SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 20
Download to read offline
Living in the Micro-Moment
The New China Consumer is Here
2
Enabled by digital, consumer behaviours in China
are evolving rapidly. Consumers in this dynamic
marketplace already expect to get what they want,
when they want it. By 2020, they’ll be expecting what
they want, how they want it…and, by 2025, before they
want it. The big question for CPG companies: can they
act now to start delivering on these demands?
3
4
Tomorrow’s consumer…
here today
It’s been a staggering journey. A few
years back, just 15 percent of China’s
population shopped online. Now it’s
40 percent…and counting.1
In this
booming eCommerce marketplace,
consumer behaviours are changing fast.
Our research shows just how far Chinese
consumers have merged digital into their
lives:2
On average, 95 percent of shoppers
now go online to search for the right
items to purchase; that rises to 98 percent
for apparel items (88 percent go online to
research health and beauty purchases).
Shopping used to be a linear process,
but no longer. In a hyper-connected,
digitalised consumer environment, the
path to purchase is convoluted, with
multiple, overlapping touchpoints along
the way.
Every touchpoint is a ‘micro-moment’.
And every micro-moment is an
opportunity to capture the consumer. It’s
a huge opportunity for CPG companies.
But there’s a catch. Allegiances are
shifting away from brands. Increasingly,
Chinese consumers are becoming loyal to
solutions that make their lives easier.
That’s borne by recent research. An
Accenture survey3
shows that consumers
increasingly use mobile because it’s
convenient and aids faster decision-
making. Seventy-seven percent of Chinese
shoppers find it easy to purchase via
mobile (compared to the global average of
48 percent).
Findings from emarketer research
support this search for simplicity:4
of
Chinese shoppers that use mobile, 65
percent cite convenience as a top reason
for buying online. It’s why eCommerce
spending per digital buyer in China more
than doubled to 9,732 yuan between
2011 and 2015.
Convenient shopping solutions are
increasing in demand, causing a problem
for CPG companies. Right now, few are
ready with these solutions and to supply
them seamlessly across the micro-
moments that matter. In a market that’s
evolving at digital speed, they must act
now, else risk losing out to the same ‘born
digital’ platforms (like Tencent and Alibaba)
that have already transformed China into
the world’s largest eCommerce market.
It’s a scenario that presents CPG
companies with some urgent priorities:
Understand China’s new consumers.
Give them the solutions they demand.
And become integral to their day-to-day
lives. The ultimate objective? Be a ‘smart
assistant’, predicting purchases and
providing personalised solutions – before
consumers request them.
To help CPG companies move towards this
objective, Accenture recently carried out
research into the new China consumer
– tracking eCommerce preferences,
pain-points, and motivations. This point of
view is based on the results of our online
consumer communities.
5
Recent research into the China’s consumer
marketplace by Accenture highlights a
dramatic evolution in consumer behaviors
and expectations. Today consumers
expect to get what they want, when they
want it. By 2020, they’ll be expecting
what they want, how they want it...and,
by 2025, before they want it.
This raises urgent priorities for
CPG companies:
Living in the micro-moment:
the new China consumer is here
• In a connected marketplace, shopping’s
much more complex, with multiple,
overlapping touchpoints along the path
to purchase
• And there’s a growning competitive
threat. Digital-born platforms enabled
China’s e-commerce marketplace…now
they’re ideally positioned to capture
consumers by providing the seamless
solutions they demand.
1 2 3
Consumers in China are
shifting from seeking brands
to demanding solutions
• Up to now, CPG companies have
focused on building brands and
delivering value by traditional routes.
In a digital marketplace, that’s less
and less relevant.
• The new priority? Serve the
micro-moments where consumers
seek solutions throughout their
purchase journeys
• How to achieve this? Either
partner with disruptive digital
partners or, in less evolved
e-commerce markets, drive market
developments themselves.
• CPG companies that make this leap can
lead the China market and capture
disproportionate consumer spend.
The imperative for CPG
companies? Act NOW to
capture the micro-moment
The longer-term objective?
Become the ‘smart assistant’ to
consumers, delivering solutions
proactively…without waiting to
be asked
6
A highly evolved
eCommerce marketplace
China’s eCommerce market is highly
evolved and surging in value. Worth
US$371 billion in 2015, it’s on track
to hit almost US$630 billion by 2019.5
By any standards, it’s an extraordinary
trajectory. And it’s being propelled
by technology, with relentless uptake
of mobile devices and enthusiastic
adoption of mobile payments
accelerating the trend ever faster.6
Enabled by disruptive digital platforms
like TaoBao, Tmall, Alibaba and Tencent,
China is Asia’s consumer powerhouse.
And winning there is crucial to success
for CPG businesses (China accounts for
45 percent of Asia-wide CPG business).7
But it’s a tough challenge. The same
digital platforms that have empowered
Chinese consumers now threaten to
capture their business (and their loyalty).
These ‘born digital’ players have built
their organisations around consumers.
And because they understand how
digital technologies transform the
path to purchase, they’ve been quick
to tailor seamless solutions that put
choice, insights and power at consumers’
fingertips, every step of the way.
7
Introducing the new China consumer
Crucially, as China’s digital infrastructure
becomes more pervasive, and the
lives of Chinese consumers grow more
closely integrated with technology, the
power, reach (and allure) of these digital
platforms can only increase.
To meet this competitive threat, the first
step for CPG companies is to understand
these new China consumers: what they
want today, and how their demands and
expectations will evolve from now on.
Figure 1 gives a high-level view of this
evolution. Today Chinese consumers
expect companies to give them what they
want, when they want it. By 2020, they’ll
be expecting to get what they want, how
they want it. And by 2025, they’ll expect
smart assistants that can provide what
they want, before they know they want
it. Let’s take a look at this progression in
more detail.
From today: “What I want,
when I want it”…
Busy, independent and ambitious, Zhang
Li represents a growing group of decision-
makers in China’s consumer market.
Emphatically in control of her purchase
journey, her fundamental needs are
clear enough: convenience and value,
combined with the right level of choice
and information. But her path to purchase
has shifted dramatically. Instead of
the traditional linear progression (from
awareness to consideration to purchase),
it’s become much more complex.
Figure 1. Chinese consumer evolution
• I make a shopping list
• I can tap into personalized assistance,
where needed
• But…Shopping = chore
All at best price
Today…2016 Tomorrow…2020 Beyond: “Nirvana”…
Give me what I Want
When I want it
Give me what I Want
When I need it
Give me what I Want
Before I want it
• My shopping list is on my smart device
• I get expert guidance along the way
• Shopping = fun adventure
Seamless Shopping experience tailored to
“my need”
• What shopping list?
• I choose what’s automated
• Take things off-my thinking list
• Shopping=Automatic task
Shopping fully integrated into life’s moments
Basic Shopping + Experience
Product+ Convenience=Value
Smart Enhanced Shopping Smart Lifestyle: Integration Focused
Source: https://www.techinasia.com/line-pulled-55-million-interested-shoppers-flash-sales-thailand-infographic
http://www.nielsen.com/hk/en/press-room/2014/more-than-eighty-percent-hong-kong-consumers-will-engage-in-e-commerce-for-non-consumable-entertainment-related-products.html
http://www.slideshare.net/iclick_interactive/china-online-retail-market-study-part-2
DBS Report: Asia Retail Sector, 30th April 2015
8
Figure 2. The path to purchase in 2016
Web Company Website Events Peers Social Media EMail Mobile / Apps
Search
Discover
Share
Research
Trust
Compare
Purchase
Influencer
Buyer
Decide
Evangelize
Share
Research
Peer Reviews
Trust
~450,000 visits per
month in Luxola, an
online beauty store and
~36,000 visitors from
Thailand
63% of Hong Kong
respondents think of
convenience when purchasing
online for consumable
products like personal care,
health and beauty, 
Of the 22 million LINE users 5.5
million opt in for LINE’s flash
sales in 2013
Beauty products sold in average
~8 min in the LINE Flash sales
conducted in 2013
Maybelline lip polish was the
highest selling product in the sale
at THB 299
Online purchase
intention for cosmetics
increased 9 percentage
points to 23 percent in
Hong Kong in 2014
In China, facial mask is the
most popular category with
92% of online shoppers,
followed by moisturizers (56%),
cleansing products (53%), eye
cream (52%) and lip care (33%)
Awareness Consideration Purchase
Multiple elements of Zhang Li’s purchase
journeys occur simultaneously and
there are technology interfaces across
every touchpoint (see Figure 2). Recent
Accenture research8
puts this into
perspective: 12 percent of Chinese
shoppers currently post to social media
while shopping in store, and 30 percent
eagerly anticipate having that capability.
Our research shows that just like other
connected consumers across China,
Zhang Li identifies gaps in her current
path to purchase (offline and online).
It’s a common story, referencing the
IPSOS report9
on the Chinese consumer
