We know IKEA, we love IKEA. In Germany, a visit to IKEA is an experience, from the iconic blue bags to the lifelike showrooms and, of course, the obligatory hot dog at the end. But what happens when you bring this concept to China, where shopping is faster, more digital and characterized by completely different habits?

We invited Momo Estrella, Digital Product Experience Officer at IKEA China, to find out. He tells us how IKEA is adapting to a market where customers prefer delivery to DIY, where mobile-first shopping is beating traditional stores and where social commerce is posing new challenges for retailers. Some of IKEA's biggest experiments have been tested - and failed - in China, while others are shaping the future of shopping worldwide.

And yes, we also asked the most important question: How much does an IKEA hot dog cost in China?

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If you live in Shanghai, you see it every day. Some shopping centers are overcrowded, while others are almost empty. China's retail landscape is changing rapidly, but what does this mean for brands and investors?

Welcome, you've come to the right place. Today we're talking to none other than Zino Helmlinger, Executive Director and Head of Retail China at CBRE. With more than 20 years of experience in the market, he explains why now could be the perfect time to invest in China's retail sector. He talks about the most common mistakes that international brands make and what they can learn from Chinese retailers. We also discuss how offline and online retail work together in China and why some shopping centers are coming to life while others are disappearing.

Zino also talks about his personal journey, how he came to China in the first place and where he would like to live in Shanghai. You don't want to miss this interview!

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Luxus ist mehr als ein hoher Preis. Es geht um Storytelling, echten Wert und die Fähigkeit, Kunden zu begeistern. Doch viele Marken verlieren in China an Bekanntheit und Ansehen. Warum? Und wie können sie es besser machen?

Dr. Daniel Langer gehört zu den führenden Experten für Luxusstrategie. Als CEO von Équité berät er globale Top-Marken, unterrichtet an der NYU und Pepperdine University und schreibt Kolumnen, die in der Branche von tausenden Entscheidungsträgern gelesen und geschätzt werden.

In dieser Folge sprechen wir über die größten Herausforderungen für Luxusmarken, den Einfluss von Social Media und die Frage, warum viele Unternehmen den Anschluss verlieren. Daniel erklärt, was eine starke Marke heute ausmacht und warum klassisches Storytelling nicht mehr ausreicht.

Eine spannende Folge für alle, die den Luxusmarkt verstehen wollen.

• Connect: [email protected]
• Instagram @drdaniellanger
• Website: equitebrands.com
• Personal website: daniellanger.digital
• Digital luxury learning platform: equiteintelligence.com
• Future of Luxury Podcast: https://equiteintelligencepodcast.podbean.com/

Gast: Daniel Langer
Moderation: Damian & Thomas

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Michele Aboro is more than an undefeated boxing world champion. In this episode, she explains how growing up in Peckham, where women’s boxing was illegal, shaped the woman she is today. She talks about her career, the challenges she faced, why she moved to Shanghai and how she built the Aboro Academy. Michele shares what she learned from boxing, how music influenced her life and why helping others develop confidence is her mission today.

A story about discipline, focus and building something that lasts.

Visit the Aboro Academy

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Charles Zeng started his career as a financial advisor in New York before moving to Shanghai, initially just for a break. He took over a failing restaurant in Shanghai, turned it around and what began as a small bar quickly grew into a thriving food empire. 

Today, he runs Charlie’s Burger with 17 locations across China and plans to expand further. In this episode, he talks about his unconventional career shift, the challenges of the F&B industry in China and what it takes to build a successful brand.

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China und Wein – passt das zusammen? Mario Aron, auch bekannt als die Nase Chinas, kennt die Antwort. Als ehemaliger COO von ASC Fine Wines, dem größten Weinimporteur Chinas, hat er die Weinkultur des Landes maßgeblich mitgeprägt. In dieser Folge sprechen wir über den Aufstieg des Weins in China, Prestige, Fake Wine und was den chinesischen Markt so besonders macht. Ein Muss für alle Weinkenner und Feinschmecker!


Gast: Mario Aron, Weinexperte und ehemaliger COO von ASC Fine Wines
Moderation: Damian & Thomas
Themen: Weinkultur in China, chinesischer Weinmarkt, Premium-Weine, E-Commerce, Wein-Trends

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What do companies need to stay relevant in today's fast-changing world? Jacob Johansen, author of From Customer to User, provides a unique insight into the shift companies need to make to truly understand and serve their users.

In this episode, Jacob Johansen explores the core ideas of his book and explains why organisations need to move beyond traditional customer-centric models and take a broader, user-centric approach. He explains how technology has changed consumer expectations and why companies that fail to adapt risk losing their competitive edge.

Drawing on over two decades of experience in China, Jacob provides practical advice for anyone looking to rethink their strategy and build a deeper connection with their customers. A must listen and read for anyone looking to drive their business forward.

Jacob's Book: From Customer to User

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Five-year plans: still popular in China, but Jacob Johansen, author of From Customer to User, takes a critical view. He explains why rigid strategies hardly work in a world full of surprises - and how companies can become more flexible and agile.

We talk about his experiences from over two decades in China, why it is so difficult to break away from old ways of thinking and how technology has completely changed our behaviour as users. Jacob shows what it takes to stay relevant as a company - and what happens when you lose that relevance.

An exciting discussion that focuses on modern business strategies and user needs.

You can purchase Jacob's book here!

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Teilnahmebedingungen für das Gewinnspiel:

• Melde dich bis zum 31.01.2025 für den Newsletter auf genuine-asia.com an, um teilzunehmen.
• Zu gewinnen: 3 Exemplare des „One Hour China“ Buches.
• Gewinner werden per Zufallsprinzip ermittelt und per E-Mail benachrichtigt.
• Veranstalter: Genuine Asia und der Made in China Podcast.

Zukunftsforschung ist mehr als der Blick in die Glaskugel. Sven Gábor Jánszky, einer der renommiertesten Zukunftsforscher Europas, gibt Einblicke in die Arbeit seines Instituts 2bAHEAD, das Unternehmen und Individuen dabei unterstützt, die Welt von morgen zu verstehen.
Im Gespräch finden wir heraus, ob KI uns wirklich bald die Jobs wegnehmen wird, welche Trends wir im Auge behalten sollten und ob China tatsächlich schon in der Zukunft lebt. Welche Entwicklungen werden uns das Leben erleichtern und welche machen Sven eher Sorgen?

All das und noch viel mehr erfahrt ihr in dieser Episode!

Schaut unbedingt auch bei Sven vorbei:

1. Svens Buch 2030, als Free+Shipping: https://2030.janszky.de/?utm_source=madeinchina
2. Studie, Kundensegmente der Zukunft: https://2bahead.com/downloads/trendanalyse-janszky-kundensegmente-der-zukunft?utm_source=madeinchina
3. Reisen in die Technologie Hotspots der Welt: https://reisen.2bahead.com/?utm_source=madeinchina

Jetzt das One Hour China Buch bestellen! Zum Buch

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Imagine you’re an entrepreneur ready to enter the Chinese market. You’re prepared to invest millions, but one wrong move could jeopardize everything – your brand, your budget, and your sanity. What would you do?

Robin Tabbers, Partner at Acclime and Director at R&P China Lawyers, has spent over a decade guiding international companies through the legal, cultural, and strategic complexities of the Chinese market. Today, he shares why being too direct in China can land you in hot water, how he helped clients establish themselves in China, and what 15 years of navigating risk and success have taught him.

If you want to know how to thrive – not just survive – in China, this episode is for you. Welcome to Made in China!

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