China’s retail playbook is being rewritten in real time, and repetition is a guaranteed way to fall behind. Chinese consumers move fast, get bored faster, and reward only brands that stay culturally sharp and operationally agile. The question every multinational needs to confront: how do you build long-term brand strength in a market addicted to short-term excitement? This episode of ChinaBizz goes straight into that tension. Jacob Johansen sits down with one of the most seasoned foreign retail leaders in China—Eugenio Bregolat, head of Inditex China, the group behind Zara, Massimo Dutti, Zara Home and more. Few executives have seen China’s retail evolution as deeply or as personally as he has, from arriving as a child in the late 80s to running one of the biggest fashion portfolios in the market today. Together they unpack what really drives relevance in China now: – why physical retail isn’t dead, but its purpose has changed; – why localization isn’t optional anymore; – why blindly copying “best practice” is a trap; – and how brands can avoid becoming the next short-lived hype cycle casualty.

What if everything you know about Chinese consumers is wrong? Could your data be lying—and costing your business millions? ChinaBizz, hosted by 25-year China business veteran Jacob Johansen, goes beyond dashboards and data sets to explore what really drives Chinese consumers and the companies trying to reach them. Each episode brings unfiltered conversations with business leaders, strategists, and innovators who challenge the conventional wisdom about China’s market realities. In this episode, Jacob speaks with Olivia Plotnick, a Shanghai-based strategist who traveled through 32 Chinese cities in 60 days to uncover the stories, behaviors, and trends no report could ever capture. Together, they explore what her “pulse check of China” reveals about shifting definitions of luxury, new retail experiences, and the growing confidence of China’s younger generations. Expect sharp insights, grounded observations, and lessons global brands can’t afford to ignore.

Do MNCs still offer anything China’s top talent actually wants? Can “China for China” succeed with a Western decision-making model? Should HQs adapt to China—instead of forcing China to adapt to HQ? Can a MNC actually over-localise management in China? And can a multinational stay global without developing Chinese leadership? In this episode, meet Mira Lioleva, Leadership and Organisational Lead at executive search and leadership advisory firm Mercuri Urval, in Shanghai in conversation with Jacob Johansen, host of China Bizz. Connect with me on WeChat: 15800761228

Why is a fast reaction no longer the winning strategy in China’s new risk landscape? Is the US failing to accurately read the situation on ground in China? Why does Washington’s belief that China is on the verge of collapse risk backfiring? Why are Chinese consumers largely indifferent to escalating US tariffs? And is it now the right time for MNCs to raise their priorities directly with Chinese legislators? Dive straight into the eye of the geopolitical storm: Trump’s second term – the first 100 days, and what they mean for multinationals operating in China. Turbulent, chaotic, disorienting? Yes. But also a brutal masterclass in leadership under uncertainty. Guests: Anne-Sophie Zerlang Karlsen, Head of Operations in Asia Pacific for Maersk with her finger on the pulse of multinational operations across borders. Kenneth Jarrett, Senior Advisor with the Albright Stonebridge Group, a Washington DC-based consultancy and former U.S. career diplomat for 26 years, with multiple assignments in China. He also served as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai for five years.

Does it spell the end of branding in China when Chinese consumers say they prefer functionality over pure emotional appeal, and 92% trust user-generated content over what brands say? Listen in when two branding and advertising heavyweights, Jenny Chan and Stephen Drummond, guest on China Bizz in this episode. And feel free to connect with me on WeChat: 158007612286

- Are Chinese brands outpacing multinational giants? - Has functionality overtaken brand prestige in China? - Do MNCs genuinely understand the difference between a customer and a user, or is this blind spot costing them the market? - Is tradition holding global brands back, or is sheer arrogance eroding their competitive edge? - And here’s a bigger question—is the global auto industry on the verge of collapse? Tune in to this episode of China Bizz with automotive expert and longtime China insider Bill Russo. For ideas or comments, connect with me on WeChat: 15800761226

