Brands That Left China: What Went Wrong and What We Can Learn
Marek Matura Marek Matura

Brands That Left China: What Went Wrong and What We Can Learn

A case-by-case analysis of foreign brands that exited the Chinese market — from Dolce & Gabbana's PR crisis and Forever 21's positioning failure to the 2024-2025 wave of retail withdrawals. Each exit reveals a pattern: cultural missteps, under-investment in localization, wrong pricing, or failure to adapt to China's platform-driven ecosystem. Includes the specific lessons brand managers can apply to avoid the same mistakes.

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China Market Entry Checklist for Brand Managers
Marek Matura Marek Matura

China Market Entry Checklist for Brand Managers

A practical, phase-by-phase China market entry checklist built for brand managers leading their company's expansion into China. Covers 50 action items organized across five stages: market research and validation, legal and IP protection, platform setup, marketing preparation, and launch execution. Includes timelines, responsible parties, and common mistakes at each phase. Built from real market entry projects.

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How to Switch Tmall Partners (TPs) Without Disrupting Your Store
Marek Matura Marek Matura

How to Switch Tmall Partners (TPs) Without Disrupting Your Store

Switching Tmall Partners is one of the highest-stakes decisions a foreign brand makes in China. This guide covers the complete TP transition process — from contract review and data handover to store continuity and customer service planning. Includes a 12-week transition timeline, data handover checklist, red flags to watch, and how to ensure zero disruption to your Tmall store during the switch.

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Hidden Costs of Selling on Tmall Global Nobody Tells You About
Marek Matura Marek Matura

Hidden Costs of Selling on Tmall Global Nobody Tells You About

Beyond the deposit, annual fee, and commission, selling on Tmall Global involves a layer of costs that rarely appear in platform documentation or agency proposals. This guide exposes every hidden expense — from Alipay service fees and mandatory promotion minimums to content production costs, return logistics, customer service staffing, annual renewal traps, and the real cost of shipping insurance. Specific numbers included for every line item.

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How to evaluate if your China strategy is working?
Marek Matura Marek Matura

How to evaluate if your China strategy is working?

Most foreign brands in China measure the wrong things. This guide provides a three-stage framework for evaluating your China strategy — Year 1 (foundation and awareness), Year 2 (growth and retention), and Year 3+ (profitability and market share). Includes specific KPIs, benchmarks, a 10-point self-assessment scorecard, and guidance on when to pivot, double down, or exit.

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Chinese Customer Service
Market Entry Series Marek Matura Market Entry Series Marek Matura

Chinese Customer Service

Long-term success isn't built on one-time transactions; it relies heavily on customer retention – encouraging shoppers to return again and again. In the unique and demanding Chinese market, one of the most critical factors influencing customer loyalty and retention is the quality of your customer service.

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Social Commerce
Market Entry Series Marek Matura Market Entry Series Marek Matura

Social Commerce

In the West, social media and e-commerce often operate in distinct spheres. You might discover a product on Instagram or Facebook, but completing the purchase usually requires clicking out to a separate online store. In China, however, these have effectively merged.

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