marketplace. The report noted that
whilst shopping for groceries, there is a
notable disconnect between the idea of
cooking and shopping for the groceries to
cook with. The young and inexperienced
(in cooking) consumers have to jump
between tools to figure out what to buy,
how much to buy and where to buy. There
are a few recipe-sharing websites which
have started offering a more complete
experience by directing consumers to
related shopping sites but these websites
are not strong enough to attract the
desired attention. This is illustrated in a
quote from an interviewee from the IPSOS
research: “I find it such a hassle to have
to compare store by store. If only there
was a unified platform that consolidates
all the online and offline store offerings…”
Similarly for Zhang Li. At the top of
her wishlist would be a single platform
where she could conduct searches,
buy, share her experiences and be
rewarded”.10
In other words, she’s seeking
an amalgamation of Baidu, Tencent,
Weibo, Youku, Alipay and Tmail. She
wants a seamless shopping experience,
where she can be confident of getting
what she wants, personalized and
relevant offers - at the micro-moment
she wants it. But above all, it means
solutions to real-life problems, not just
products or brands. Currently she’s
growing increasly frustrated as she
encounters CPG companies that aren’t
meeting her expectations.
…to 2020: “What I want, how
I want it”…
By 2020, Zhang Li’s acquired more
purchasing power, she’s busier, and she’s
even more dependent on technology.
Wearables and phablets are her everyday
accessories. Her expectations have
changed. She’s willing to spend more,
wants the best products and to have them
personalized to match her needs. She still
looks for convenience and she expects to
make every purchase in a seamless omni-
channel environment.
Micro-moments really matter now. Zhang
Li’s purchase decisions favour solutions that
get delivered seamlessly – in the micro-
moment she seeks them (see Figure 3).
In this future environment, where time is of
the essence, she’d be willing to outsource
some of this decision-making to a smart
assistant that could predict and deliver
what she wanted (before she knew she
wanted it). But few companies are geared
up to provide this service.
By 2020, her purchase journey has
evolved to address many of the shopping
frustrations she had in 2015 (see Figure 4):
9
Figure 3. The path to purchase in 2020
Figure 4. 2020 – the path to purchase gets easier
No long queues
No long travels
Less time consuming
Need guarantees on quality.
I want what I’m promised!
Wish online shopping was
more engaging
Want to try products before
I buy.
I want to be sure.
• Intuitive technology
monitors requirements
• No long, immersive
search required
• Online - quicker, safer,
easier in one click
• Real time feedback
mechanisms
• Auto-monitors record
performance
• Instant information
access mean high
stakes for business
• Online shopping
more social
• Gamification is the
new way to engage
• Easier customization
with 3D printing
• Virtual reality
• 3D fitting rooms
Technology makes Zhang Li’s life easier in 2020
2015
Might of
Micro-moments
Loyalty
Online communities
Is it experience and/or the
product that drives loyalty?
Companies to lose money with
undifferentiated loyalty programs
What next ? Gamification
Purchase
Shift to mobile & tablets for
shopping; PCs outdated
Wearables and shopping at
one click to go hand ?
Ways businesses could take
things off the thinking list ?
Compare
Long immersive research replace by
short bursts of very focus activities
Online platforms with access to
all information help consumers
save time
Real-time comparisons on the go
Discover
Process of discovery is more
scientific, controlled
Discover what you THINK of with
connected wearables and
intelligent devices
Less paper, more electronic
Consider
Convenience, Quality & Value
for money
Do consumers want to outsource
the decision making too ?
If yes, who are the new smart
assistants?
Might of
Micro-moments
Might of
Micro-moments
Might of
Micro-moments
Might of
Micro-moments
10
…to 2025: “What I want,
before I know I want it”…
It’s 2025 and Zhang Li’s purchase
journey is in a constant state of motion.
Technology’s reduced the gap between
thinking and doing, and she’s moving
continuously from one experience
to another, expecting solutions at
the ‘speed of thought’ across infinite
channel platforms (ICPs)…and no
hassles (see Figure 5). Any company
that helps her by taking things off
her ‘thinking list’ earns loyalty. These
are the smart assistants that provide
solutions before she actively asks for
them. And they’re reaping the rewards.
Her lifestyle’s evolved to become even
smarter. Technology, now seamlessly
integrated into her day-to-day life, is
taken for granted – from wearables to
implantables and intelligent devices.
Everything is seamlessly connected
and integrated with multiple channel
platforms (see Figure 6).
As Zhang Li’s experience shows, we’re
witnessing a dramatic evolution –enabled
by technology – in the consumer journey
(see Figure 7). Loyalties are shifting
inexorably from brands to solutions
and there’s a growing expectation that
companies will be on hand to provide
solutions at every micro-moment along
the path to purchase.
Figure 5. 2025 – the consumer journey
Loyalty Purchase Compare DiscoverConsider
Consumer’s
Journey 2025
After Omni-channel? Instant.
11
Figure 7. Consumer journey evolution – from 4 Ps to 4 Es
Physical, tangible product.
We make it; you buy it. Period.
Living services: Solutions and
constantly evolving content;
personalized, interactive, shareable
From…
To…
Product
Experience Static prices printed on
store shelves.
Anytime, anywhere price
comparison. Negotiable,
dynamic, demand-driven.
From…
To…
Price
Exchange
Purchase at the physical retail
location from a physical person
Omni-channel seamless experience
across physical and virtual worlds
From…
To…
Place
Everywhere “Buy” your audience; more
money=more impressions TV/
Radio/ Print
Ongoing conversations;
power of social
From…
To…
Promotion
Evangelism
Source: http://www.ogilvy.com/On-Our-Minds/Articles/the_4E_-are_in.aspx
Figure 6. The technology ecosystem in 2025
Ambient User Experience
The Device Mesh
Connected homes
Other Digital disruptions...
Wearables
Connected cars
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual Personal
Assistant
Advanced Machine
Learning
3D printing
Consumer Needs
Convenience
Omnichannel tools
Virtual Assistants
Augmented reality
Integrated supply
chain
Technologies Examples
Mobile, online ordering
Virtual employee/ staff
Virtual Supermarket
Click and collect
Personalization
Customer Centric Analytics
Automated Intelligence
Personalization Engines
Personalization tools
Technologies Examples
Customized content arbitration
Real-time data & decisions
Customized landing pages
Favorites, dashboards
Social Acceptance
Social Targeting
Customer engagement hub
Social Feedback Management
Social Commerce
Technologies Examples
Geo targeted advertising
CEH + CRM
Social media listening
Customer polling
Instant Gratification
Mobile Wallet
Real-Time Communications
Digital Coupons
QR scanning
across devices
Technologies Examples
Digital wallet and payment
Customer service chat/IM
Loyalty management
Scan and order from TVs
12
Figure 9. The new digital toolkit
Focusing on the new China consumer
CPG companies must recognise the
massive shift that’s underway and act
now. Our research shows that China’s
new consumers are dissatisfied with
purchase journeys that are still far
from seamless. Any organisation that
can address these gaps will win their
hearts, minds and dollars (see Figure 8):
Companies that are ahead of the curve
in China realise this. They’re using
new digital technologies to influence
purchase decisions, get closer to
consumers and capture a greater share
of the marketplace (see Figure 9).
Figure 8. Identifying gaps in the purchase journey
Seamless
No Hassles
Personalised
Niche
Instant
Save Time
Best Value
VFM & Quality
13
For these companies, it’s all about
using technology to ensure China’s new
consumers are central to everything
they do. Instead of thinking of the
purchase journey in a linear sense (like
most CPG companies), leading disruptors
like Alibaba11
are redefining the entire
value chain in pursuit of this objective.
From its roots as an eCommerce company
serving small and medium-sized business,
Alibaba’s steadily expanded its offering.
By incorporating online payment
services (Alipay) and launching an
online marketplace, adding monetisation
platforms and developing a cloud
computing platform, it’s built a future-
focused infrastructure for eCommerce
that leaves most CPG companies
trailing in its wake12 13
(see Figure 10).
1 E-commerce company
serving small &
medium businesses
Alibaba’s offerings What consumer needs Alibaba resets its
vision as per demand
2 Expands e-commerce
offering to consumers
3 Online payment services.
Builds confidence with
transparency
4 Development of
ecommerce ecosystem
in China
5 Future infrastructure
for Commerce
1 “Open sesame” for
Small exporting
businesses
2 Domestic demand explodes
Needs of individual
consumer
3 Consumer needs
confidence in interent
buying
4 With increased
transparency & trust,
ecommerce explodes
5 Rapid convergence of
virtual & physical in
consumer’s lives
1999
9mm
2003
80mm
2004
94mm
2008
298mm
2007
210mm
2009
384mm
2010
457mm
2013
618mm
Alibaba founded in Jack
Ma’s apartment in
Hangzhou
Alibaba.com launched
1688.com (formerly known
as Alibaba.com.cn launched
Aliwangwang instant
messenger launched on
Taobao Marketplace
Alipay launched
Tmall launched
Juhuasuan launched
AliExpress launched
Mobile Taobao App
launched
Taobao Marketplace
launched
Alimama monetization
platform launched
Taobao Marketplace
started to monetize
Alibaba Cloud
Computing founded
Singles Day
1
2
3
5
4
Year
