Clean Beauty Asia

@cleanbeautyasia

Beauty Media, Publisher
Allie Rooke 💄Supporting Indie Beauty brands expand in China 👯‍♀️Find your local tribe - partners & customers 🐰 Cruelty free route - online course 👇
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Top Instagram Posts of Clean Beauty Asia

Clean Beauty Asia’s Most liked posts from the last 30 uploads.

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Where do you think the biggest mall in the world is?

Bet you did not guess Wuhan

Wuhan Dream Plaza (武商 is ~800,000 m² across 9 floors above-ground + 4 basement levels - it just edges the much more famous Dubai Mall

Beauty was mainly a department-store-style beauty hall plus standalone boutiques—e.g., Valentino Beauty (Hubei’s first boutique) and some large concept stores of lesser known brands like Mageline (Chinese Skincare) or STENDERS (Latvian personal care)

This was the busiest mall I saw and I visited A LOT, even Sephora had a lot of staff gearing up for customers

It is retail entertainment with indoor skiing and themed F&B streets - F&B was very busy in general

#Wuhan #ChinaRetail #Beauty #APAC #brandopsu 2025-10-07 16:30:15 Where do you thi.. 1 -60% 0 -
China’s local beauty retailers: same shopper, different missions

They’re not interchangeable. 

Common threads: affordability (luxury in minis or well-priced C/J/K-beauty) and strong localisation (category displays, hands-on staff, sharp promo logic). The vibe is edited—not cheap.

Beauty Choice: mini-heavy legacy prestige; feels a bit clearance-led.

Twinkle Color: also mini-forward, but more curated—hand written shelf notes actually educate and inform consumer choices.

THE COLORIST (my pick): category-first layout (all mascaras together), great lighting; easy to shop. Harder for global brands—usually hero SKUs only, not full lines.

For brands: treat each chain as a different job-to-be-done. Lead with value + education, pitch hero SKUs, and don’t expect full-line listings.

#china #beautyretailers #retailer #localretailers #beauty #beautybrands #localbeauty 2025-10-02 13:30:53 China’s local.. 1 -60% 0 -
Sephora in China: execution is the problem, not just the economy

I was in Shanghai and Wuhan last week. Most retail felt quiet—but Sephora stood out for the wrong reasons:

👉 Near-zero traffic

👉 Discount trolleys at the entrance

👉 Half-empty fixtures and OOS

👉 Shelf strips/signage not matching bays

Net effect: tired, transactional, under-curated. 

Many Chinese shoppers don’t see Sephora as a destination—and Sephora hasn’t helped itself by failing to make the environment fun, informative, or premium after nearly 20 years in market.

Where the wheels are coming off

Atmosphere: Lighting/music don’t signal premium or discovery.

Execution: Staff quality suffers in a low-sales loop; stock management leaves empty shelves and dead testers.

Discounting: Front-of-house screams “bargain bin”—it trains deal-only behaviour.

Localisation: Still chasing a Western format; not enough China-specific theatre, routines, or services.

Physical beauty retail here is hard—local chains are closing too—but the best-located stores with the right mix still buzz.

Next up: Colorist, Harmay and others—why they’re drawing more footfall than Sephora, and what that means for brand strategy.

#China #Sephora #brandstrategy  #beauty  #BeautyStrategy 2025-09-30 11:30:50 .. 1 -60% 0 -
It’s easy to focus on weak sentiment. But if you follow the money, the story is more nuanced.

💰 Inflows into China and Hong Kong stock markets are still rising, with consumer goods leading.
🛍️ SKP Beijing generated RMB 26.5 billion in sales in 2023 — making it the highest-grossing department store in the world, ahead of Harrods.
📉 In 2024, sales slipped around 17% to ~RMB 22 billion, showing even the strongest luxury destinations are not immune to softer demand.
🛒 Alibaba is retreating from offline formats to refocus on e-commerce.
🏪 Meanwhile, private equity is stepping in — Sun Art Retail Group (RT-Mart) was acquired by DCP Capital.

The message? Even with short-term headwinds, investors continue to bet on the structural strength of Chinese consumption.

For beauty brands, the implication is clear: growth won’t always be linear, but China remains one of the only markets where a single department store can outperform Harrods.

