Newsletter N° 10
In this edition, we delve into Chinese digital growth strategies. To ensure your business stays ahead, not left behind.
Silk Road 2.0: China's tech path and e-commerce supremacy
In recent months, China has been at the centre of attention: The impending TikTok ban in the U.S., Temu's expanding reach and delivery network in Europe, and France's prohibition of fast-fashion ads alongside the planned €10 tariff on each garment by 2030.
Western lawmakers have been summoned to tame the eastern tiger.
There are many reasons for that. In 2023, Temu (owned by Pinduoduo) emerged as Meta's top advertiser, responsible for 10% of its revenue. On TikTok, users dedicate an average of 95 minutes daily, surpassing Instagram's engagement by 75%. Shein, the epitome of fast fashion, now commands nearly a fifth of the market share, outpacing Inditex and H&M.
Regardless of whether regulations will clip the wings of these businesses, the impact of Chinese-origin digital growth strategies has left a global footprint for years to come.
In e-commerce alone, the way we fulfil orders, create content, and build customer trust has been and will continue to be heavily impacted by the developments in China.
In this edition, we delve into Chinese digital growth strategies. To ensure your business stays ahead, not left behind.
DXP snapshot: what can premium brands learn from crazy Temu’s funnels?
In April, a new series will debut: DXP snapshots. This series will be led by Daan Spangenberg, a seasoned digital experience expert who has recently come aboard at Conway & Co. Welcome, Daan!
The first brand to cover is Temu, which became viral recently; so we wanted to decipher why.
It’s not all about Temu’s advertising spending spree; there’s more to it.
Aside from its terrible UI, Temu is able to strongly reassure the users about the quality of its incredibly cheap products via product media, social proofs and guarantees. If premium brands can learn something here, is how to tick all the boxes for trust building.
Stay tuned: the first DXP snapshot is coming up at the end of April!
“Keeping up with China” boardroom session
On April 8th, we will share with you the full recording of the session on China with Ed Sander, which took place last year. Ed took us on a journey to the Far East, inspiring you with China’s e-commerce innovations and helping you anticipate the growing threat of Chinese businesses coming to Europe.
Part I. Opportunities:
Inspiration from China
How has China’s e-commerce landscape evolved in the past ten years?
What innovative business models have been launched?
The importance of ecosystems
Part II. Threats
The Chinese are coming!
Why are Chinese internet companies going abroad?
Early-phase players like AliExpress
Later-phase players like Shein and TikTok
Failures like Ochama
Tools & Tactics
We select helpful tools and useful new ways of working. Find a signal in the noise of software.
01 Big Sur AI
Bigsur is the developer of AI Sales Agent, which provides a seamless, assisted buying experience to their shoppers 24/7.
02 WhatNot
Whatnot is a live commerce marketplace platform for people searching for new products.
03 Bambuser
Bambuser is a video commerce platform making video shoppable. It helps brands to start with video commerce with native site checkout, seamless integration, and white labelling.
Trends & Strategy
Curated content from the information overload we call the Internet.
Insights and inspiration on business, e-commerce and investing.
Big American Tech Profits From Chinese Ad Spending Spree
15 min read
“Discount Chinese e-commerce companies have grabbed increasing attention in the United States over the past few years, tempting buyers with low-cost goods when inflation was driving up prices.”
Full article
The collapse of Alibaba’s New Retail?
15 min read
“To some, the sudden turnaround at Alibaba, including the 1+6+N break-up, the departure of Daniel Zhang and the intended sale of new retail initiatives, might have come as a shock. But looking at it from a different perspective, it was actually long overdue.”
Full article
Zalando positions itself as an e- commerce ecosystem
10 min read
“For the second consecutive year, Zalando has seen a decline in its revenue. Zalando has also released an update of its strategy. Lifestyle products and B2B services are crucial in this update.”
Full article
Visually appealing
The rainwear label Rains has artfully blended minimalist elegance with modern, free-flowing artworks at its newly renovated flagship store in Aarhus, Denmark.
Originally established in 2016, the brand's inaugural store received a makeover that infused industrial elements like graffiti and stainless steel hardware, complemented by unique pieces from local artists.
