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 […]
Mobile payments in China: How China became a cashless, mobile-first country
An unmistakable shift towards a cashless society can be observed in China with electronic payments becoming widely prevalent throughout the country. The influence of digital payments extends beyond urban centers to rural areas, where it has positively impacted the lives of residents and small businesses. With the integral role of mobile payments in China examining […]
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 […]
Temu’s marketing strategy: competitive pricing, intensive advertising, and aggressive promotions
Temu is a Chinese online shopping platform currently owned by the e-commerce giant Pinduoduo. The group buying platform sells a wide range of different products at bargain prices. The app was first launched in the US in September 2022, but became available in some European countries, such as the UK, Italy, and Germany, during 2023. […]
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 […]
How to sell on Tmall and Taobao: setting up an online store to enter the Chinese market
As the world’s largest e-commerce market, China presents a significant opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach. Platforms like Taobao and Tmall have made it possible for foreign businesses to enter the Chinese market and sell to Chinese consumers. Taobao is Asia’s largest network retail business. Founded by Alibaba Group in 2003, the Chinese online shopping […]
South Korea’s digital ecosystem: local players dominate the game, but foreign competitors are lurking
South Korea is one of the most digitalized countries in the world. In addition to being home to chaebol tech companies like Samsung Electronics (삼성 전자) and LG Electronics (LG 전자), its population boasts a strong affinity for technology and the services it provides. As of 2018, South Korea ranked first worldwide in terms of […]
Leveraging WeChat mini programs for enhanced brand engagement and independence
WeChat Mini Programs are lightweight applications that exist within the WeChat platform. Unlike traditional apps, users don’t need to download them separately. They are cost-effective, developed with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, and designed to provide a simple, enjoyable user experience. Understanding WeChat mini programs WeChat MPs eliminate the need for separate app downloads, work wherever […]