The Negotiation WPIC Marketing + Technologies

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley sits down with Julienna Law, Managing Editor at Jing Daily, to discuss the current state of luxury brands in China, evolving fashion trends, and the impact of cultural shifts on consumer behavior.
 
The episode kicks off with Julienna sharing her journey into China-focused journalism and what currently excites her in this field. They delve into her recent reporting, starting with Ralph Lauren's impressive sales growth in the APAC region, particularly in China. Julienna analyzes what this success reveals about current style preferences among Chinese consumers and how Ralph Lauren is effectively utilizing social commerce platforms like Xiaohongshu to boost its market presence.
 
The discussion then turns to Chanel's strong performance, with Julienna outlining the key factors that contributed to their success. The conversation shifts to the broader luxury market landscape in China, exploring whether luxury brands are struggling and strategies that could lead to success in this complex environment.
 
Julienna also shares insights from her pieces on office fashion trends and the phenomenon of 'loud quitting' in China, reflecting on how these trends indicate young Chinese professionals' attitudes toward their jobs and how these attitudes are influencing fashion.
 
Further, the podcast explores the global expansion of Chinese brands, with specific examples of Florasis opening a store in Paris and Miniso's growing popularity among American Gen Z consumers. This leads to a broader discussion on the cultural and value convergence between young Chinese and Americans, spurred by brands like Ralph Lauren and Miniso.
 
Lastly, Julienna discusses the latest trends in travel and travel-related spending among Chinese consumers, especially post-pandemic, and touches on the relevance of shopping festivals like the 6/18 festival in today's consumer culture.
 
Discussion Points:
Julienna Law’s path to China-focused journalism.Analysis of Ralph Lauren’s growth in China and its marketing strategies.Factors behind Chanel’s recent success in the Chinese market.Current state of the luxury market in China and strategies for brand success.Reflections on office fashion trends and the concept of 'loud quitting'.Examination of Chinese brands like Florasis and Miniso succeeding internationally.Cultural convergence in consumer values between China and the US.Trends in travel and spending among Chinese consumers.The ongoing relevance of major shopping festivals like 6/18.

In this informative episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Olivia Plotnick, the founder of Wai Social and a renowned expert in China marketing. 
 
Since her last appearance on the podcast in 2020, the landscape of digital consumption in China has evolved significantly, and Olivia is here to shed light on the latest trends and platforms shaping the Chinese market.
 
Olivia kicks off the discussion by updating listeners on the shifts in consumer behavior and the emergence of new marketing platforms. The conversation zooms in on Xiaohongshu, a platform that, while hugely popular in China, remains relatively unknown to many Western audiences. Olivia explains what Xiaohongshu is, detailing its features, interface, user base, and its unique position in the social media landscape.
 
She discusses the impact of Xiaohongshu on users' lives, particularly how it influences shopping behaviors and lifestyle choices. Olivia provides valuable insights into how brands are successfully leveraging Xiaohongshu, offering practical tips for marketers looking to engage with this platform. She also clarifies the difference between Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and Key Opinion Consumers (KOCs), and discusses which product categories thrive on Xiaohongshu.
 
Highlighting recent successful campaigns, Olivia points out innovative strategies that brands have employed on Xiaohongshu. She also explores current lifestyle trends that are gaining traction on the platform, like "Citywalk," and their broader implications for consumer engagement.
 
Lastly, Olivia addresses the buzz around the 6/18 shopping festival, providing her perspective on whether these large-scale promotional events still resonate with consumers in a rapidly changing retail environment.
 
Discussion Points:
Updates on China's digital consumption landscape since 2020.An in-depth look at Xiaohongshu: features, user base, and market position.The influence of Xiaohongshu on consumer behavior and lifestyle.Effective strategies for brands using Xiaohongshu and tips for new entrants.The distinction between KOLs and KOCs on social platforms.Product categories that are well-suited for marketing on Xiaohongshu.Analysis of recent standout brand campaigns on Xiaohongshu.Emerging lifestyle trends on Xiaohongshu and their impact on marketing.The relevance of shopping festivals like 6/18 in today’s consumer market.

In this engaging episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley sits down with Joe Mazur, Senior Analyst at Trivium China, a research firm specializing in China’s politics and economy. 
 
Based in Beijing and with his finger on the pulse of US-China relations, Joe provides valuable insights into the current state of the bilateral relationship, as well as the economic landscape in China.
 
Joe begins by discussing the latest tariffs imposed by the US on China, placing them within the context of recent trade actions and the broader trade relationship between the two superpowers. He explores the potential implications of future US presidential administrations, pondering the effects of a second Trump vs. a second Biden term on US-China policy and US-China relations.
 
The conversation then shifts to practical advice for foreign companies operating in or considering entering the Chinese market. Joe outlines strategies to mitigate geopolitical risks over the next couple of years. Additionally, he reflects on the outcomes of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s recent visit to China.
 
Joe also delves into the state of China’s economic recovery post-pandemic and points out some of the positive indicators that might signal a turnaround. 
 