China’s Internet Population
Figure 10. Alibaba – keeping the consumer at the centre of everything
14
Seizing China’s digital opportunity
We know that the battle for consumers
is already being fought in the micro-
moments that make up each purchase
journey. The priority for CPG companies
is to expand their view of digital
channels beyond the ‘buy’ button
so they can begin to harness new
opportunities for driving sales and
measuring success in as many of these
situations as possible (see Figure 11).
The first step is to develop a strategic
e-vision for the future. This must be
built on an in-depth understanding of the
trajectory of travel for China consumers.
To shape this eCommerce vision around
their needs, CPG companies need to start
asking the right questions (see Figure 12):
Also key, discover the role of each
touchpoint in the consumer journey so
they can provide the right communication
at every micro-moment. The challenge
here is to persuade decision-makers to
choose a particular brand – however
convoluted the path to purchase has
become. Vancl, the online clothes retailer,
has done this successfully. Leveraging
an innovative marketing campaign, the
company collected data from cookies,
dynamic advertising, onsite sources
and third-party research. Using this
data, it developed a real-time data
analytics strategy to optimise ongoing
campaigns and inform a new social
commerce concept, Vancl Star (targeted
customer advocates show off and
recommend their Vancl look, earning
10 percent profit share on follow-on
sales). It’s worth pointing out that Vancl
invests approximately 15 percent of
net sales in marketing (compared to
the industry standard 3.5 percent).14
Figure 11. The new normal path to purchase
Capabilities
User Experience and
Digital Performances
Optimization
Understand the
consumer
Act
PlayPause
Advocate
Propose
Relevant
Experiences
Increase
Conversion &
Engagement Rate
eCommerce
(eRetailer/Instore/
Pub)
Actionable
Insights /
Predictive
Analytics
3
4
5
6
Social
Enterprise
Attract
Multi-Channel
Traffic (Mobile,
Web, Physical)
1
2
What is our eCommerce vision?
Are we wary of selling
online and overestimating
sales from brick-and-
mortar stores?
Are we meeting the
niche desires of our
buyers?
Have we focused on the
opportunities in the
hinterland?
What kind of investments do
we have in terms of
eCommerce related packaging
and for perishables?
Do we have the right
product mix?
Do we have Account
Managers for our eCommerce
partners (similar to what we
have in the B&M space)?
Have we built-in
capabilities to leverage
data from eCommerce
platforms?
Are we enabling cross
selling and up selling?
15
Figure 12. Asking the right questions
Consumers’ behavioural data is a key
resource and leading CPG companies turn
it to their advantage. Recognising that
it can be hard to differentiate brands on
China’s increasingly crowded eCommerce
platforms, Burberry launched ‘The Art of
the Trench’, a proprietary platform that
has successfully positioned its customers
as heroes.15
The platform provides
customers with a forum for showing off
their clothes and individual styling. It also
generates thousands of selfies, comments,
likes and dislikes – all of them potential
marketing leads. On other areas of the
site, Burberry uses a rich array of content
to target prospects throughout their path
to purchase and enable personalisation
(allowing customers to design their own
customised coats, for example). The
company records content consumption
and user engagement in its ‘Customer
360’ programme, a data-driven shopping
experience that invites customers to
digitally share their buying history and
shopping preferences, and provides real-
time product recommendations.
CPG companies should align all
elements of their marketing
– strategy, spending, channel
management and message – with the
journey that consumers undertake.
To support cross-channel marketing
and related opportunities, they’ll need
to invest in developing more scalable
technology platforms and back-end
processes. Implementing advanced
analytics is another immediate priority.
This will equip companies to predict and
influence purchases, helping them move
closer to the role of smart assistant where
they’re ready to provide personalised
solutions – before consumers request
them. The addition of subscriptions to
existing –commerce platforms should also
help to jumpstart growth by positioning
CPG companies to secure and retain
a greater (and recurring) share of the
consumer’s shopping basket.
16
Specific strategic initiatives
should include:
Establishing partnerships with
eCommerce platforms
This is a fast-track solution. CPG
companies should consider developing
partnerships with the same digital players
that, having enabled China’s eCommerce
revolution, now threaten to seize
competitive advantage there.
In developing partnerships, two priorities
stand out:
Treat eCommerce sales channels as
strategic partners, not as channels
that complement traditional retail
channels. This means CPG companies
will need dedicated account managers
and customised trade marketing/
merchandising plans with each
eCommerce player. This could be
extended to incorporate specific category
management plans for each player.
Don’t underestimate the importance
of supply chain and customer care.
CPG companies must ensure they choose
the right logistics and customer care
partners so that they can deliver products
on time, and address any complaints as
rapidly as possible. eCommerce channels
extend access to consumers. The trade-
off? Far greater responsibility for end-to-
end solutions.
Some CPG companies are already
developing these kinds of partnerships.
Last year, Unilever partnered with
Alibaba to extend its access to China
through the digital native’s data-driven
ecosystem.16
Key areas for collaboration
between the two organisations include
rural China penetration, cross-border
eCommerce, consumer protection and
big data. L’Oreal’s Lancome did the same,
opening a Tmall.com store that achieved
US$1.3 million in sales in the first three
days17
– setting a new brand sales record
for the Tmall cosmetics category.
Partnerships like these will help CPG
companies to secure market share in
China’s connected marketplace. But
it’s essential for them to protect their
brands on these digital platforms.
Robust data management is key. So
is sophisticated analytics that can
deliver real-time insights into consumer
experiences on digital platforms –
and how these can be improved.
17
In this paper, we’ve sketched out the
evolving expectations and lifestyles of the
new China consumer. For CPG companies,
the message is clear. Take steps now to
meet these expectations, or be sidelined
by the same digital platforms that have
enabled China’s huge and fast-growing
eCommerce marketplace.
To help companies get started on this
journey, Accenture has developed an
eCommerce value assessment (EVA)
methodology. Designed to gauge
eCommerce readiness and identify
priority actions for the business,
this provides our clients with audits
and assessments of their existing
ecommerce solutions, suggestions for
improvement, and identification of
future ecommerce growth opportunities,
along with technology architecture and
integration opportunities, governance
models, optimum partnership/operating
models and omni-channel commerce
frameworks. To find out more, please
visit: https://www.accenture.com/
sg-en/service-accenture-interactive-
omni-channel-commerce
Moving ahead: next steps
18
1
http://uk.businessinsider.com/aberdeen-
asset-management-carol-yuan-on-china-
2016-2?r=US&IR=T
2
Accenture Adaptive Retail Research
Consumer Survey, November 2015
3
Accenture Adaptive Retail Research
Consumer Survey, November 2015
4
eMarketer: China Ecommerce:
2015 Market Update, Sept 2015,
iResearch consulting
5
Source: Accenture Analysis, Euromonitor,
Emarketeer, kantar retail
6
In China, 55 percent of internet users
have made at least one mobile payment.
In the US, it’s just 19 percent (http://
uk.businessinsider.com/aberdeen-asset-
management-carol-yuan-on-china-2016-
2?r=US&IR=T)
7
Source: Euromonitor
8
Accenture Adaptive Retail Research
Consumer Survey, November 2015
9
IPSOS report: Online communities
research
10
Accenture / Ipsos survey
11
https://hbr.org/2015/06/the-self-
tuning-enterprise
12
https://hbr.org/2015/06/the-self-
tuning-enterprise
13
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
– SEC Filing Form F-1, Pg No. 69
“Our Major Corporate Milestones”
(www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/
data/1577552/000119312514184994/
d709111df1.htm)
14
http://www.slideshare.net/MattHunter/
vancl-chinas-online-apparel-giat
15
http://artofthetrench.burberry.com/
16
www.businesswire.com/news/
home/20150719005029/en/Alibaba-
Group-Unilever-Sign-Strategic-
Partnership-Agreement
17
http://www2.alizila.com/lancôme-
latest-cosmetics-brand-join-tmallcom-
infographic
Reference
19
Copyright © 2016 Accenture
All rights reserved.
Accenture, its logo, and
High Performance Delivered
are trademarks of Accenture.
For more information,
please contact
Woolf Huang
woolf.w.huang@accenture.com
Kher Tean Chen
kher.tean.chen@accenture.com
About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional
services company, providing a broad
range of services and solutions in
strategy, consulting, digital, technology
and operations. Combining unmatched
experience and specialized skills across
more than 40 industries and all business
functions—underpinned by the world’s
largest delivery network—Accenture
works at the intersection of business
and technology to help clients improve
their performance and create sustainable
value for their stakeholders. With
approximately 373,000 people serving
clients in more than 120 countries,
Accenture drives innovation to improve
the way the world works and lives.
Visit us at www.accenture.com.
16-1112