If you were setting your 5–10 year strategy, would China still sit at the core — or would you diversify elsewhere?

#china #beautybrands #capital #alibaba #chinaconsumers #chineseconsumption #consumption 2025-09-25 13:30:51 .. 1 -60% 0 -
It’s easy to focus on weak sentiment. But if you follow the money, the story is more nuanced.

💰 Inflows into China and Hong Kong stock markets are still rising, with consumer goods leading.
🛍️ SKP Beijing generated RMB 26.5 billion in sales in 2023 — making it the highest-grossing department store in the world, ahead of Harrods.
📉 In 2024, sales slipped around 17% to ~RMB 22 billion, showing even the strongest luxury destinations are not immune to softer demand.
🛒 Alibaba is retreating from offline formats to refocus on e-commerce.
🏪 Meanwhile, private equity is stepping in — Sun Art Retail Group (RT-Mart) was acquired by DCP Capital.

The message? Even with short-term headwinds, investors continue to bet on the structural strength of Chinese consumption.

For beauty brands, the implication is clear: growth won’t always be linear, but China remains one of the only markets where a single department store can outperform Harrods.

If you were setting your 5–10 year strategy, would China still sit at the core — or would you diversify elsewhere?

#china #beauty #beautybrand #ChineseConsumption #alibaba #RTMART 2025-09-19 10:30:46 .. 0 -100% 0 -
If you want a signal of recovery in China, look at how people are moving.

✈️ Air travel is up +13% on 2019 levels. Outbound is booming, and inbound is rising fast with visa-free policies.
🚗 EVs now make up 46% of car sales (vs. just 4% in 2019).
🌏 China has become the world’s biggest car exporter — with prices doubling since 2019.
🎮 Chinese pop culture is going global: Labubu, Black Myth: Wukong.

What does this tell us? Despite low confidence headlines, consumers are spending on movement, lifestyle, and experiences.

That same mindset spills into beauty: people are looking for products that fit into a lifestyle, not just a category.

How many Chinese brands can you name?

#china #outbound #beautybrand 2025-09-17 17:31:05 If you w.. 1 -60% 0 -
Everyone’s talking about how low consumer confidence is in China. And yes, households are still saving more than ever.

But the numbers tell a more interesting story:
📈 Retail sales up +5% YoY
🥗 Food +12% (healthy, sugar-free leading the way)
💄 Cosmetics +2.9%
🏋️ 6.18 Festival +16% (appliances, sports, consumer health all strong)

So while people say they’re cautious, they’re still spending — just in tighter, more defined categories.

For beauty brands, the opportunity is there — but it’s about understanding where the wallet opens, and why.

The polarisation of beauty continues - mass market with great innovation and low price points and super premium - how do you see this evolving?

#china #beautybrand #beauty #beautymarket #retail #consumer 2025-09-12 17:31:32 .. 0 -100% 0 -
The new way to shop in Southeast Asia doesn’t look like Sephora.

It looks like OH!SOME — where beauty sits next to Disney collabs, anime figurines, travel gadgets, and snacks.

Think of it as TikTok’s “scroll shopping” brought offline.

For beauty brands, it’s a reminder that:

✨ Discovery-driven, fun-first retail is thriving.

✨ Gen Z and Millennials shop across categories, not in silos.

✨ Packaging and novelty can matter more than heritage.

Would you put your brand in OH!SOME?

And what other regional examples of this model do you know? (LOFT in Japan is one I think of).

#OHSOME #SoutheastAsia #BeautyBrands 2025-09-05 10:16:07 The new.. 2 -19% 0 -
Don’t downplay how you feel. Especially when your body is screaming.

After my IVF egg retrieval, I felt progressively worse—bloated, unwell, off in a way I couldn’t quite describe. My husband had flown back for work, and I was alone in Sydney. When a friend (who happens to be a doctor) dropped by, I told her:

“I feel light… almost out of my body. It’s hard to explain.”

She took one look at me and said, “We’re going to the hospital.”

In the car, she gave me clear instructions:

“When we get there, don’t downplay anything. Tell them exactly how awful you feel.”

I thought I was being honest. But as she arrived and heard me in triage, she stepped in—and within minutes, I was being rushed for tests.

Then my body started to shut down.

