singles day 2021

Singles Day Underwhelming for Alibaba, Slowest Growth Ever

| Mike O'Brien

Singles Day, really Singles Nearly Fortnight (to borrow a British term) running from Nov. 1-11, was hit by headwinds from an anemic economy, the pandemic, Chinese crackdowns and supply issues, increasing 8.5% to $84.54 billion for originator Alibaba, the lowest jump since its inception in 2009.

China Luxury Goods Market Up 48% in 2020

| Mike O'Brien

Driven by a pandemic-fueled lack of travel and more disposable income, the China luxury goods market grew 48% in 2020, doubling the country’s overall share, according to Bain & Company. The upward trend is expected to give China a leading share of 45% of the global luxury market by 2025, outpacing Europe and North America.

kroger store

Kroger to Sell Groceries in China Through Alibaba Partnership

| Mike O'Brien

Cincinnati-based grocer Kroger will start selling online into China through a new partnership with Alibaba, testing some of its natural foods line first as it makes its first international move in the expanding grocery wars. See what else the company is up to, including its pilot of driverless delivery in Scottsdale, AZ and same-day delivery.

Nike Confirms Pilot Sales Program on Amazon

| Mike O'Brien

Nike confirmed it is selling select products directly through Amazon in a pilot program, greatly expanding its reach while also helping address counterfeiting. The news is a direct hit to retail partners like Finish Line and Foot Locker, who will undoubtedly lose sales. Nike will also start selling directly through a partnership with Instagram.