Alibaba Claims Retail Market Crown For Itself; Analysts Disagree

Alibaba Group declared itself the world’s largest retailer as of March 31, 2016, the end of its fiscal year, according to its filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In March 2015, Alibaba group executive vice chairman Joe Tsai said the company has recorded 3 trillion yuan, or about $476 billion, in gross merchandise volume. Some retail market analysts, however, disagreed with Alibaba’s pronouncement, saying the company’s business was too different from that of Walmart and hence there cannot be a meaningful comparison. Moody’s Investors Service debt and retail analyst Charles O’Shea said Walmart’s status as a physical retailer is a different business model than that of Alibaba.

"‘Retail Economy’: Alibaba Claims Top Spot, Experts Take Exception", Women’s Wear Daily, April 06, 2016

SK-II Launches Advertorial Video Focusing On Single Women In China

Procter & Gamble’s beauty brand SK-II launched “Marriage Market Takeover,” a video advertisement highlighting the social conditions of single women who are older than 27 years in China. Called “sheng nu” or “leftover women,” single women who are 28 years and older face heavy pressures from society, including their family, in China. According to SK-II president Markus Strobel, the campaign is part of the brand’s efforts to inspire and empower women to determine their destiny.

"Emotional advert about China's 'leftover women' goes viral", BBC , April 08, 2016

European E-Commerce Companies Join China's International E-Commerce Expo For First Time

Leading e-commerce platforms from Europe are participating in the 2016 China International Electronic Commerce Expo. European e-commerce companies’ participation in the event is a first for the industry event. Bol, the largest online retailer in the Netherlands; Ricardo, the leading online shopping mall in Switzerland; and Zalando, a popular website selling shoes and fashion in Germany, are attending the event, due to huge demand for China-made products in their respective markets.

"China Exclusive: European countries debut at China Int'l E-commerce Expo", Xinhua English.news.cn, April 11, 2016

China Leads Rest Of World In Adoption Of Mobile E-Commerce

In China, the number of consumers who said they had made online purchases using a mobile device jumped from 18 percent in 2014 to 43 percent in 2015, according to the PwC Total Retail Survey 2016. In contrast, the global average increased from 12 percent to 20 percent during the same period. In general, e-commerce is growing faster in emerging markets than it does in developed countries. China leads the way, with mobile devices becoming the dominant channel for retail purchases, with 20 percent of Chinese respondents saying they made online purchases daily.

"Mobile Dominates Among Chinese Shoppers", Women’s Wear Daily, April 20, 2016

China's Tax-Free Shopping Drops 24 Percent In March 2016

In China, tax-free shopping declined 24 percent year on year in March 2016, after growing 58 percent in 2015, according to market research firm Global Blue. Details from the company’s Globe Shopper Report: China Edition revealed the country remains the number 1 Globe Shopper market, accounting for a third of global tax-free shopping sales. Data also revealed May and October are the busiest months for travel among regular Chinese travelers. Following the 3-percent weakening of the yuan against the euro, tax-free shopping sales are expected to be only slightly affected; however, 46 percent of travelers said they would reconsider their destination, while 47 percent will reduce their shopping budget.

"Global Blue releases the Globe Shopper Report: China Edition", Global Blue, April 20, 2016

L'Oreal Paris Finds Success With WeChat's Marketing Program; Offers Lessons For Other Beauty Brands

L’Oreal Paris’ success with WeChat’s advertising program shows how other beauty brands can use the social media platform to expand their reach and improve engagement with consumers. According to L2’s Insight Report: WeChat, the brand doubled its WeChat fan base and engagement in just 15 days. L’Oreal Paris recruited actress Fan Bingbing to invite users to follow the brand’s WeChat account using a personal voice message.

"WeChat Advertising Lessons from L’Oréal Paris", L2 Daily, April 08, 2016

Olay Appoints Male Celebrity As Brand Ambassador In China

Women's skincare brand Olay’s recruitment of local male celebrity Li Yifeng as the brand’s ambassador in China is not a wise move, according to Resonance China executive Jerry Clode. Brand owner Procter & Gamble also chose Taiwanese actor Darren Wang and Hong Kong TV host Wong Cho Lam as endorsers of SK-II cosmetics and Tide laundry brand. As part of P&G’s partnership with e-commerce company JD.com, the three male celebrities formed a “boyband of six” with other male celebrities Lu Han for Clear toothpaste, Eddie Pang for Head and Shoulders shampoo, and Ning Zetao for Gillette.

"Why Olay's choice of male ambassador for China is a stupid move", Campaign Asia, April 12, 2016