In my online Asia Tech Class, I talk a lot about digital superpowers, which are digital tools that upend established business. And one of these superpowers a dramatically improved user experience, such that the traditional offering is now unacceptable to users. And this sort of dramatically improved user experience is what is happening in luxury […]
Jeffrey Towson argues that Vipshop could benefit from building its own logistics network, like JD. He says that this would give Vipshop more control over its supply chain and delivery times. However, he also acknowledges that this would be a major investment.
In Part 1, I laid out why I think JD’s e-space was a pretty bold move – and opens a new frontier in OMO retail. My argument was that as you move from retail about buying products in the supermarket to visiting shopping malls and department malls, you start to really merge products, services and […]
I recently visited the Intime department store in Hangzhou. And it struck me that department stores and shopping malls may be the most compelling version of new retail – the frontier of an increasingly dynamic, digital lifestyle for Chinese consumers. From New Retail to a New Digital Lifestyle The online world is surprisingly rich […]
Jeffrey Towson shares his insights into the inner workings of Alibaba on Singles’ Day, the world’s largest online shopping event. He discusses how Alibaba uses data, technology, and logistics to execute its business strategy and deliver a world-class shopping experience to its customers. He also talks about the challenges of managing such a large event and how Alibaba is constantly innovating to improve its performance.
Hiya, I’m sitting at the Shanghai airport, heading out to the USA shortly. I’m exhausted. It’s been a crazy couple of days out in Hangzhou with Alibaba for Singles’ Day. And just running around Shanghai. Great. But exhausting. Alibaba and e–commerce in China/Asia are going to be a big subject within this class. I think […]
It’s Singles’ Day 2019! Woooohooooo!!! I am doing a little dance here in my hotel in Hangzhou. I look ridiculous. Singles’ Day launched at midnight last night and I was at the media center in Hangzhou for the opening (see above photo). And I spent yesterday with the Alibaba team getting a bit of a […]
Jeffrey Towson discusses how Alibaba has beaten out its competitors by focusing on digital transformation. He explains how the company has created a marketplace for buyers and sellers to connect, and how this has helped it to grow rapidly and become one of the most successful e-commerce companies in the world.
Jeffrey Towson discusses what Starbucks China could have done to respond to the rise of Luckin Coffee. He argues that Starbucks should have focused on its strengths, such as its brand and its loyalty program, and that it should have been more aggressive in expanding its store network. He also notes that Starbucks could have learned from Luckin’s innovative marketing and pricing strategies.