Ashley’s BLOG

Ashley Dudarenok regularly writes about the latest news on the China market, Chinese consumers, tech giants, social media marketing and more while also sharing her insights and discussing the latest trends in China.

LATEST CHINA MARKETING
AND CONSUMERS INSIGHTS

What Is Viral Marketing? How China Turns Content into Massive Reach
04Jul

What Is Viral Marketing? How China Turns Content into Massive Reach

Viral marketing isn’t random—it’s engineered through strategy, emotion, and cultural timing. While these principles hold globally, China’s digital environment plays by its own rules. Instead of relying on open platforms like YouTube or X, virality in China unfolds across a closed and fragmented ecosystem. Short-form giants like…

Livestreaming in China: Transforming E-Commerce
01Jul

Livestreaming in China: Transforming E-Commerce

Livestreaming has become a cornerstone of digital commerce in China, turning real-time video into a trusted shopping channel. It blends entertainment, influencer engagement, and direct purchasing into one seamless experience. From luxury brands to agricultural co-ops, businesses across sectors are tapping into Livestream platforms to drive measurable…

What Is Word of Mouth Marketing? Strategy & Success in China
29Jun

What Is Word of Mouth Marketing? Strategy & Success in China

Word of mouth isn’t just chatter in China—it’s currency. When digital ads struggle to gain trust and influencer fatigue sets in, brands that spark genuine conversations thrive. In this market, credibility isn’t earned through polished campaigns. It’s earned through people talking across WeChat groups, RedNote posts, and…

What Is Social CRM? How China Uses It to Connect & Convert
28Jun

What Is Social CRM? How China Uses It to Connect & Convert

Social CRM in China isn’t an optional layer on top of marketing—it’s the system behind how brands build trust, deliver service, and drive sales. As global teams struggle with fragmented tools and one-way social campaigns, Chinese companies operate in a tightly integrated ecosystem. Every interaction—from a product…

Retail Technology in China: Trends & Innovation
27Jun

Retail Technology in China: Trends & Innovation

China has emerged as the global epicenter of retail innovation, setting a new benchmark for how technology can reshape how people shop, pay, and interact with brands.  Traditional retail models are quickly becoming obsolete in a market driven by digital-native consumers, tight urban infrastructure, and mobile-first lifestyles.…

How Gen Z Stereotypes Are Shaping Global Business
12Jun

How Gen Z Stereotypes Are Shaping Global Business

You’ve heard it before: “Gen Z is lazy.” “They’re glued to their phones.” These aren’t just offhand remarks—they’re stereotypes influencing how businesses hire, market, and innovate worldwide. Gen Z, loosely defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, is no longer an emerging generation. They’re already reshaping…

What Is Social Commerce and How China Is Shaping the Future of Shopping
09Jun

What Is Social Commerce and How China Is Shaping the Future of Shopping

Buying a product straight from a video, post, or chat—without ever leaving the app—is no longer a novelty. It’s the new standard. Social commerce blends content, community, and commerce into one seamless experience, collapsing the gap between discovery and purchase. And no one does it better than…

What Are Leadership Styles in China: Types, Traits & Management Approaches
09Jun

What Are Leadership Styles in China: Types, Traits & Management Approaches

Leadership in China is shaped by thousands of years of philosophy, decades of political transformation, and the realities of managing growth in one of the world’s most complex economies. It is not a carbon copy of Western frameworks. Instead, it blends hierarchical values, moral responsibility, and group-centered…

Personalization in Retail: How China Is Redefining Customer Experience
03Jun

Personalization in Retail: How China Is Redefining Customer Experience

China is redefining personalization in retail by blending artificial intelligence, real-time data, and emotionally attuned consumer strategies. From dynamic product recommendations to AI-powered storefronts, Chinese retailers are not merely responding to customer needs but anticipating them. In an era where global brands struggle to meet rising expectations,…

