Photo: Tod's S.p.A

This week, Alizila spoke with Italian luxury group Tod’s to understand how the century-old company is thriving in China’s digital-first market.

In other news, British haircare brand ghd shared how it is preparing for China’s biggest shopping festival 11.11, and an Alibaba Group advisory committee celebrated one year helping small businesses protect themselves against intellectual property theft.

Entrepreneurship competition Africa’s Business Heroes announced the top 10 contenders for its US$1.5 million prize pool, selected from more than 12,000 applications representing every country on the continent. Meanwhile, travel operator Fliggy saw a jump in domestic tourism bookings over Golden Week.

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Tod’s Della Valle Puts Polish On Italian Luxury Shoe Brand’s China Growth Strategy

In an exclusive interview with Alibaba, Diego Della Valle, chairman and chief executive of Italian luxury group Tod’s, said that he sees digital shopping as a way for global luxury brands to stitch themselves into growth markets.

Tod’s saw its revenues rocket in China during the first half of this year, even as the group grappled with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in other parts of the world. Tod’s executives say the family-controlled firm is just getting going in the world’s largest consumption market.

“China is helping the balance sheet of many companies in our sector…We see it as a starting point as we can do so much more in China,” said Della Valle. Della Valle also sits on the board of LVMH, a global leader in luxury. 

To read the full interview click here

British Haircare Brand ghd on How to Prepare for China’s Largest Shopping Festival 11.11

In our latest podcast, we talk with Davin Leong, managing director for Asia Pacific at British hairstyling and appliance brand ghd, about China’s fast-growing hair care market and taking part in China’s largest shopping festival, 11.11.

Leong spoke with us from Shanghai where he is based. He has worked in China for over five years and in the beauty industry for over 15 years. Together, they dig into what brands need to do to make a successful 11.11 debut, and how and when to use Alibaba’s Hey Box to launch new products in the Chinese market.

To listen to this episode of Alicast click here. To follow us on Apple Podcasts click here and Spotify here

Alibaba’s Fliggy says Domestic Tourism Soars During China’s Golden Week Holiday

Domestic tourism surged in China over the National Day weekend, data released this week by mainland travel portal Fliggy showed, as holiday travelers set out to explore the country.

The number of reservations for accommodation, transportation and sightseeing tours booked through the platform more than doubled year-on-year between October 1 and October 3, the start of China’s Golden Week holidays. Capital city Beijing was the most popular destination thanks to the launch of Universal Beijing Resort and its proximity to other attractions, including the Great Wall and Summer Palace.

Rural Destinations, Outdoor Activities Find New Popularity in China

Rural destination bookings and outdoor equipment purchases surged in September as domestic tourists set out to explore China’s wild side. The number of rural express deliveries made nationwide last month increased by more than 180% compared with the same time last year, delivery service Cainiao Network found.

In September, sales of camping gear rose more than 50% year-on-year, while orders for surfing accessories and fishing goods increased by 30% and 20% respectively, e-commerce platform Tmall’s data showed. However, this was soon surpassed by demand from holidaymakers in early October. Surfing holiday bookings shot up more than 200% during the National Day long weekend, while requests for camping trips and hiking tours rose roughly 14 times each.

Africa’s Business Heroes Announces Top 10 Finalists

This year’s Africa’s Business Heroes competition, organized by the Jack Ma Foundation, announced the names of 10 finalists this week, who will each share their final pitch in November. The contenders for first place were chosen from over 12,000 applications taken from 54 countries across the continent and represent a variety of businesses from agri-tech and energy to beauty and logistics. They are competing for part of a US$1.5 million prize.

To learn more about the competition click here 

Alibaba’s Advisory Committee Helps SMEs Fight Back Against Counterfeiters

For many international small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), protecting their intellectual property (IP) rights while trying to grow in a competitive market like China is a group effort. Alibaba’s Anti-Counterfeiting Alliance (AACA) established the SME Advisory Committee (SAC) a year ago, helping small businesses like Ashley Gomez’s Et Al Beauty fight against counterfeiting activity.

“Like many other SMEs, we didn’t have the resources or knowledge to enforce the IP my mom worked so hard to obtain; we simply weren’t prepared for this unforeseen fight,” said Ashley, a co-owner of the cosmetics brand. “While other platforms are seemingly turning a blind eye to this pervasive problem, Alibaba is moving the industry forward and bringing SMEs with it by giving small companies like ours a voice.” 

Read more about Alibaba’s recent efforts in fighting back against counterfeiters here

Cainiao Network Debuts Delivery Service in Spain

Alibaba’s logistics arm Cainiao Network said that its partnership with Spanish parcel delivery provider GLS Spain went full steam ahead this week with a new shipping venture to serve roughly 100 AliExpress merchants in the country. All packages will be delivered within three days, in keeping with AliExpress Plaza’s commitment for speedy conveyance.

“Spain is one of Cainiao’s key markets in Europe and we have been continuously innovating and improving our services in the region. […] We hope to better satisfy local consumers’ needs when they shop locally and to contribute to the development of the local e-commerce ecosystem,” said David Bu, General Manager of Cainiao Network Europe. 

Learn more about Cainiao’s activities in the European market here

Beauty, Pet Grooming Products Get Popularity Boost Over Golden Week: Tmall Global

Users on Alibaba e-commerce platform Tmall flocked this week to beauty and animal grooming items as pets and their owners enjoyed some self-care time this Golden Week holiday. Sales of cat and dog snacks more than doubled year-on-year, while orders for pet smart devices surged 261% and animal grooming product demand rose 253% compared with Golden Week last year.

Pooches weren’t the only ones being pampered. Orders for imported cosmetics and beauty travel kits increased ninefold and overseas sun care brand sales brew 160% year-on-year, though the bulk of items sold came form countries within a four hour flight circle of China. Users were also drawn to beauty products from niche tourist countries, including skin essence from Iceland and Moroccan shampoo.

Read more about Tmall’s cross-border product offerings here

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