Tag: Digital

Tips

Op-Ed: Why Not to Try Anything New in China, from Not a China Expert
by Nick Withycombe

What’s new? What’s coming next? These are the go-to questions on ‘China marketing’, whether you’re a journalist looking for a headline or in the industry and looking for the most cutting-edge, client-wowing solution.

If you are seeking further understanding on China, then media content and events are available routes where answers and help may be expected. However, much of this just spreads the same basic messages – and my question is whether an adult really needs to be told that in China you need to ‘research your target audience’ or ‘be customer focused’. Oh, we were about to not be customer focused – thanks! I have the same confusion when I read a sentence such as ‘in China, you need to be digital and mobile’. Continue reading “Op-Ed: Why Not to Try Anything New in China, from Not a China Expert” →

Forecasts, Leaders

5 Disruptive Statements from China Connect Shanghai 2018

Sometimes the hyperbole is justified. While headline statements can be guilty of lazily inserting top-shelf buzz such as game-changer, disruptor or next-gen for their tabloid effect, the talks at China Connect warrant the provocative wordage.

An event with talks that were both interesting and presented with aplomb, China Connect Shanghai 2018 brought together experts from a broad variety of fields. Here are some of the more eye-catching statements from the day. Continue reading “5 Disruptive Statements from China Connect Shanghai 2018” →

Event, Leaders

WeChat’s Next-Gen: ‘WeLife’ Previewed at China Connect, Shanghai 2018

The Luxury Conversation attended China Connect’s Shanghai 2018 edition, which featured expert speakers talking about what’s currently at the tip of the spear of engagement with China’s consumers. A wide-ranging and insightful event, attended by over 300 people, China Connect was held at The Explorium on Yishan Road.

Among the engaging talks was that by Sophia Ong, GM of Strategic Partner & Key Account at Tencent, in which Sophia spoke about the well-known (let’s go ahead and call it God-like) power of WeChat and the Tencent eco-system.

Sophia’s presentation clarified that luxury brands need to quickly maximise their WeChat adoption and adaptation in order to keep up with the expectations of the Chinese consumer. Here are the key takeaways from the talk – with a thrilling preview into the next generation of WeChat commerce capabilities: WeLife. Continue reading “WeChat’s Next-Gen: ‘WeLife’ Previewed at China Connect, Shanghai 2018” →

Leaders

5 Questions with: Richard Li, Founder & CEO of Secoo, China’s Leading Premium E-Commerce & Lifestyle Platform

Last month, Secoo held a brand upgrade press conference, to announce their new slogan – ‘Devoted to You’ and to introduce the brand’s expansion plans. Already the leading premium lifestyle platform with over 25% market share, these bold new plans centred on customisation – unique collaborations with Chinese designers and talents, personalisation – high-end travel and personalised education packages, rental – a seven-day luxury bags and watches service, as well as partnerships and co-branding aimed at diversifying Secoo into new products and offline, social experiences. Continue reading “5 Questions with: Richard Li, Founder & CEO of Secoo, China’s Leading Premium E-Commerce & Lifestyle Platform” →

Tips

8 Ways WeChat Can Work Magic for Luxury Brands in China – and Beyond

It isn’t in any doubt that China is the place to be for luxury brands. How can businesses take the first steps to tapping into this huge market? Thankfully, the opportunity is possible due to China becoming one of, if not the most digitally innovative country in the world.

Here are 8 ways WeChat can work magic — even for a company based outside of China: Continue reading “8 Ways WeChat Can Work Magic for Luxury Brands in China – and Beyond” →

Event

Expert Insight on the Future of Luxury E-tail in China; the China Luxury Committee in Shanghai

The China Luxury Committee event took place on the 18th of May in Shanghai. With expert speakers, the event was attended by an invitation-only guest list, including top-level executives from brands such as Chow Tai Fook, Focus Media, Tmall, Tencent, Gucci, Lane Crawford, Lululemon, Moet Hennessy Diageo, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and many more.

The event was highlighted by keynote speeches and a panel discussion, moderated by Chloé Reuter, Founder and CEO of Reuter Communications.

CEO of Secoo – the leading luxury online platform – Eric Chan gave many insights as to their success. The key aspect to Secoo’s success has been embracing the strength of offline experiences – even as an e-commerce platform, as well as not being afraid of diversification: Continue reading “Expert Insight on the Future of Luxury E-tail in China; the China Luxury Committee in Shanghai” →

Analysis

Luring Luxury to China’s E-commerce World; Who Comes Out On Top?
By Tamsin Smith

It seems not a day goes by without another of China’s e-commerce platforms announcing a luxury initiative, attempting to lure the top brands to their sites with exclusivity, the fight against fakes and seamless logistics services. Many foreign luxury brands, however, are still unclear over the reality of the various apps and platforms in regards to luxury retail; and it’s easy to see why.

Continue reading “Luring Luxury to China’s E-commerce World; Who Comes Out On Top?” →

Trends

How a Curvy Butt is the New Luxury Status Symbol in China

We’ve all seen the carefully curated gym pics going out on social media. But more than just a chance to flash the flesh, fitness and exercise have a whole new meaning in China. Fitness is the new status symbol of luxury and wealth.

Bling is tuhao (nouveau-riche and lacking in class), Gucci is ‘something my Mum wears’, and a YSL lipstick is fine for entry-level luxury. But if you want something that says ‘I have plenty of free time, I am as up-to-date as can be with international trends, and I am a class above’ – you want a toned bod with a booty to boot.

A fine physique takes much more money, know-how, and time to build. Shapes and muscles speak of privilege, and are fast becoming a badge of social status itself. A growing segment of China’s young, wealthy class is shifting attention from obvious brand purchase to fitness and bodybuilding. Continue reading “How a Curvy Butt is the New Luxury Status Symbol in China” →

Reports

Over 90% of Chinese Tourists Prefer to Use Mobile Payments Shopping Overseas: Survey

A whitepaper issued by Nielson and Alipay (continue reading to view the full report) has revealed further evidence that any brand outside of China cannot afford to ignore the mobile payment preferences of China’s consumers — and, that the numbers of Chinese tourists travelling overseas only continues to rise, maintaining their place as the number one in overseas spending.

The whitepaper compared Chinese and non-Chinese tourist behaviours, and we’ve picked through the report to highlight some key findings. Continue reading “Over 90% of Chinese Tourists Prefer to Use Mobile Payments Shopping Overseas: Survey” →

Reports

China the Digital Pioneer; How Luxury Brands Should Capitalise on China’s Blazing Online Trail

China is where any luxury brand needs to be.

McKinsey’s recent report, What can we expect in China in 2018, gives some details and data on the ongoing rise of digital China.

Investment in global infrastructure and start-ups, investment in culture, better regulations and more is all made possible with a pioneering level of leading tech. Cash is already (as good as) obsolete, with facial recognition for payments and next-gen AI being led by China.

What does this mean for luxury brands? Continue reading “China the Digital Pioneer; How Luxury Brands Should Capitalise on China’s Blazing Online Trail” →