More Related Content

What's hot

The Art of Banking: How to Accelerate Your Customer Journey
The Art of Banking: How to Accelerate Your Customer JourneyThe Art of Banking: How to Accelerate Your Customer Journey
The Art of Banking: How to Accelerate Your Customer JourneyAppian
 
Digital Shopper Relevancy - Report 2014
Digital Shopper Relevancy - Report 2014Digital Shopper Relevancy - Report 2014
Digital Shopper Relevancy - Report 2014default default
 
Ecommerce trends for 2017 ppt
Ecommerce trends for 2017 pptEcommerce trends for 2017 ppt
Ecommerce trends for 2017 pptEthan Brown
 
BLS White Paper - What can banks do to build a closer relationship with their...
BLS White Paper - What can banks do to build a closer relationship with their...BLS White Paper - What can banks do to build a closer relationship with their...
BLS White Paper - What can banks do to build a closer relationship with their...Business Logic Systems Ltd
 
Omni-Channel Marketing – Bridging the Gap between Insight & Execution
Omni-Channel Marketing – Bridging the Gap between Insight & ExecutionOmni-Channel Marketing – Bridging the Gap between Insight & Execution
Omni-Channel Marketing – Bridging the Gap between Insight & ExecutionG3 Communications
 
Symphony RetailAI recognized as a product innovation leader
Symphony RetailAI recognized as a product innovation leaderSymphony RetailAI recognized as a product innovation leader
Symphony RetailAI recognized as a product innovation leaderSymphony RetailAI
 
Zakeke - Win & Scale Up in the Ever Evolving Visual Commerce
Zakeke - Win & Scale Up in the Ever Evolving Visual CommerceZakeke - Win & Scale Up in the Ever Evolving Visual Commerce
Zakeke - Win & Scale Up in the Ever Evolving Visual CommerceLeonardoDAprile1
 
Digital marketing and banking sector dmioa (1)
Digital marketing and banking sector dmioa (1)Digital marketing and banking sector dmioa (1)
Digital marketing and banking sector dmioa (1)Sangeeta Kumar
 
Cutting Through Chaos in the Age of "Mobile Me"
Cutting Through Chaos in the Age of "Mobile Me"Cutting Through Chaos in the Age of "Mobile Me"
Cutting Through Chaos in the Age of "Mobile Me"Cognizant
 
Algorithms Over Brands: How to Reach Today’s and Tomorrow’s AI-Augmented Cust...
Algorithms Over Brands: How to Reach Today’s and Tomorrow’s AI-Augmented Cust...Algorithms Over Brands: How to Reach Today’s and Tomorrow’s AI-Augmented Cust...
Algorithms Over Brands: How to Reach Today’s and Tomorrow’s AI-Augmented Cust...Cognizant
 
Facebook's new report predicts huge digital influence in Fashion by 2020
Facebook's new report predicts huge digital influence in Fashion by 2020Facebook's new report predicts huge digital influence in Fashion by 2020
Facebook's new report predicts huge digital influence in Fashion by 2020Social Samosa
 
Content Marketing Predictions by LinkedIn
Content Marketing Predictions by LinkedInContent Marketing Predictions by LinkedIn
Content Marketing Predictions by LinkedInSocial Samosa
 
Smarter Commerce: Transforming for a Customer Centric World
Smarter Commerce: Transforming for a Customer Centric WorldSmarter Commerce: Transforming for a Customer Centric World
Smarter Commerce: Transforming for a Customer Centric WorldInternetEvolution
 
Digital Marketing Assignment - L'Oreal in Vietnam
Digital Marketing Assignment - L'Oreal in VietnamDigital Marketing Assignment - L'Oreal in Vietnam
Digital Marketing Assignment - L'Oreal in Vietnamkahhuey
 
2014 Retail Insight: The Impact of Omni-Channel Trends for 2014 and Beyond
2014 Retail Insight: The Impact of Omni-Channel Trends for 2014 and Beyond2014 Retail Insight: The Impact of Omni-Channel Trends for 2014 and Beyond
2014 Retail Insight: The Impact of Omni-Channel Trends for 2014 and BeyondSPS Commerce
 
2ND ANNUAL IN-STORE DIGITAL RETAIL STUDY: EXPLORING THE REALITY OF THE DIGITA...
2ND ANNUAL IN-STORE DIGITAL RETAIL STUDY: EXPLORING THE REALITY OF THE DIGITA...2ND ANNUAL IN-STORE DIGITAL RETAIL STUDY: EXPLORING THE REALITY OF THE DIGITA...
2ND ANNUAL IN-STORE DIGITAL RETAIL STUDY: EXPLORING THE REALITY OF THE DIGITA...aeinhorn2
 

What's hot (20)

The Art of Banking: How to Accelerate Your Customer Journey
The Art of Banking: How to Accelerate Your Customer JourneyThe Art of Banking: How to Accelerate Your Customer Journey
The Art of Banking: How to Accelerate Your Customer Journey
 
Digital Shopper Relevancy - Report 2014
Digital Shopper Relevancy - Report 2014Digital Shopper Relevancy - Report 2014
Digital Shopper Relevancy - Report 2014
 
Ecommerce trends for 2017 ppt
Ecommerce trends for 2017 pptEcommerce trends for 2017 ppt
Ecommerce trends for 2017 ppt
 
BLS White Paper - What can banks do to build a closer relationship with their...
BLS White Paper - What can banks do to build a closer relationship with their...BLS White Paper - What can banks do to build a closer relationship with their...
BLS White Paper - What can banks do to build a closer relationship with their...
 
Omni-Channel Marketing – Bridging the Gap between Insight & Execution
Omni-Channel Marketing – Bridging the Gap between Insight & ExecutionOmni-Channel Marketing – Bridging the Gap between Insight & Execution
Omni-Channel Marketing – Bridging the Gap between Insight & Execution
 
Symphony RetailAI recognized as a product innovation leader
Symphony RetailAI recognized as a product innovation leaderSymphony RetailAI recognized as a product innovation leader
Symphony RetailAI recognized as a product innovation leader
 
Digital marketing trends and innovations
Digital marketing trends and innovationsDigital marketing trends and innovations
Digital marketing trends and innovations
 
Digital First whitepaper - FINAL FINAL
Digital First whitepaper - FINAL FINALDigital First whitepaper - FINAL FINAL
Digital First whitepaper - FINAL FINAL
 
Zakeke - Win & Scale Up in the Ever Evolving Visual Commerce
Zakeke - Win & Scale Up in the Ever Evolving Visual CommerceZakeke - Win & Scale Up in the Ever Evolving Visual Commerce
Zakeke - Win & Scale Up in the Ever Evolving Visual Commerce
 
E-Commerce Trends & Innovations 2018
E-Commerce Trends & Innovations 2018E-Commerce Trends & Innovations 2018
E-Commerce Trends & Innovations 2018
 
socc-2016
socc-2016socc-2016
socc-2016
 
Digital marketing and banking sector dmioa (1)
Digital marketing and banking sector dmioa (1)Digital marketing and banking sector dmioa (1)
Digital marketing and banking sector dmioa (1)
 
Cutting Through Chaos in the Age of "Mobile Me"
Cutting Through Chaos in the Age of "Mobile Me"Cutting Through Chaos in the Age of "Mobile Me"
Cutting Through Chaos in the Age of "Mobile Me"
 
Algorithms Over Brands: How to Reach Today’s and Tomorrow’s AI-Augmented Cust...
Algorithms Over Brands: How to Reach Today’s and Tomorrow’s AI-Augmented Cust...Algorithms Over Brands: How to Reach Today’s and Tomorrow’s AI-Augmented Cust...
Algorithms Over Brands: How to Reach Today’s and Tomorrow’s AI-Augmented Cust...
 