I was admitted to ICU with dangerously low sodium levels. They thought I might seize. I stayed for three days.

It was ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)—a rare but serious IVF complication that affects just 0.1–2% of women undergoing stimulation.

I’d been back and forth to the clinic that week, telling nurses I wasn’t feeling right. But my doctor was away, and no one ran tests.

What I’ve learned since:

💥 If you’re feeling awful—you probably are.
🗣️ If you’re dismissed, don’t second-guess yourself.
💛 If your body’s sending signals—listen.

We’ve been conditioned to brush it off. To smile through pain. To wait.

But your body doesn’t need you to be polite.
It needs you to pay attention.

#YourEnergyEdit #WomensHealth #IVFJourney #OvarianHyperstimulation #PCOS #PatientAdvocacy #HormonalHealth #MidlifeWellness #SpeakUp #Femtech 2025-07-25 13:40:48 .. 9 +263% 0 -
🌏 Expanding your beauty brand into Asia? One of your biggest decisions is structure: 
In-house team or distributor.
It’s not just operational — it impacts your pricing, brand equity, and long-term growth.
Here’s a practical breakdown of how to decide:
✅ Use a Distributor when:
•  You’re entering multiple markets quickly (e.g. SEA, HK, TW).
•  You don’t have in-house capability for logistics, regulatory, or hiring.
•  You want to test traction before committing major resources.
But not all distributors build brands — here’s how to assess them:
🧠 Key questions to ask:
•  Do they assign a dedicated brand manager to your account?
→ If not, ask how many brands each manager handles. Assess how much attention you will get.
•  Are their current brands similarly positioned to you?
→ Check their presence in priority channels (Sephora, Watsons, Lazada, TikTok Shop, etc.).
•  Do they actually run campaigns or just localize global content?
→ Ask for examples of past launches, KOL activations and PR activations
•  Do they have a structured education function?
→ Good distributors invest in frontline training, not just retail listings.
 
✅ Build an In-House Team when:
•  Asia is a strategic region with budget and long-term goals.
•  You want direct control over pricing, messaging, partnerships, and data.
•  You’re focused on building equity, not just revenue.
You don’t need a large team — but you do need:
•  A senior local lead with real decision-making authority.
•  Global functions (ops, legal, creative) that can support market needs.
•  A mindset shift: Asia isn’t a copy-paste of your global playbook.
💡 Final questions to guide your decision:
•  What’s your brand’s core competency — and should you outsource it?
→ If it’s education, storytelling, or product positioning, keep that in-house and outsource the rest – this can be negotiated with distributors

•  Is your global team structured to support local execution — or will bottlenecks slow you down? 2025-07-15 18:08:07 .. 1 -60% 1 +100%
Do you know your China KOLs from your Indonesian creators?

Influencer strategy in Asia isn’t just about who you work with—it’s about how each market works.

The platforms, formats, creator styles, and expectations vary wildly

Here’s how to think market-by-market:

🇨🇳 China: Platform Power & Paid Playbooks
• Mega influencers still move volume, but trust is shifting toward niche experts and “store-based” livestreamers
• Short video and livestream formats dominate—conversion is fast and transactional
• Almost nothing happens organically; expect to pay for every placement
• Key platforms: Douyin, Xiaohongshu, Weibo, Xiaohongshu (red)

🇰🇷 South Korea: Global Trendsetters
• Beauty influencers often have a global audience, especially on YouTube
• There’s a strong celebrity scene, but consumer trust lies with skilled creators—makeup artists, dermatologists, skincare pros
• Key platforms: Instagram, YouTube, Naver, KakaoTalk / KakaoStory

🇯🇵 Japan: Authority Matters
• Micro-influencers and beauty editors hold influence through expertise
• Mega influencers are rare
• Audiences look for in-depth reviews, product demos, and comparison content
• Trust and quality trump hype
• Key platforms: Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LINE

🇹🇭 Thailand: Visual & Trend-Driven
• Strong local creator scene—beauty bloggers and MUAs with loyal followings
• High production values and a polished aesthetic perform well
• Celebrity influencers also remain influential
• Key platforms: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, LINE

🇮🇩 Indonesia: Storytelling & Scale
• Influencers grow fast and post often—volume matters
• Authenticity and relatability are key; beauty is often blended with lifestyle

🇸🇬 Singapore: Educated & Niche
• Smaller population, but high spending power and product knowledge
• Micro- and nano-influencers drive better ROI than big names

🇮🇳 India: Scale & Aspirations
• Huge market, growing creator economy

📍Reminder:
APAC is very diverse don't forget to tailor your strategy 
Understand the local platforms, creator types, and content styles—or risk missing the mark completely.

