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

personalization in retail

China is redefining personalization in retail by blending artificial intelligence, real-time data, and emotionally attuned consumer strategies. From dynamic product

customer loyalty

Customer loyalty in China is not driven by habit or convenience. It’s rooted in how well a brand earns trust,

Gen Z shopping habits in China

China’s Gen Z—born between 1995 and 2010—totals more than 260 million people, making up nearly 15% of the population. However,

Women browsing luxury handbags in a store, highlighting luxury shopping trends.

Understanding what is consumer behavior is more critical than ever for brands aiming to thrive in China’s dynamic market in

Team working on computers – Developers shaping future of AI

AI is no longer experimental—it’s foundational. According to McKinsey’s latest Global AI Survey (2024), over 78% of global companies report

Team planning visuals of what is customer centricity in action.

Customer centricity has become more than a buzzword—it’s now a strategic imperative. Businesses worldwide are shifting their focus from internal

Real-time engagement keeps customers coming back

Customer engagement is about creating meaningful interactions with your audience at every touchpoint. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about

Technological advancements have significantly transformed the retail industry. Innovations like omnichannel retail and conversational commerce have reshaped how retailers operate

future of AI in retail

The future of AI in retail is set to transform how businesses operate, innovate, and connect with their customers. Artificial

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

What is customer centricity? It’s the practice of placing customer needs, preferences, and experiences at the heart of business operations.

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

The Rise of Labubu: From Chinese Trend to Global Sensation
06Oct

The Rise of Labubu: From Chinese Trend to Global Sensation

Pop Mart (泡泡玛特), the Beijing-based collectible toy retailer, has engineered one of the fastest-growing pop-culture trends of recent years: Labubu, a quirky elf character in its The Monsters series. Introduced in 2019 and propelled to fame in 2024–2025, Labubu has become a global phenomenon – not as…

What Is E-Commerce Personalization in China? 
23Sep

What Is E-Commerce Personalization in China? 

China’s e‑commerce personalization isn’t just fancy marketing—it’s the heartbeat of the system. They call it 千人千面 (“a thousand faces”), and yes, your Taobao feed is literally built for you. The AI personalization market in China was valued at approximately US$48.54 billion in 2024 and is projected to…

What Is Cross-Cultural Leadership? Leading Across Cultures with China
16Sep

What Is Cross-Cultural Leadership? Leading Across Cultures with China

Cross-cultural leadership is the ability to lead teams from different cultural backgrounds while respecting their values, communication styles, and decision-making traditions. In 2025, this skill will have become essential as global companies operate in highly complex, interconnected markets where cultural misalignment can undermine even the strongest strategies.…

What Is Retail Automation? Automation in China’s Retail Industry
08Sep

What Is Retail Automation? Automation in China’s Retail Industry

What is retail automation? China’s retail automation is no longer experimental—it’s a C-suite priority. In 2025, total retail sales are projected to exceed ¥50 trillion (US$6.9–7.2T), but margins remain thin as labor costs climb and customer expectations shift. Delivery within 30–60 minutes is now standard in top-tier…

Robots in Retail Stores | How Robotics Is Transforming Shopping in China
08Sep

Robots in Retail Stores | How Robotics Is Transforming Shopping in China

China’s retail sector is undergoing a high-tech transformation, with robots increasingly taking on roles from store clerks to warehouse pickers. In 2024 and 2025, advanced robotics and AI are being deployed at supermarkets, malls, and convenience stores, as well as throughout e-commerce warehouses and delivery networks. These…

China AI Strategy: Policy, Regulation & Global Impact in 2025
24Aug

China AI Strategy: Policy, Regulation & Global Impact in 2025

China’s AI strategy is advancing at unprecedented speed, positioning the country as a frontrunner in the global race for artificial intelligence leadership. According to Morgan Stanley, China’s domestic AI market could reach $1.4 trillion by 2030, aligning with Beijing’s stated goal of becoming the world’s AI powerhouse.…

Top 50 Inspirational Females Changing the World Today
23Aug

Top 50 Inspirational Females Changing the World Today

What do the world’s most inspirational females have in common? They don’t follow blueprints—they build their own. These women are redefining leadership across China and beyond, not through titles, but through impact.  From founding billion-dollar tech startups to transforming eldercare, climate solutions, and education, these 50 inspirational…

Millennials Buying Behavior: Gen Y Trends & Insights
21Aug

Millennials Buying Behavior: Gen Y Trends & Insights

Chinese millennials—roughly those born in the 1980s and 1990s—now constitute a massive cohort (about 320 million people, or 22% of China’s population). Many came of age during China’s rapid economic boom and live predominantly in cities, making millennials buying behavior a defining force in today’s market.  By 2024, China’s urbanization…

Top 15 Female Keynote Speakers on Leadership and Innovation
15Aug

Top 15 Female Keynote Speakers on Leadership and Innovation

In 2025, leadership and innovation are being redefined by rapid AI adoption, shifting global economies, and growing demands for purpose-driven business. Organizations are seeking keynote speakers who can inspire and deliver actionable strategies for thriving in this climate. This list spotlights 15 exceptional female keynote speakers —…

Marketing to Millennials in China: Strategies to Reach Gen Y
13Aug

Marketing to Millennials in China: Strategies to Reach Gen Y

Imagine this: Millennials and Gen Z together account for about 70 percent of luxury purchases, with Gen Y making up the bulk. China’s millennial generation (Gen Y) – roughly those born 1980–1995 – has matured into a consumer powerhouse. They came of age amid China’s economic boom and…