Facebook's new report predicts huge digital influence in Fashion by 2020
Facebook's new report predicts huge digital influence in Fashion by 2020Facebook's new report predicts huge digital influence in Fashion by 2020
Facebook's new report predicts huge digital influence in Fashion by 2020
 
Content Marketing Predictions by LinkedIn
Content Marketing Predictions by LinkedInContent Marketing Predictions by LinkedIn
Content Marketing Predictions by LinkedIn
 
Smarter Commerce: Transforming for a Customer Centric World
Smarter Commerce: Transforming for a Customer Centric WorldSmarter Commerce: Transforming for a Customer Centric World
Smarter Commerce: Transforming for a Customer Centric World
 
Digital Marketing Assignment - L'Oreal in Vietnam
Digital Marketing Assignment - L'Oreal in VietnamDigital Marketing Assignment - L'Oreal in Vietnam
Digital Marketing Assignment - L'Oreal in Vietnam
 
2014 Retail Insight: The Impact of Omni-Channel Trends for 2014 and Beyond
2014 Retail Insight: The Impact of Omni-Channel Trends for 2014 and Beyond2014 Retail Insight: The Impact of Omni-Channel Trends for 2014 and Beyond
2014 Retail Insight: The Impact of Omni-Channel Trends for 2014 and Beyond
 
2ND ANNUAL IN-STORE DIGITAL RETAIL STUDY: EXPLORING THE REALITY OF THE DIGITA...
2ND ANNUAL IN-STORE DIGITAL RETAIL STUDY: EXPLORING THE REALITY OF THE DIGITA...2ND ANNUAL IN-STORE DIGITAL RETAIL STUDY: EXPLORING THE REALITY OF THE DIGITA...
2ND ANNUAL IN-STORE DIGITAL RETAIL STUDY: EXPLORING THE REALITY OF THE DIGITA...
 

Similar to China eCommerce PoV

China digital consume trends in 2019
China digital consume trends in 2019China digital consume trends in 2019
China digital consume trends in 2019Mauricio Rivadeneira
 
Trends in eCommerce in India - Powered by Hoppingo.com
Trends in eCommerce in India - Powered by Hoppingo.comTrends in eCommerce in India - Powered by Hoppingo.com
Trends in eCommerce in India - Powered by Hoppingo.comHoppingo
 
AGC-Changing-Consumer-Shopping-Experience-Jan-2015
AGC-Changing-Consumer-Shopping-Experience-Jan-2015AGC-Changing-Consumer-Shopping-Experience-Jan-2015
AGC-Changing-Consumer-Shopping-Experience-Jan-2015Linda Gridley
 
The e commerce imperative online version
The e commerce imperative online versionThe e commerce imperative online version
The e commerce imperative online versionVarun Luthra
 
Digital Marketing in China: The Middle Kingdom, The Digital Kingdom
Digital Marketing in China: The Middle Kingdom, The Digital KingdomDigital Marketing in China: The Middle Kingdom, The Digital Kingdom
Digital Marketing in China: The Middle Kingdom, The Digital KingdomIn Marketing We Trust
 
BCG Study 2016 - Digital or Die
BCG Study 2016 - Digital or DieBCG Study 2016 - Digital or Die
BCG Study 2016 - Digital or DieRudy Belouad
 
Total retail-2016
Total retail-2016Total retail-2016
Total retail-2016PwC España
 
Rethink Retail: Create the Future of Shopping Today
Rethink Retail: Create the Future of Shopping TodayRethink Retail: Create the Future of Shopping Today
Rethink Retail: Create the Future of Shopping TodayCognizant
 
The First Word: Deconstructing the Digital Consumer
The First Word: Deconstructing the Digital ConsumerThe First Word: Deconstructing the Digital Consumer
The First Word: Deconstructing the Digital ConsumerCognizant
 
11 Trends in the Future of Retail According to Brian Solis
11 Trends in the Future of Retail According to Brian Solis11 Trends in the Future of Retail According to Brian Solis
11 Trends in the Future of Retail According to Brian SolisBrian Solis
 
Recent marketing trends in retailing
Recent marketing trends in retailingRecent marketing trends in retailing
Recent marketing trends in retailingStrongPoint Baltics
 
The CPG Digital Revolution: Moving from Analog to Digital Operating Model
The CPG Digital Revolution: Moving from Analog to Digital Operating ModelThe CPG Digital Revolution: Moving from Analog to Digital Operating Model
The CPG Digital Revolution: Moving from Analog to Digital Operating Modelaccenture
 
Power of omnichannel engagement
Power of omnichannel engagement   Power of omnichannel engagement
Power of omnichannel engagement Shubham Anand
 
Emerging trends in E-tailing: A novel perspective
Emerging trends in E-tailing: A novel perspectiveEmerging trends in E-tailing: A novel perspective
Emerging trends in E-tailing: A novel perspectiveBella Meraki
 
A Wake Up Call - By Prof Swapna Pradhan, Welingkar
A Wake Up Call - By Prof Swapna Pradhan, WelingkarA Wake Up Call - By Prof Swapna Pradhan, Welingkar
A Wake Up Call - By Prof Swapna Pradhan, WelingkarUday Salunkhe
 
E commerce full notes
E commerce full notes   E commerce full notes
E commerce full notes RAJESH KATIYAR
 
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disruption on the Supply Chain
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disruption on the Supply ChainThe Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disruption on the Supply Chain
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disruption on the Supply ChainJason Prescott
 
Consumer Behaviour in Indian Market
Consumer Behaviour in Indian MarketConsumer Behaviour in Indian Market
Consumer Behaviour in Indian MarketGaurav Gattani
 

Similar to China eCommerce PoV (20)

China digital consume trends in 2019
China digital consume trends in 2019China digital consume trends in 2019
China digital consume trends in 2019
 
Trends in eCommerce in India - Powered by Hoppingo.com
Trends in eCommerce in India - Powered by Hoppingo.comTrends in eCommerce in India - Powered by Hoppingo.com
Trends in eCommerce in India - Powered by Hoppingo.com
 
AGC-Changing-Consumer-Shopping-Experience-Jan-2015
AGC-Changing-Consumer-Shopping-Experience-Jan-2015AGC-Changing-Consumer-Shopping-Experience-Jan-2015
AGC-Changing-Consumer-Shopping-Experience-Jan-2015
 
The e commerce imperative online version
The e commerce imperative online versionThe e commerce imperative online version
The e commerce imperative online version
 
Digital Marketing in China: The Middle Kingdom, The Digital Kingdom
Digital Marketing in China: The Middle Kingdom, The Digital KingdomDigital Marketing in China: The Middle Kingdom, The Digital Kingdom
Digital Marketing in China: The Middle Kingdom, The Digital Kingdom
 
BCG Study 2016 - Digital or Die
BCG Study 2016 - Digital or DieBCG Study 2016 - Digital or Die
BCG Study 2016 - Digital or Die
 
Retail industry 2015 n 16
Retail industry 2015 n 16Retail industry 2015 n 16
Retail industry 2015 n 16
 
Total retail-2016
Total retail-2016Total retail-2016
Total retail-2016
 
Rethink Retail: Create the Future of Shopping Today
Rethink Retail: Create the Future of Shopping TodayRethink Retail: Create the Future of Shopping Today
Rethink Retail: Create the Future of Shopping Today
 
The First Word: Deconstructing the Digital Consumer
The First Word: Deconstructing the Digital ConsumerThe First Word: Deconstructing the Digital Consumer
The First Word: Deconstructing the Digital Consumer
 
11 Trends in the Future of Retail According to Brian Solis
11 Trends in the Future of Retail According to Brian Solis11 Trends in the Future of Retail According to Brian Solis
11 Trends in the Future of Retail According to Brian Solis
 
Recent marketing trends in retailing
Recent marketing trends in retailingRecent marketing trends in retailing
Recent marketing trends in retailing
 
EY-consumers-on-board
EY-consumers-on-boardEY-consumers-on-board
EY-consumers-on-board
 
The CPG Digital Revolution: Moving from Analog to Digital Operating Model
The CPG Digital Revolution: Moving from Analog to Digital Operating ModelThe CPG Digital Revolution: Moving from Analog to Digital Operating Model
The CPG Digital Revolution: Moving from Analog to Digital Operating Model
 