Want help navigating this complexity? Let’s chat.

#beauty #influencermarketing #china #apac 2025-07-11 15:02:07 .. 3 +21% 0 -
When do you need boots on the ground in APAC?

A question I get asked all the time.

Especially from international, cruelty-free beauty brands eyeing Asia’s growth markets.

Most start their journey through cross-border e-commerce—testing the waters in China, Southeast Asia, or both.

But when is a partner-led model enough? And when do you need a team on the ground?

💡 It depends on a few critical factors:

👉 Time zones & decision-making speed – APAC moves fast, especially China. If your HQ can’t keep up with late-night calls and rapid responses, you’ll need someone local with real authority.

👉 Trust in your local partners – Can you delegate confidently? Is there a clear feedback loop to HQ to align on brand positioning and activations?

👉 Growth ambition vs. cost – If you're aiming to scale into general trade or across multiple markets quickly, having regional oversight becomes crucial.

As for where to base your team, Singapore and Hong Kong remain the two dominant hubs—each with pros and cons:

🇸🇬 Singapore: Strong for Southeast Asia, regional talent pool, stable regulations, English-speaking, but further from China and pricier.

🇭🇰 Hong Kong: Closer to China (both geographically and culturally), more China-facing talent, but regulatory uncertainty and cost of living can be a factor.

My take?
You don’t need a full team until your sales hit a level that justifies it—if you’ve got the right partners and internal systems to support from afar.

Curious how others are approaching this. What have you seen work?

#beauty #apac #china #hongkong #singapore #expansion #teams #growth #ecommerce 2025-06-12 17:53:09 .. 1 -60% 0 -
🌏💄 2025-06-10 11:35:14 🌏.. 1 -60% 0 -
Balancing Best Sellers vs. New Product Launches is a strategic Dance

 I often tackle this with my clients, particularly in the dynamic and fast-paced Chinese market.

In China, many brands rely heavily on one or two SKUs that dominate their sales—especially in Cross-Border channels. Best sellers are not just popular; their market share often grows year after year.

Here are a few critical dynamics to consider:
1️⃣ Customer loyalty is low: Shoppers are constantly researching, seeking the best solution for their needs right now.
2️⃣ Focus wins: With limited resources, doubling down on one hero product helps brands cut through the noise.
3️⃣ Evolution is key: While best sellers drive momentum, they must evolve. Upgrading or innovating around these core products keeps them relevant.

That said, new product launches play a vital role too. They add excitement for KOLs and consumers alike. KOLs need fresh stories and angles to promote your brand effectively.

If you’re managing a Tmall store or Cross-Border portfolio, ask yourself:

How many SKUs should you really focus on?
Are you feeding in newness throughout the year, whether it’s a global launch or something tailored for the China market?
The balance between championing best sellers and introducing new products is critical for long-term success. Get it right, and you can build momentum while staying fresh and relevant.

How do you approach this balance for your brand?

#BestSellers #NewProducts #China #chinamarket #Beauty #Tmall #marketstrategy 2025-01-08 08:30:19 Balanci.. 2 -19% 1 +100%
✨ New Year, New Me? Or Same Me, New Planner? ✨

Every year, I kick off January 1st with a fresh sense of optimism, a list of resolutions, and this time a shiny new year planner to actually keep track of them. It’s already up on the wall, waiting to hold me accountable.

Looking back at 2024, I managed to tick off some pretty eclectic achievements:

🏔 Climbed a volcano (Loved it but had to walk sideways up and downstairs for a week afterwards).

🚗 Got my Singapore driver’s license—an adventure involving more red tape than mountain climbing!

💇‍♀️ Got my hair highlighted for the first time (a surprisingly big leap for someone who’s can't stand sitting still for hours).

