influencer Li Jiaqi found himself […]
How social commerce in China is transforming shopping and social media
Social commerce defines an ecosystem that combines social media and e-commerce platforms in a dynamic and distinctive manner. It forms a space where the boundaries between online shopping and social interactions blend seamlessly. This fusion is achieved through the integration of social media, online marketplaces, and mobile payment systems, resulting in an environment that immerses […]
She economy rising: Decoding the shopping secrets of Chinese women
Chinese women are experiencing a noticeable surge in financial independence. As society undergoes changes, women’s priorities are also shifting. They are moving beyond traditional family roles to prioritize self-care. This report examines diverse consumption patterns among Chinese women, identifying opportunities in the “she economy.” It underscores their pivotal role in household decisions, evolving dynamics, and […]