Power of omnichannel engagement
Power of omnichannel engagement   Power of omnichannel engagement
Power of omnichannel engagement
 
Emerging trends in E-tailing: A novel perspective
Emerging trends in E-tailing: A novel perspectiveEmerging trends in E-tailing: A novel perspective
Emerging trends in E-tailing: A novel perspective
 
A Wake Up Call - By Prof Swapna Pradhan, Welingkar
A Wake Up Call - By Prof Swapna Pradhan, WelingkarA Wake Up Call - By Prof Swapna Pradhan, Welingkar
A Wake Up Call - By Prof Swapna Pradhan, Welingkar
 
E commerce full notes
E commerce full notes   E commerce full notes
E commerce full notes
 
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disruption on the Supply Chain
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disruption on the Supply ChainThe Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disruption on the Supply Chain
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Disruption on the Supply Chain
 
Consumer Behaviour in Indian Market
Consumer Behaviour in Indian MarketConsumer Behaviour in Indian Market
Consumer Behaviour in Indian Market
 

China eCommerce PoV

  • 1. Living in the Micro-Moment The New China Consumer is Here
  • 2. 2 Enabled by digital, consumer behaviours in China are evolving rapidly. Consumers in this dynamic marketplace already expect to get what they want, when they want it. By 2020, they’ll be expecting what they want, how they want it…and, by 2025, before they want it. The big question for CPG companies: can they act now to start delivering on these demands?
  • 3. 3
  • 4. 4 Tomorrow’s consumer… here today It’s been a staggering journey. A few years back, just 15 percent of China’s population shopped online. Now it’s 40 percent…and counting.1 In this booming eCommerce marketplace, consumer behaviours are changing fast. Our research shows just how far Chinese consumers have merged digital into their lives:2 On average, 95 percent of shoppers now go online to search for the right items to purchase; that rises to 98 percent for apparel items (88 percent go online to research health and beauty purchases). Shopping used to be a linear process, but no longer. In a hyper-connected, digitalised consumer environment, the path to purchase is convoluted, with multiple, overlapping touchpoints along the way. Every touchpoint is a ‘micro-moment’. And every micro-moment is an opportunity to capture the consumer. It’s a huge opportunity for CPG companies. But there’s a catch. Allegiances are shifting away from brands. Increasingly, Chinese consumers are becoming loyal to solutions that make their lives easier. That’s borne by recent research. An Accenture survey3 shows that consumers increasingly use mobile because it’s convenient and aids faster decision- making. Seventy-seven percent of Chinese shoppers find it easy to purchase via mobile (compared to the global average of 48 percent). Findings from emarketer research support this search for simplicity:4 of Chinese shoppers that use mobile, 65 percent cite convenience as a top reason for buying online. It’s why eCommerce spending per digital buyer in China more than doubled to 9,732 yuan between 2011 and 2015. Convenient shopping solutions are increasing in demand, causing a problem for CPG companies. Right now, few are ready with these solutions and to supply them seamlessly across the micro- moments that matter. In a market that’s evolving at digital speed, they must act now, else risk losing out to the same ‘born digital’ platforms (like Tencent and Alibaba) that have already transformed China into the world’s largest eCommerce market. It’s a scenario that presents CPG companies with some urgent priorities: Understand China’s new consumers. Give them the solutions they demand. And become integral to their day-to-day lives. The ultimate objective? Be a ‘smart assistant’, predicting purchases and providing personalised solutions – before consumers request them. To help CPG companies move towards this objective, Accenture recently carried out research into the new China consumer – tracking eCommerce preferences, pain-points, and motivations. This point of view is based on the results of our online consumer communities.
  • 5. 5 Recent research into the China’s consumer marketplace by Accenture highlights a dramatic evolution in consumer behaviors and expectations. Today consumers expect to get what they want, when they want it. By 2020, they’ll be expecting what they want, how they want it...and, by 2025, before they want it. This raises urgent priorities for CPG companies: Living in the micro-moment: the new China consumer is here • In a connected marketplace, shopping’s much more complex, with multiple, overlapping touchpoints along the path to purchase • And there’s a growning competitive threat. Digital-born platforms enabled China’s e-commerce marketplace…now they’re ideally positioned to capture consumers by providing the seamless solutions they demand. 1 2 3 Consumers in China are shifting from seeking brands to demanding solutions • Up to now, CPG companies have focused on building brands and delivering value by traditional routes. In a digital marketplace, that’s less and less relevant. • The new priority? Serve the micro-moments where consumers seek solutions throughout their purchase journeys • How to achieve this? Either partner with disruptive digital partners or, in less evolved e-commerce markets, drive market developments themselves. • CPG companies that make this leap can lead the China market and capture disproportionate consumer spend. The imperative for CPG companies? Act NOW to capture the micro-moment The longer-term objective? Become the ‘smart assistant’ to consumers, delivering solutions proactively…without waiting to be asked
  • 6. 6 A highly evolved eCommerce marketplace China’s eCommerce market is highly evolved and surging in value. Worth US$371 billion in 2015, it’s on track to hit almost US$630 billion by 2019.5 By any standards, it’s an extraordinary trajectory. And it’s being propelled by technology, with relentless uptake of mobile devices and enthusiastic adoption of mobile payments accelerating the trend ever faster.6 Enabled by disruptive digital platforms like TaoBao, Tmall, Alibaba and Tencent, China is Asia’s consumer powerhouse. And winning there is crucial to success for CPG businesses (China accounts for 45 percent of Asia-wide CPG business).7 But it’s a tough challenge. The same digital platforms that have empowered Chinese consumers now threaten to capture their business (and their loyalty). These ‘born digital’ players have built their organisations around consumers. And because they understand how digital technologies transform the path to purchase, they’ve been quick to tailor seamless solutions that put choice, insights and power at consumers’ fingertips, every step of the way.
  • 7. 7 Introducing the new China consumer Crucially, as China’s digital infrastructure becomes more pervasive, and the lives of Chinese consumers grow more closely integrated with technology, the power, reach (and allure) of these digital platforms can only increase. To meet this competitive threat, the first step for CPG companies is to understand these new China consumers: what they want today, and how their demands and expectations will evolve from now on. Figure 1 gives a high-level view of this evolution. Today Chinese consumers expect companies to give them what they want, when they want it. By 2020, they’ll be expecting to get what they want, how they want it. And by 2025, they’ll expect smart assistants that can provide what they want, before they know they want it. Let’s take a look at this progression in more detail. From today: “What I want, when I want it”… Busy, independent and ambitious, Zhang Li represents a growing group of decision- makers in China’s consumer market. Emphatically in control of her purchase journey, her fundamental needs are clear enough: convenience and value, combined with the right level of choice and information. But her path to purchase has shifted dramatically. Instead of the traditional linear progression (from awareness to consideration to purchase), it’s become much more complex. Figure 1. Chinese consumer evolution • I make a shopping list • I can tap into personalized assistance, where needed • But…Shopping = chore All at best price Today…2016 Tomorrow…2020 Beyond: “Nirvana”… Give me what I Want When I want it Give me what I Want When I need it Give me what I Want Before I want it • My shopping list is on my smart device • I get expert guidance along the way • Shopping = fun adventure Seamless Shopping experience tailored to “my need” • What shopping list? • I choose what’s automated • Take things off-my thinking list • Shopping=Automatic task Shopping fully integrated into life’s moments Basic Shopping + Experience Product+ Convenience=Value Smart Enhanced Shopping Smart Lifestyle: Integration Focused