⛺️ Went glamping—a wild rediscovery of 2025-01-02 10:30:12 .. 5 +102% 1 +100%
As I reflect on 2024 I realise just how much has happened 

Many firsts - the most surprising to me as well as everyone else is finally getting to New York

But on a boarder note it has been a year of consolidation and transformation across three key areas:

🌏 Business Growth

+65% year-on-year, working with incredible clients across fragrance, haircare, skincare, and makeup.

Continued to support brands navigating the stormy waters of China

Expanded successfully into Southeast Asia, creating with strategies, enabling market entry, and forging partnerships.

✨ New Communities

Joined We Are The Board, a collective of independent beauty and fashion executives driving the fractional executive movement.

🚀 Angel Investing

Started my journey with Epic Angels, investing in female entrepreneurs across APAC. Thrilled to support innovative companies like Fundamento and Bus Caro.

Grateful for the partnerships, challenges, and opportunities that shaped this year. Here’s to building on this momentum in 2025!

#2024Reflections #BusinessGrowth #AngelInvesting #BeautyAndFashion #SoutheastAsia #China 2024-12-31 08:30:23 As I reflect on.. 2 -19% 0 -
Japan and Korea are global beauty leaders, but their retail landscapes couldn’t be more different.

What do you need to know:

• Market Size:
 - Japan is the 3rd biggest beauty market in the world after US and China at $14.8 billion (2023).

 - South Korea’s is ranked 5th globally at $10.9 billion (2023),

 - Japanese market is underpinned by domestic loyalty and premium positioning vs Korea which is driven by innovation and global K-beauty dominance.

• Digital Penetration:

- In Korea, 57% of beauty sales happen online, fueled by platforms like Coupang, Naver, and livestream shopping.

- In Japan, e-commerce accounts for 20% of beauty sales, with consumers still preferring in-store consultations and sampling.

• Retail landscape:
- Japan is dominated by drugstore chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and premium department stores.

- Focus on skincare-first, minimalism, and trusted domestic brands (Shiseido, Hada Labo).

• Korea:
- Known for mono-brand stores and the supremely dominant chain store Olive Young.

- Innovation hub for “glass skin” products, Instagrammable packaging, and bold experimentation.

- Digital-first, with K-pop partnerships and influencer-driven sales.

Key takeaway: Japan emphasizes tradition and trust, while Korea thrives on innovation and digital engagement. Which approach resonates more with your market strategy?

hashtag#Japan hashtag#Korea hashtag#GlobalBeautyLeaders hashtag#Beauty 2024-12-27 10:30:14 Japan and.. 1 -60% 0 -
Fragrance in China is different, but in a tough market niche fragrances are still growing

Fragrances are less about daily necessity and more about personal expression - there is not a tradition of wearing fragrance.

This makes it very different for brands to navigate as in Western countries fragrance use is often a habit and part of daily grooming

Chinese consumers view fragrances to enhance personal charm and social image, choosing different scents based on occasion:

•  Professional settings: Unisex fragrances for a clean, tidy image.

•  Social events or dates: Delicate florals for femininity.

✨ Key Differences & Trends:

•  In the West, brand loyalty remains strong, with legacy brands leading. In China, low loyalty and the rise of niche brands

•  While Western consumers gravitate toward iconic, timeless scents, Chinese buyers often seek variety and own multiple fragrances for different moods and settings.

•  Positioning and association is crucial - brands like Byredo and Diptyque are working with luxury hotels, contrasting with Western markets where consistent use of signature scents is common.

🧴 The Opportunity for Brands:
To thrive, brands must tell compelling stories, embrace personalization, and cater to the Chinese preference for contextual usage.

#China #Fragrance #BeautyBrandOpportunity #beautybrand #ChinaBeauty #ChinaFragrance 2024-12-17 10:30:21 Fragrance .. 5 +102% 0 -
Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jakarta, Chengdu

These are cities I’ve lived in across Asia, each one shaping who I am today.
People often ask me which one I like best, and truth be told, they all hold a special place in my heart.

•  Chengdu – My first real adventure alone, stepping into the unknown, filled with karaoke nights and numbing spice!

•  Shanghai – Where I met my husband, landed my first job, and made so many memories.

•  Hong Kong – The place where my first daughter was born. From the stunning harbour views to the narrow streets and towering buildings, it will always be home in so many ways.

