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 Voice Commerce? How China Is Pioneering Voice-Driven Shopping
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, with projections hitting $151.4 billion in 2025. Behind this rapid growth is a shift toward more natural, frictionless ways to interact with digital services. Nowhere is this transformation more…
What Is Viral Marketing? How China Turns Content into Massive Reach
Key Takeaways Here’s a quick summary of the main points covered in this article: Want to go viral in China’s digital ecosystem? Connect with Ashley Dudarenok’s team for a tailored, on-the-ground strategy. What Makes Viral Content Tick in China In late 2024, a Kuaishou livestream pulled in…
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…