  • 8. Source: https://www.techinasia.com/line-pulled-55-million-interested-shoppers-flash-sales-thailand-infographic http://www.nielsen.com/hk/en/press-room/2014/more-than-eighty-percent-hong-kong-consumers-will-engage-in-e-commerce-for-non-consumable-entertainment-related-products.html http://www.slideshare.net/iclick_interactive/china-online-retail-market-study-part-2 DBS Report: Asia Retail Sector, 30th April 2015 8 Figure 2. The path to purchase in 2016 Web Company Website Events Peers Social Media EMail Mobile / Apps Search Discover Share Research Trust Compare Purchase Influencer Buyer Decide Evangelize Share Research Peer Reviews Trust ~450,000 visits per month in Luxola, an online beauty store and ~36,000 visitors from Thailand 63% of Hong Kong respondents think of convenience when purchasing online for consumable products like personal care, health and beauty,  Of the 22 million LINE users 5.5 million opt in for LINE’s flash sales in 2013 Beauty products sold in average ~8 min in the LINE Flash sales conducted in 2013 Maybelline lip polish was the highest selling product in the sale at THB 299 Online purchase intention for cosmetics increased 9 percentage points to 23 percent in Hong Kong in 2014 In China, facial mask is the most popular category with 92% of online shoppers, followed by moisturizers (56%), cleansing products (53%), eye cream (52%) and lip care (33%) Awareness Consideration Purchase Multiple elements of Zhang Li’s purchase journeys occur simultaneously and there are technology interfaces across every touchpoint (see Figure 2). Recent Accenture research8 puts this into perspective: 12 percent of Chinese shoppers currently post to social media while shopping in store, and 30 percent eagerly anticipate having that capability. Our research shows that just like other connected consumers across China, Zhang Li identifies gaps in her current path to purchase (offline and online). It’s a common story, referencing the IPSOS report9 on the Chinese consumer marketplace. The report noted that whilst shopping for groceries, there is a notable disconnect between the idea of cooking and shopping for the groceries to cook with. The young and inexperienced (in cooking) consumers have to jump between tools to figure out what to buy, how much to buy and where to buy. There are a few recipe-sharing websites which have started offering a more complete experience by directing consumers to related shopping sites but these websites are not strong enough to attract the desired attention. This is illustrated in a quote from an interviewee from the IPSOS research: “I find it such a hassle to have to compare store by store. If only there was a unified platform that consolidates all the online and offline store offerings…” Similarly for Zhang Li. At the top of her wishlist would be a single platform where she could conduct searches, buy, share her experiences and be rewarded”.10 In other words, she’s seeking an amalgamation of Baidu, Tencent, Weibo, Youku, Alipay and Tmail. She wants a seamless shopping experience, where she can be confident of getting what she wants, personalized and relevant offers - at the micro-moment she wants it. But above all, it means solutions to real-life problems, not just products or brands. Currently she’s growing increasly frustrated as she encounters CPG companies that aren’t meeting her expectations. …to 2020: “What I want, how I want it”… By 2020, Zhang Li’s acquired more purchasing power, she’s busier, and she’s even more dependent on technology. Wearables and phablets are her everyday accessories. Her expectations have changed. She’s willing to spend more, wants the best products and to have them personalized to match her needs. She still looks for convenience and she expects to make every purchase in a seamless omni- channel environment. Micro-moments really matter now. Zhang Li’s purchase decisions favour solutions that get delivered seamlessly – in the micro- moment she seeks them (see Figure 3). In this future environment, where time is of the essence, she’d be willing to outsource some of this decision-making to a smart assistant that could predict and deliver what she wanted (before she knew she wanted it). But few companies are geared up to provide this service. By 2020, her purchase journey has evolved to address many of the shopping frustrations she had in 2015 (see Figure 4):
  • 9. 9 Figure 3. The path to purchase in 2020 Figure 4. 2020 – the path to purchase gets easier No long queues No long travels Less time consuming Need guarantees on quality. I want what I’m promised! Wish online shopping was more engaging Want to try products before I buy. I want to be sure. • Intuitive technology monitors requirements • No long, immersive search required • Online - quicker, safer, easier in one click • Real time feedback mechanisms • Auto-monitors record performance • Instant information access mean high stakes for business • Online shopping more social • Gamification is the new way to engage • Easier customization with 3D printing • Virtual reality • 3D fitting rooms Technology makes Zhang Li’s life easier in 2020 2015 Might of Micro-moments Loyalty Online communities Is it experience and/or the product that drives loyalty? Companies to lose money with undifferentiated loyalty programs What next ? Gamification Purchase Shift to mobile & tablets for shopping; PCs outdated Wearables and shopping at one click to go hand ? Ways businesses could take things off the thinking list ? Compare Long immersive research replace by short bursts of very focus activities Online platforms with access to all information help consumers save time Real-time comparisons on the go Discover Process of discovery is more scientific, controlled Discover what you THINK of with connected wearables and intelligent devices Less paper, more electronic Consider Convenience, Quality & Value for money Do consumers want to outsource the decision making too ? If yes, who are the new smart assistants? Might of Micro-moments Might of Micro-moments Might of Micro-moments Might of Micro-moments
  • 10. 10 …to 2025: “What I want, before I know I want it”… It’s 2025 and Zhang Li’s purchase journey is in a constant state of motion. Technology’s reduced the gap between thinking and doing, and she’s moving continuously from one experience to another, expecting solutions at the ‘speed of thought’ across infinite channel platforms (ICPs)…and no hassles (see Figure 5). Any company that helps her by taking things off her ‘thinking list’ earns loyalty. These are the smart assistants that provide solutions before she actively asks for them. And they’re reaping the rewards. Her lifestyle’s evolved to become even smarter. Technology, now seamlessly integrated into her day-to-day life, is taken for granted – from wearables to implantables and intelligent devices. Everything is seamlessly connected and integrated with multiple channel platforms (see Figure 6). As Zhang Li’s experience shows, we’re witnessing a dramatic evolution –enabled by technology – in the consumer journey (see Figure 7). Loyalties are shifting inexorably from brands to solutions and there’s a growing expectation that companies will be on hand to provide solutions at every micro-moment along the path to purchase. Figure 5. 2025 – the consumer journey Loyalty Purchase Compare DiscoverConsider Consumer’s Journey 2025 After Omni-channel? Instant.
  • 11. 11 Figure 7. Consumer journey evolution – from 4 Ps to 4 Es Physical, tangible product. We make it; you buy it. Period. Living services: Solutions and constantly evolving content; personalized, interactive, shareable From… To… Product Experience Static prices printed on store shelves. Anytime, anywhere price comparison. Negotiable, dynamic, demand-driven. From… To… Price Exchange Purchase at the physical retail location from a physical person Omni-channel seamless experience across physical and virtual worlds From… To… Place Everywhere “Buy” your audience; more money=more impressions TV/ Radio/ Print Ongoing conversations; power of social From… To… Promotion Evangelism Source: http://www.ogilvy.com/On-Our-Minds/Articles/the_4E_-are_in.aspx Figure 6. The technology ecosystem in 2025 Ambient User Experience The Device Mesh Connected homes Other Digital disruptions... Wearables Connected cars Virtual Reality (VR) Virtual Personal Assistant Advanced Machine Learning 3D printing
  • 12. Consumer Needs Convenience Omnichannel tools Virtual Assistants Augmented reality Integrated supply chain Technologies Examples Mobile, online ordering Virtual employee/ staff Virtual Supermarket Click and collect Personalization Customer Centric Analytics Automated Intelligence Personalization Engines Personalization tools Technologies Examples Customized content arbitration Real-time data & decisions Customized landing pages Favorites, dashboards Social Acceptance Social Targeting Customer engagement hub Social Feedback Management Social Commerce Technologies Examples Geo targeted advertising CEH + CRM Social media listening Customer polling Instant Gratification Mobile Wallet Real-Time Communications Digital Coupons QR scanning across devices Technologies Examples Digital wallet and payment Customer service chat/IM Loyalty management Scan and order from TVs 12 Figure 9. The new digital toolkit Focusing on the new China consumer CPG companies must recognise the massive shift that’s underway and act now. Our research shows that China’s new consumers are dissatisfied with purchase journeys that are still far from seamless. Any organisation that can address these gaps will win their hearts, minds and dollars (see Figure 8): Companies that are ahead of the curve in China realise this. They’re using new digital technologies to influence purchase decisions, get closer to consumers and capture a greater share of the marketplace (see Figure 9). Figure 8. Identifying gaps in the purchase journey Seamless No Hassles Personalised Niche Instant Save Time Best Value VFM & Quality
  • 13. 13 For these companies, it’s all about using technology to ensure China’s new consumers are central to everything they do. Instead of thinking of the purchase journey in a linear sense (like most CPG companies), leading disruptors like Alibaba11 are redefining the entire value chain in pursuit of this objective. From its roots as an eCommerce company serving small and medium-sized business, Alibaba’s steadily expanded its offering. By incorporating online payment services (Alipay) and launching an online marketplace, adding monetisation platforms and developing a cloud computing platform, it’s built a future- focused infrastructure for eCommerce that leaves most CPG companies trailing in its wake12 13 (see Figure 10). 1 E-commerce company serving small & medium businesses Alibaba’s offerings What consumer needs Alibaba resets its vision as per demand 2 Expands e-commerce offering to consumers 3 Online payment services. Builds confidence with transparency 4 Development of ecommerce ecosystem in China 5 Future infrastructure for Commerce 1 “Open sesame” for Small exporting businesses 2 Domestic demand explodes Needs of individual consumer 3 Consumer needs confidence in interent buying 4 With increased transparency & trust, ecommerce explodes 5 Rapid convergence of virtual & physical in consumer’s lives 1999 9mm 2003 80mm 2004 94mm 2008 298mm 2007 210mm 2009 384mm 2010 457mm 2013 618mm Alibaba founded in Jack Ma’s apartment in Hangzhou Alibaba.com launched 1688.com (formerly known as Alibaba.com.cn launched Aliwangwang instant messenger launched on Taobao Marketplace Alipay launched Tmall launched Juhuasuan launched AliExpress launched Mobile Taobao App launched Taobao Marketplace launched Alimama monetization platform launched Taobao Marketplace started to monetize Alibaba Cloud Computing founded Singles Day 1 2 3 5 4 Year China’s Internet Population Figure 10. Alibaba – keeping the consumer at the centre of everything