•  Jakarta – The city where my second daughter was born, and where we navigated the craziness of COVID together.

•  Singapore – Now our home for the past 18 months. It is more organised and easier to live in but what I really love about it is the greenery that is everywhere – from the highways to the botanic gardens

There are other cities that are dear to me as well:

•  Tokyo – Where I spent many years working with Shiseido, planning brand events, and strategizing local market rollouts.

•  Seoul – Long regarded as the heart and soul of beauty in Asia, with its cutting-edge brands, trends, and incredible people!

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to continue this journey. 

Each city has contributed to the person I’ve become, and I’m always eager to hear new perspectives and stories.

Which city in Asia do you love? Tell me below 👇

#favoritecities #asia #singapore #hongkong #shanghai #jakarta #chengdu #tokyo #seoul #travel #travelling 2024-12-16 10:30:12 .. 5 +102% 0 -
Tourism is crucial to many industries but essential to Beauty and personal care.

It is interesting to look at 2024 inbound tourist numbers vs. 2019 pre pandemic.

Here's a quick look at how some of the top destinations are performing compared to 2019:

1. Bangkok continues to thrive, with both leisure and business tourism pushing arrivals above 2019 levels.

2. Singapore is seeing a boost in visitors, especially with major events like the Grand Prix attracting international crowds.

3. Tokyo is bouncing back strongly, with growth in inbound tourism expected to surpass pre-pandemic numbers.

4. Seoul is making steady progress, nearing 2019 levels with increased tourism from neighbouring countries

5. Hong Kong is experiencing a resurgence, with arrivals in 2024 expected to exceed 2019 figures.

6. Kuala Lumpur has seen a strong recovery, supported by regional travel and major events.

The overall trend is clear: Asia's tourism sector is back on track, and growth is set to continue throughout 2024. 

China is crucial for the rest of the region. Q3 2024 outbound travel of Chinese going overseas was at 80% of 2019 levels so whilst not fully recovered it is steadily increasing.

#apac2025 
#tourism 
#beautybrands 
#China 
#tourisminchina 
#chinamarket 
#Chinabeauty 2024-12-10 10:30:10 Tourism is crucial to man.. 2 -19% 0 -
As 2024 winds down, many of you are likely eyeing 2025 and beyond.

2024 saw a slowdown in M&A activity compared to 2023, with many smaller brands closing shop. For brands thriving in their home markets, where does future growth lie?

APAC is the largest region for beauty, accounting for 32% of sales, compared to the US at 24%. While fragmented and complex, APAC offers immense opportunities.

Don't leave it on the table. With fewer acquisition opportunities, strategic groups and private equity are seeking brands that can bring something new.

Showcasing success in dynamic Asian markets can set you apart.

Are you looking at growing your brand in APAC in 2025? DM me growth for a short chat about opportunity

#APAC  #apac2025 #asiamarkets #asiabeauty #GrowthOpportunities #cleanbeauty 2024-12-05 11:30:11 As 2024 winds down, many .. 3 +21% 0 -
My Chinese friends who travel outside China regularly used to buy beauty when they travelled. Now they buy it in China

Why? Discounts and bundles are so good now that it's cheaper in China

Double 11 is the biggest discounting moment in the year for most brands

📊 An example of luxury brands' offers this 11.11

La Mer’s Treatment Lotion (150ml): Buy two at ¥3,040 and receive ¥3,180 worth of GWPs = 51% perceived discount.

Helena Rubinstein Night Cream: Pay ¥6,350 and get ¥6,110 worth of GWPs = 49% perceived discount.

While RRPs are untouched, GWPs have jumped 20-25% YoY, eroding margins. This escalating race to discount risks both profitability and brand equity.

📢 It’s time for luxury brands to rethink strategies: but how do you dig your way back from this.

There are brands who do not discount and focus on lifestyle & experience. If brands put their margins from discount to experience consumers might really be excited. 

#cleanbeauty 
#cleanbeautyasia 
#luxurybrands 
#China 
#DiscountShopping 
#discountandbundles 
#Chinabeauty 
#beautybrands 2024-12-02 11:00:07 My Chinese .. 6 +142% 0 -
Singapore has 6 million people, Hong Kong has 7.4m, both are geographically very small

Yet there is a big difference in ecommerce penetration

In Singapore it accounts for 40% of retail sales, In Hong Kong it is only around 12%. 

