Discount to Value in China Happens Product by Product
Brands do not move from discount to value all at once in China. Charles Lavoie explains how products build equity first and margin later.
Two Different Paths to Growth in Japan
Matsukiyo and Sugi both crossed the ¥1 trillion mark in FY2025, but through very different approaches. Their contrasting strategies offer useful lessons for brands entering Japan.
Most China Margin Problems Start Before You Launch
Many China margin problems start before launch. WPIC’s Charles Lavoie explains how flawed expectations create pressure later.
Southeast Asia E-commerce Starts With the Right Entry Markets
Southeast Asia e-commerce is growing fast. Learn why Malaysia and Singapore are the right place to start before scaling.
Why Margins Break Down in China
Why do margins break down in China? WPIC’s Charles Lavoie explains the real cost drivers, from marketing and promotions to platform pressure.
Jake’s Take: China’s Brand Shift Was Never About Nationalism
Chinese consumers buy on quality, price, and value. The nationalism narrative misses how local brands actually grew.
How Global Beauty Brands Can Compete With K-Beauty Brands in Korea
K-beauty dominates at home and abroad, but global brands can still grow in Korea with sharper positioning, local relevance, and faster execution.
Tmall vs JD.com vs Douyin: How China’s E-commerce Journey Has Changed
These platforms don’t compete. They shape different parts of how people discover and buy in China.
Asia’s Silver Economy Is Becoming the Most Powerful Consumer Market
Asia’s ageing population is quietly reshaping consumer markets. In China, Japan, and South Korea, the silver economy is becoming a powerful driver of demand.
How One Keyword Increased Supplement Sales in Japan
How a single keyword increased sales and conversion for supplement brands on Rakuten and Amazon in Japan.
AI Search Platforms in China: How Ecosystems Change Brand Visibility
How China’s AI platforms like Doubao, ERNIE Bot, and Qwen are reshaping search, e-commerce, and brand discovery across digital ecosystems.
The Age of AI Search in China: A New Frontier for Brand Discovery
How AI search in China is changing how brands are discovered, and what business leaders must do to stay visible in the new search landscape.