China’s Single’s Day broke several records, but that is deceptive. Consumers waited for bargains and delayed purchases till Single’s Day, says retail analyst Ben Cavender to Reuters. Reuters: “What’s happened is that you’ve had a lot of consumers this year being a little bit more careful about their purchasing becauseRead More →
From a cash country, where transactions were done by moving plastic bags with money between bank branches, China has turned into a leading force in fintech or financiel technology. Mobile payment are standard. Bitcoins and blockchain technology found in China early adopters. Social media have – more than anywhere in the world – adopted payment systems to facilitate online trade.Read More →
Understanding the consumer in China is tough for most foreign companies entering this competitive market, says retail analyst Ben Cavender. There is no escape from shopping here, as retail is fully integrated into daily life. “China is where all the future trends are happening,” he says.Read More →
Competition between Starbucks and Luckin has been heating up, and Luckin seems to focus on a higher segment of the market. But business analyst Ben Cavender warns the company might fall into a sword it helped to create itself, he tells to Reuters.Read More →
The effects of a slowdown in China’s economy on foreign companies might vary, on the industry they are working in and on their size, says Shanghai-based business analyst Ben Cavender to Reuters. Smaller firms might close down, while larger ones try to diversify over time, he adds.Read More →
The first quarter of China’s coffee maker Luckin after it’s US IPO earlier this year proved to be a rough one, as shares dropped. Luckin has a of work to do to catch up with competitor Starbucks, says retail analyst Ben Cavender to Reuters.Read More →
Uncertainty among China-based companies grows fast after the US blacklisted Huawei and others, and China threatens to hit back, says Shanghai-based business analyst Ben Cavender to Reuters. Panic would be an understatement.Read More →
Facebook is struggling to remain relevant for its users and had a good look at China’s WeChat where group interactions are more private than the chaotic mess Facebook offers. But business analyst Ben Cavender wonders if the Chinese approach works at Facebook, he tells the South China Morning Post.Read More →
The official trade war between the US and China seems to be entering its end game. But that does not mean the hostilities will end. Making sense out of what the world’s first and second-largest economies will do will only be slightly easier. A few speakers at our office might be able to help you out.Read More →
A glut in big cities and some high-profile failures like Mark&Spencer have raised doubts on the growth possibilities in China for premium retail brands. But there is still room for growth, if you pick your locations right, says retail expert Ben Cavender to the China Daily.Read More →
Getting traction from Chinese consumers is increasingly becoming harder for brands. Prada has been investing in its relationship, but has a hard time to become relevant again for their key consumers, says retail analyst Ben Cavender to CNN. CNN: China is one of the world’s biggest markets for luxury goods,Read More →
In a new trend, China brands are looking to cross traditional borders, seeking more synergy, says retail expert Ben Cavender to the China Daily. “Part of the challenge is in making the product meaningful to consumers,” said Cavender.Read More →