Why the gap?

Singapore’s compact urban layout and 8,000 people per square km density make online shopping a convenient and viable alternative to in-person retail

Singapore’s extensive digital infrastructure heavily supported by the government and growing omnichannel retail strategies have made e-commerce a cornerstone of the retail industry

Hong Kong has a similarly high urban density (6,600 people per sq km), Hong Kong’s extensive mall culture plays a significant role in shaping shopping behaviours. With major malls like Harbour City and Times Square providing easy access to luxury brands and daily goods, many consumers still prefer the in-person experience.

Cross-border shopping is a major factor in Hong Kong's e-commerce environment, with a substantial portion of online spending directed to purchases from mainland China and other international markets

This limits the growth of local e-commerce platforms, creating a more complex retail dynamic.
Understanding these market nuances is key to crafting effective strategies for retail businesses in the region.

Can anyone guess why Hong Kong has a lower urban density than Singapore but feels more cramped and which one has more malls? 

#Ecommerce #RetailStrategy #HongKong #Singapore #CrossBorderShopping #UrbanDensity #DigitalTransformation 2024-11-27 10:30:13 Singapore has 6 mil.. 6 +142% 0 -
Navigating Marketplaces and Retail Expansion is tough

Significant growth is forecast in the Beauty industry for South East Asia with markets like Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and India all expected to grow over 12% annually over the next 5 years

But with this growth comes the challenge of choosing the right expansion strategy.

🔔 Traditional Retail Expansion: Sephora has been the go-to for premium brands in Southeast Asia, with a strong presence in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. 

🔔 On the mass-market side, Watsons and Guardian/Mannings have played pivotal roles across several markets, offering brands a more accessible entry point.

🔔 Distributors & Local Retail Networks: Many brands have traditionally relied on distributors to tap into a network of local retailers, often adopting a market-by-market approach. This strategy offers localized reach but can be fragmented and complex.

🔔 The Rise of Marketplaces: Increasingly, brands are eyeing a more online-focused approach. Major marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee are becoming critical channels for beauty brands aiming to scale across Southeast Asia. 

However, the shift to online comes with its own set of challenges:

👉 High Costs: Competing on these platforms requires significant investment – operator margins, commissions, performance mkt ad spend etc
👉 Fierce Promotions: The promotional landscape is cutthroat, with constant price wars and discounts driving consumer behaviour.

👉 Grey Market Presence: The grey market is ever-present, making it difficult for brands to maintain pricing integrity and protect their reputation.

🔍 Which approach is your brand taking—traditional retail, online marketplaces, or a blend of both? 

#marketplace #retailexpansion #branding #distributoropportunity #china #marketentry #southeastasia #massmarket #beautybrand 2024-09-26 12:30:21 .. 2 -19% 0 -
Detail and localisation are key for a successful ecommerce store in China

A very common complaint is that brands don't have enough assets but what type of assets do you need

👉 Localised content - Chinese models, videos in Chinese or with text in Chinese, think what is relevant
👉 Detailed imagery - Your product from every angle, close up images of benefits or transformation your product provides
👉  Use imagery on text - this is common practice in China and not done very much in the west - pull our product key benefits and ingredients
👉 Detailed copy outlining key specs such as the size, ingredients, FAQs
👉 Video, video and more video - local partners can subtitle over English voice over but with rise of Douyin and other short video it is essential 

You need a lot of content for Chinese channels and you can you global content for sure but make sure it is adpated to the message you are getting across in China

This strategy work is essential to succes - get clear on your audience and your message and ensure all imagery and copy is work to address these people with the messages that resonates

Sounds simple but very few brands are getting it right. What great locally adapted marketing have you seen in China?

#detail #localisation #brandlocalisation #marketing #beautybrand #China #ecommerce #ChinaMarket #MarketEntry #Localisation #localisedcontentmarketing 
#cleanbeauty 2024-09-24 10:30:16 Detail and.. 1 -60% 0 -

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Tracked since Oct 14, 2025
Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Time Zone: Asia/Kolkata

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