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 the internet of things

China’s Internet of Things (IoT) revolution is not theoretical or niche – it’s woven into everyday life. By late 2024,

what is voice commerce

Voice commerce isn’t a future trend—it’s here and changing how people shop. In 2024, global voice-driven shopping reached $116.8 billion,

Users sharing viral content on a mobile device

Key Takeaways from Viral Marketing in China Here’s a quick summary of the main points covered in this article: Want

livestreaming in China

Livestreaming has become a cornerstone of digital commerce in China, turning real-time video into a trusted shopping channel. It blends

word of mouth marketing

Word of mouth isn’t just chatter in China—it’s currency. When digital ads struggle to gain trust and influencer fatigue sets

What is social CRM

Social CRM in China isn’t an optional layer on top of marketing—it’s the system behind how brands build trust, deliver

portrait of young woman using mobile phone

China has emerged as the global epicenter of retail innovation, setting a new benchmark for how retail technology is reshaping

Gen Z stereotypes

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

social commerce

Buying a product straight from a video, post, or chat—without ever leaving the app—is no longer a novelty. It’s the

Leadership styles in China

Leadership in China is shaped by thousands of years of philosophy, decades of political transformation, and the realities of managing

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,

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 is scaling up its artificial intelligence ambitions at an unprecedented pace. Morgan Stanley projects its domestic AI market could reach $1.4 trillion by 2030, a target that aligns with Beijing’s explicit goal of global AI leadership.  In 2024 alone, it accounted for 61.5% of new global…

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…

What Is the Impact of Customer Centricity in Business?
10Aug

What Is the Impact of Customer Centricity in Business?

When Xiaomi customers noticed glitches or had ideas for better features, they didn’t shout into a void. In 2024, the company sped up how it responded—rolling out faster updates and keeping users in the loop. That shift, driven by direct customer feedback, paid off. Satisfaction climbed, and…

What Is Consumer Loyalty? Definition & Marketing Insights
03Aug

What Is Consumer Loyalty? Definition & Marketing Insights

Loyalty matters more than ever in China. The country’s retail market hit over US$2 trillion in 2024, and shoppers now expect more than just products—they want good service, fair prices, and clear value for their time and money. China’s digital growth has made it easy for people…