  • 14. 14 Seizing China’s digital opportunity We know that the battle for consumers is already being fought in the micro- moments that make up each purchase journey. The priority for CPG companies is to expand their view of digital channels beyond the ‘buy’ button so they can begin to harness new opportunities for driving sales and measuring success in as many of these situations as possible (see Figure 11). The first step is to develop a strategic e-vision for the future. This must be built on an in-depth understanding of the trajectory of travel for China consumers. To shape this eCommerce vision around their needs, CPG companies need to start asking the right questions (see Figure 12): Also key, discover the role of each touchpoint in the consumer journey so they can provide the right communication at every micro-moment. The challenge here is to persuade decision-makers to choose a particular brand – however convoluted the path to purchase has become. Vancl, the online clothes retailer, has done this successfully. Leveraging an innovative marketing campaign, the company collected data from cookies, dynamic advertising, onsite sources and third-party research. Using this data, it developed a real-time data analytics strategy to optimise ongoing campaigns and inform a new social commerce concept, Vancl Star (targeted customer advocates show off and recommend their Vancl look, earning 10 percent profit share on follow-on sales). It’s worth pointing out that Vancl invests approximately 15 percent of net sales in marketing (compared to the industry standard 3.5 percent).14 Figure 11. The new normal path to purchase Capabilities User Experience and Digital Performances Optimization Understand the consumer Act PlayPause Advocate Propose Relevant Experiences Increase Conversion & Engagement Rate eCommerce (eRetailer/Instore/ Pub) Actionable Insights / Predictive Analytics 3 4 5 6 Social Enterprise Attract Multi-Channel Traffic (Mobile, Web, Physical) 1 2
  • 15. What is our eCommerce vision? Are we wary of selling online and overestimating sales from brick-and- mortar stores? Are we meeting the niche desires of our buyers? Have we focused on the opportunities in the hinterland? What kind of investments do we have in terms of eCommerce related packaging and for perishables? Do we have the right product mix? Do we have Account Managers for our eCommerce partners (similar to what we have in the B&M space)? Have we built-in capabilities to leverage data from eCommerce platforms? Are we enabling cross selling and up selling? 15 Figure 12. Asking the right questions Consumers’ behavioural data is a key resource and leading CPG companies turn it to their advantage. Recognising that it can be hard to differentiate brands on China’s increasingly crowded eCommerce platforms, Burberry launched ‘The Art of the Trench’, a proprietary platform that has successfully positioned its customers as heroes.15 The platform provides customers with a forum for showing off their clothes and individual styling. It also generates thousands of selfies, comments, likes and dislikes – all of them potential marketing leads. On other areas of the site, Burberry uses a rich array of content to target prospects throughout their path to purchase and enable personalisation (allowing customers to design their own customised coats, for example). The company records content consumption and user engagement in its ‘Customer 360’ programme, a data-driven shopping experience that invites customers to digitally share their buying history and shopping preferences, and provides real- time product recommendations. CPG companies should align all elements of their marketing – strategy, spending, channel management and message – with the journey that consumers undertake. To support cross-channel marketing and related opportunities, they’ll need to invest in developing more scalable technology platforms and back-end processes. Implementing advanced analytics is another immediate priority. This will equip companies to predict and influence purchases, helping them move closer to the role of smart assistant where they’re ready to provide personalised solutions – before consumers request them. The addition of subscriptions to existing –commerce platforms should also help to jumpstart growth by positioning CPG companies to secure and retain a greater (and recurring) share of the consumer’s shopping basket.
  • 16. 16 Specific strategic initiatives should include: Establishing partnerships with eCommerce platforms This is a fast-track solution. CPG companies should consider developing partnerships with the same digital players that, having enabled China’s eCommerce revolution, now threaten to seize competitive advantage there. In developing partnerships, two priorities stand out: Treat eCommerce sales channels as strategic partners, not as channels that complement traditional retail channels. This means CPG companies will need dedicated account managers and customised trade marketing/ merchandising plans with each eCommerce player. This could be extended to incorporate specific category management plans for each player. Don’t underestimate the importance of supply chain and customer care. CPG companies must ensure they choose the right logistics and customer care partners so that they can deliver products on time, and address any complaints as rapidly as possible. eCommerce channels extend access to consumers. The trade- off? Far greater responsibility for end-to- end solutions. Some CPG companies are already developing these kinds of partnerships. Last year, Unilever partnered with Alibaba to extend its access to China through the digital native’s data-driven ecosystem.16 Key areas for collaboration between the two organisations include rural China penetration, cross-border eCommerce, consumer protection and big data. L’Oreal’s Lancome did the same, opening a Tmall.com store that achieved US$1.3 million in sales in the first three days17 – setting a new brand sales record for the Tmall cosmetics category. Partnerships like these will help CPG companies to secure market share in China’s connected marketplace. But it’s essential for them to protect their brands on these digital platforms. Robust data management is key. So is sophisticated analytics that can deliver real-time insights into consumer experiences on digital platforms – and how these can be improved.
  • 17. 17 In this paper, we’ve sketched out the evolving expectations and lifestyles of the new China consumer. For CPG companies, the message is clear. Take steps now to meet these expectations, or be sidelined by the same digital platforms that have enabled China’s huge and fast-growing eCommerce marketplace. To help companies get started on this journey, Accenture has developed an eCommerce value assessment (EVA) methodology. Designed to gauge eCommerce readiness and identify priority actions for the business, this provides our clients with audits and assessments of their existing ecommerce solutions, suggestions for improvement, and identification of future ecommerce growth opportunities, along with technology architecture and integration opportunities, governance models, optimum partnership/operating models and omni-channel commerce frameworks. To find out more, please visit: https://www.accenture.com/ sg-en/service-accenture-interactive- omni-channel-commerce Moving ahead: next steps
  • 18. 18 1 http://uk.businessinsider.com/aberdeen- asset-management-carol-yuan-on-china- 2016-2?r=US&IR=T 2 Accenture Adaptive Retail Research Consumer Survey, November 2015 3 Accenture Adaptive Retail Research Consumer Survey, November 2015 4 eMarketer: China Ecommerce: 2015 Market Update, Sept 2015, iResearch consulting 5 Source: Accenture Analysis, Euromonitor, Emarketeer, kantar retail 6 In China, 55 percent of internet users have made at least one mobile payment. In the US, it’s just 19 percent (http:// uk.businessinsider.com/aberdeen-asset- management-carol-yuan-on-china-2016- 2?r=US&IR=T) 7 Source: Euromonitor 8 Accenture Adaptive Retail Research Consumer Survey, November 2015 9 IPSOS report: Online communities research 10 Accenture / Ipsos survey 11 https://hbr.org/2015/06/the-self- tuning-enterprise 12 https://hbr.org/2015/06/the-self- tuning-enterprise 13 Alibaba Group Holding Limited – SEC Filing Form F-1, Pg No. 69 “Our Major Corporate Milestones” (www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/ data/1577552/000119312514184994/ d709111df1.htm) 14 http://www.slideshare.net/MattHunter/ vancl-chinas-online-apparel-giat 15 http://artofthetrench.burberry.com/ 16 www.businesswire.com/news/ home/20150719005029/en/Alibaba- Group-Unilever-Sign-Strategic- Partnership-Agreement 17 http://www2.alizila.com/lancôme- latest-cosmetics-brand-join-tmallcom- infographic Reference
  • 19. 19
  • 20. Copyright © 2016 Accenture All rights reserved. Accenture, its logo, and High Performance Delivered are trademarks of Accenture. For more information, please contact Woolf Huang woolf.w.huang@accenture.com Kher Tean Chen kher.tean.chen@accenture.com About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions—underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network—Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 373,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com. 16-1112