🗼Why am I launching ApertureChina, a China-focused research & strategy consultancy when the market is so 'bad'? | Following the yuan

With Chinese consumers at the lens, ApertureChina provides solutions with journalistic vigor.

If your work is relevant to China’s consumer market, you may be confused about news coming from China these days.

On one end, large consumer companies said in their earnings call that the market is showing a softening Chinese consumer demand, on the other, with the state-sponsored China International Import Expo taking place, Chinese state media continue to boast the spending power of its consumers, and executives at foreign companies follow suit.

A selection of China business news headlines in the week leading up to Double 11. Image: screenshots

It’s a confusing time, marked by a growing dichotomy.

And the further closing up of information channels below aren’t helping:

1. Chinese state media only focuses on the embellished positive stories;

2. Chinese social media are insular from the rest of the world (e.g. Douyin and Tiktok are mutually exclusive);

3. Overseas media face stringent restrictions in reporting, with a widespread neglect on Chinese consumers;

4. Professionals including analysts, financial writers and lawyers are censored;

5. China-focused marketing agencies tend to paint a rosy picture without nuances.

However, I believe that it doesn’t mean businesses should exit China once and for all to avoid the trouble. In consumer sector, it means that your insights and strategy need to become more local because of:

1. rising patriotism and nationalism,

2. intentional decoupling from the rest of the world,

3. continued anti-espionage crackdown on officials and civilians.

You need to listen to the people.

Taikoo Li, Chengdu, under Swire Properties. Image: China National Radio

I started my career as an interpreter and translator between China and English in 2014, and have been driven by the mission of enabling the world to understand more about China. It stayed unshifted when I became a business journalist.

Journalism for me was not about the scoop; it's about fostering understanding and providing answers, with a career spanning translation to reporting, always with China at the lens.

Over the last few months, I’ve been building this very newsletter that’s focused on Chinese consumers, writing columns including weekly consumer news, deep dives, and China explainer, while doing relevant research and strategy projects that help inform and shape business and financial leaders’ thinking on the market.

Some brand moves I've covered in the past: Florasis, Dior x e-sports, athleisure wear Neiwai

Today, I’m launching ApertureChina, a research and strategy consultancy that is focused on Chinese consumers. I’d like to thank you, all of my 1,800+ subscribers, for joining me on this journey as I discover my passion and path.

Feel free to directly reply to start the conversation, or make a referral to those who are seeking to enter China or adjust their China strategy in this critical time. (I’d love to to offer 1-year comp to show my gratitude upon introduction!)

Here are my main services:

• Qualitative & Market Research

• Consumer-Centric Entry, Growth & Digital Strategy

• City & Region Insights

• China Consumer Trend Analysis

• China Partner and Supplier Search

• Content Marketing Strategy

📧 Reach out to yaling at aperturechina.com if you want to further discuss your China questions.

In other news, Following the yuan recently launched on Instagram and TikTok, give us a follow to include us in your quality time there! Until next time. 🔚