This is a must-listen episode from one of the sharpest analysts on US-China relations.
 
Discussion Points:
Recent US tariffs on China and their context within broader US-China trade policy.Potential impacts of different US presidential administration scenarios on China policy.Strategies for foreign companies to insulate themselves from geopolitical risks.Outcomes and positives from Secretary of State Blinken's recent visit to China.Challenges and positive indicators in China’s economic recovery post-pandemic.Introduction to Trivium China and where to follow Joe Mazur’s research.

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Dean Diabate, an expert in the world of China e-commerce and Africa/EU-China trade relations. 
 
From his early career beginnings in Paris, Dean recounts his initial venture into China's burgeoning e-commerce sector, the pivotal transitions that led him to Alibaba, and the lessons he learned along the way.
 
A significant part of the conversation focuses on the opportunities for African industries on Chinese e-commerce platforms, which Dean helped drive as part of Alibaba’s eWTP program. Dean also discusses his experiences managing business development for the pet, beauty, and personal categories at Tmall Global, highlighting key consumption trends and growth opportunities for international brands in these categories. He also elaborates on why cross-border e-commerce has become a crucial channel for tapping into China’s vast consumer market.
 
Dean then addresses the major changes currently reshaping the e-commerce landscape and offers strategic advice on how brands can succeed in this evolving market. Finally, the discussion turns to his relocation to Bali, his thoughts on Indonesia's rising economy, and the vibrant e-commerce scene in Indonesia that is increasingly attractive to global brands.
 
Discussion Points:
Dean's transition from Paris to China and his early career milestones
His experiences and roles at Alibaba Group
Opportunities for African industries in Chinese e-commerce
Trends and growth in the Pet, Beauty, and Personal Care sectors on Tmall Global
The rise of cross-border e-commerce as a strategy for entering China
Current transformations in the global e-commerce landscape
Dean’s relocation to Bali and his current projects
Indonesia’s economic ascent and its e-commerce potential

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley is joined by Tom Parker, National CEO of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), for an insightful discussion on the evolving dynamics of Australia-China relations and the expanding opportunities for Australian businesses in China. 
 
Tom begins by introducing ACBC, outlining its mission, membership, and the vital role it plays in supporting Australian businesses looking to enter or expand their presence in the Chinese market. He discusses recent positive shifts in the Australia-China relationship, including the significant impact of the Australian Prime Minister's state visit to China in November, and the recent removal of Chinese tariffs on Australian wine which marked a pivotal moment in improving trade relations.
 
The conversation then turns to the broader implications of these warming ties, identifying key growth opportunities for Australian companies in sectors beyond wine. Tom highlights the enduring popularity and positive reputation of Australian consumer brands in China, delving into why products from 'down under' resonate so well with Chinese consumers and which sectors are currently thriving.
 
From a domestic perspective, Tom shares insights into the sentiment of the Australian business community towards China, reflecting on the challenges and optimism prevalent among entrepreneurs and corporations. He also discusses the overarching message that ACBC is promoting within Australia to foster a supportive environment for bilateral cooperation.
 
Discussion Points:
Overview of the Australia China Business Council and its missionRecent developments in Australia-China relations and their impact on tradeThe strategic significance of the Australian Prime Minister’s recent visit to ChinaGrowth opportunities for Australian companies in China post-tariff removalThe enduring popularity of Australian consumer brands in ChinaSector-specific success stories of Australian brands in ChinaCurrent sentiment among the Australian business community towards ChinaKey messages from ACBC to Australian businesses

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley has an engaging conversation with Grace Wu, Director of Business for the Australia-China Culture and Language Advisory (ACCLA) and a notable lifestyle and education influencer on Little Red Book. Grace brings a unique perspective on the cultural and educational exchange between Australia and China, alongside insights from her influential presence on one of China's premier social media platforms.
 
Grace shares the story and mission of ACCLA, detailing the organization's efforts to bridge cultural and language gaps between Australia and China. She provides insightful data on the number of Chinese individuals pursuing studies and careers in Australia and places this in the context of global trends. Furthermore, Grace delves into the cultural adjustments and challenges faced by new arrivals in Australia, highlighting surprising and noteworthy observations.
 
Moving beyond her professional role, Grace discusses her journey into this field and her impactful work as an influencer on Little Red Book. She offers a glimpse into the content she shares with her audience, focusing on frequency and themes. Grace also provides an overview of Little Red Book, comparing it to Western social media platforms and discussing its unique place in the digital landscape.
 
The conversation also touches on the demographics of Grace's audience, both in Australia and China, and comments on recent Western interest in Chinese-style advice through Little Red Book.
 
Discussion Points:
The mission and services offered by the ACCLATrends in Chinese individuals going to Australia for study and workCultural challenges faced by new arrivals in AustraliaGrace Wu's personal journey to her current rolesHer experience and strategy as a Little Red Book influencerAn introduction to Little Red Book and its comparison to Western platformsThe geographic distribution of Grace's audienceWestern interest in Chinese netizens' style advice on Little Red BookThe current state and future prospects of Australia-China relations