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
Customer centricity is a strategic approach that prioritizes the customer in every decision and action an organization takes. By focusing
In today’s fast-paced business world, the role of a keynote speaker has become increasingly crucial for conferences, corporate events, and
Examples of customer centricity include the ability of people in an organization to understand customers’ situations, perceptions, and expectations. Customer
The global keynote-speaking market is dominated by the United States, followed by Europe and Asia. In recent years, Asia has
Customer centricity has emerged as a pivotal strategy for businesses seeking to thrive in today’s competitive environment. By placing customers
The future of retail is characterized by a seamless integration of online and offline experiences, driven by advancements in AI,
Retail technology refers to digital software, platforms, and innovations that help retailers manage and optimize their operations. Typically, retail tech
The age old question “why hire a keynote speaker?”. Well, they distill complex ideas into engaging narratives, setting the stage
1. Jack Ma’s new venture—pre-packaged meals? ‘Hangzhou Ma’s Kitchen Food’ launches in Alibaba’s hometown. This marks Jack Ma’s new venture
1. Does Japan and Thailand lose allure for Chinese tourists? China Trading Desk’s poll shows Japan dropped from the top
1. Big tech withheld Double 11 sales data. Alibaba and JD experienced sales growth during 2023 Double 11, but didn’t
1. China’s future in AI and humanoid robots. The country will establish a humanoid robot innovation system by 2025. The
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…