- Why does H&M double down on China when other multinationals are playing wait-and-see? - What's behind the bold bet on brick-and-mortar stores in the world's most digitally advanced market? - And why can't numbers alone explain China? Guest: Saed El-Achkar, President of H&M Group Greater China Retail For feedback - connect with me on WeChat (15800761226)

- Is China’s booming sports and wellness industry the next big opportunity for global brands? - How do two multinationals tap into China’s $35 billion outdoor sports market? - Can they survive the rise of local sportswear giants? - And how do multinational brands resonate with Chinese consumers through localisation and community strategies? Summary Tin this episode of China Bizz two leaders of multinational sports brands; Taylor Price, GM of Specialized and Robin Trebbe, former GM at InterSport and VP at Adidas explore the dynamic growth of the wellness industry in China, focusing on the evolving consumer behaviour, the importance of authentic community building in sports, and the strategies brands must adopt to succeed in this unique market. Takeaways · The wellness industry is booming in China, with a significant rise in health-conscious consumers. · Building authentic communities in sports requires more than just organizing events; it demands ongoing engagement. · Consumer behaviour in China has evolved, with a growing interest in health and fitness activities. · Brands must participate in communities rather than trying to own them to foster loyalty. · The commercial success of sports brands in China reflects the booming market and increased consumer spending. · Navigating brand strategies in China requires a deep understanding of local consumer preferences and behaviour. · Physical retail spaces are evolving to provide experiences rather than just transactions. · The premium market in China is thriving, with consumers willing to invest in high-quality products. · Adapting products for the local market is crucial for international brands to succeed in China. · Listening to consumers and gathering insights is essential for brands to remain relevant and competitive. Links: WeChat: 15800761226 (Jacob Johansen) Disclaimer: Jacob Johansen is a strategy consultant with PwC China and a board member of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China. However, China Bizz is a personal, independent and non-profit imitative. #ChinaSportsBoom #FitnessInChina #ChinaWellnessMarket #SportsBusinessChina #ChinaRetailTrends #MultinationalChinaStrategy #ChinaEcommerce #BrandLocalization #ChinaFitnessIndustry #CyclingInChina #WellnessEconomy #ChinaHealthTrends #SportswearMarket #OutdoorSportsChina #RetailInnovation #CommunityEngagement #ChinaBizzPodcast #HealthyChina2030 #ActiveLifestyleChina #MNCsInChina

Get ready to rethink retail. In this episode, Joyce Zhu, President, INGKA Centres China and Jacob Johansen dive into the future of shopping in China, where traditional malls are making way for vibrant meeting places that blend lifestyle, community, and innovation. Discover how cutting-edge user experiences, curated tenant mixes, and a focus on emotional well-being are reshaping the retail game. Plus, they explore the surprising role of e-commerce in driving demand for spaces that spark real human connection. Tune in for a fresh take on how retail is becoming more than just shopping—it's about creating spaces where people live, connect, and thrive!" Key takeaways - China's retail landscape is rapidly evolving with new opportunities. - Meeting places focus on user experience beyond shopping. - Designing retail spaces requires understanding user needs. - Tenant mix is crucial for attracting diverse visitors. - Community engagement enhances the retail experience. - E-commerce offers convenience but lacks emotional connection. - Physical spaces are essential for human interaction. - Long-term strategies are vital for retail success. - Retailers must adapt to changing consumer behaviors. - Creating a welcoming environment fosters repeat visits.

- Is DeepSeek friend or foe? - Does DeepSeek really have the potential to impact the world as much as Covid? - How will DeepSeek change the market for multinationals in China, - and what about the compliance issues? Welcome to China Bizz - an unscripted podcast dedicated to exploring opportunities and challenges for multinational companies in China. We come to you from inside China and invite only experts and thought leaders with hands-on experience leading and advising MNCs in China. The guest in this episode is Mark Tanner—founder and CEO of China Skinny - a leading consumer insights and trend forecasting agency in Shanghai. My name is Jacob Johansen. I've lived and done business in China for 25 years. I am a strategy and business transformation consultant with PwC China, but China Bizz is my private project and opinions shared here, don't represent my employer. If you have ideas or recommendations, find me on WeChat (15900761226)