How to Build Customer Loyalty in China: Key Drivers & Strategies
02Jun

How to Build Customer Loyalty in China: Key Drivers & Strategies

Customer loyalty in China is not driven by habit or convenience. It’s rooted in how well a brand earns trust, shows cultural awareness, and stays present where daily decisions happen—both online and offline. In a market shaped by fast information flow, rising consumer expectations, and digital ecosystems…

Gen Z Shopping Habits in China: Online Trends, Luxury Buys & Where They Shop
02Jun

Gen Z Shopping Habits in China: Online Trends, Luxury Buys & Where They Shop

China’s Gen Z—born between 1995 and 2010—totals more than 260 million people, making up nearly 15% of the population. However, their influence on consumer behavior far exceeds that figure. This generation shapes what, how, and why people buy, especially in digital retail. As Gen Z moves deeper…

What Is Consumer Behavior? A 2025 Guide for Global Brands
30May

What Is Consumer Behavior? A 2025 Guide for Global Brands

Understanding what is consumer behavior is more critical than ever for brands aiming to thrive in China’s dynamic market in 2025. Despite a 5.9% growth in the first quarter, retail sales growth slowed to 5.1% in April, indicating cautious consumer sentiment amid economic uncertainties. Chinese consumers are…

What Is the Future of AI? China’s Role in Business, Marketing & Tech
30May

What Is the Future of AI? China’s Role in Business, Marketing & Tech

AI is no longer experimental—it’s foundational. According to McKinsey’s latest Global AI Survey (2024), over 78% of global companies report using AI in at least one core business function as of 2025. AI is already embedded in business operations, from predictive analytics and dynamic pricing to generative…

How China’s Top Brands Redefine Customer Centricity Through Technology and Culture
30May

How China’s Top Brands Redefine Customer Centricity Through Technology and Culture

Customer centricity has become more than a buzzword—it’s now a strategic imperative. Businesses worldwide are shifting their focus from internal goals to external value, prioritizing what matters most to their customers. In the context of events, this shift transforms how companies plan, execute, and evaluate every experience…

Customer Engagement Strategies from China that Work
18Dec

Customer Engagement Strategies from China that Work

Customer engagement is about creating meaningful interactions with your audience at every touchpoint. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about understanding your customers’ needs, preferences, and aspirations to provide them with exceptional brand experiences. By implementing effective customer engagement strategies, businesses can build trust, foster loyalty, and…

How Technology is Changing Retail
11Dec

How Technology is Changing Retail

Technological advancements have significantly transformed the retail industry. Innovations like omnichannel retail and conversational commerce have reshaped how retailers operate and engage with customers. Omnichannel strategies enhance customer convenience and satisfaction by integrating online and offline experiences. Retailers can connect their physical stores seamlessly with digital platforms,…

Future of AI in retail: Lessons from China 2025
07Dec

Future of AI in retail: Lessons from China 2025

The future of AI in retail is set to transform how businesses operate, innovate, and connect with their customers. Artificial intelligence (AI) has already begun reshaping the retail landscape, and as it continues to evolve, its potential to optimize processes, deliver hyper-personalized experiences, and anticipate customer needs…

Keynote Speaker Vs Guest Speaker
02Dec

Keynote Speaker Vs Guest Speaker

When planning an event, choosing the right speakers is crucial for engaging and inspiring your audience. Understanding the differences between a keynote speaker vs guest speaker ensures you select the best fit for your event. While both bring value, they serve distinct purposes, and knowing when to…

What is Customer Centricity? Integrating Expert Insights into Your Event
25Nov

What is Customer Centricity? Integrating Expert Insights into Your Event

What is customer centricity? It’s the practice of placing customer needs, preferences, and experiences at the heart of business operations. In today’s hyper-competitive markets, where customer loyalty is increasingly challenging to maintain, adopting customer centricity is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a must for companies seeking long-term…

Why Customer Centricity is Important
29Oct

Why Customer Centricity is Important

In 2025, competition is even more fierce and customer expectations are always changing. Indeed the significance of customer centricity cannot be overstated. Customer centricity is in fact a strategic imperative that lies at the heart of successful businesses. To understand what customer centricity really means, explore how…