China's Retail Revolution: How SHEIN, Temu, and TikTok are Reshaping Global Commerce - Ed Sander
March 22, 2025
4 out of the top 8 Apps on the US Apple Store come from China. Many are shopping platforms such as SHEIN, Temu and TikTok Shop. These platforms have strong algorithms, massive supply chain networks, and seemingly bottomless investment pockets. Is the West slowly becoming addicted to Chinese-style online shopping? We talked to Ed Sander, who is the co-founder of ChinaTalk, a Dutch service provider specializing in knowledge transfer about China. Ed also writes for the TechBuzz China substack.
1. You arrange business tours in China. Tell us about the upcoming Spring Exclusive Investor Electric Vehicle Trip. Is it too late to sign up?
2. Why has TikTok Shop struggled to get traction in the U.S. while it's been so wildly successful in SE Asia?
3. How can brands make TikTok Shop work in the U.S.? What's the magic formula? Will it come from live commerce?
4. Are some markets more influenced by cultural differences that help drive livestream shopping success? Or are Chinese just more open to new experiences? Do you think brands should engage in livestream shopping?
5. Do you think TikTok Shop makes adjustments on their platform to make shopping more palatable?
6. Is there still a place for brands or livestream commerce for cheap, impulsive products?
7. Why are you so bullish on the growth of Temu? How will they adjust for impending Trump tariffs?
8. How will Temu and SHEIN impact global markets in Europe?
9. Who has the best chance of success, SHEIN, Temu or TikTok Shop?
10. What is happening with Meituan's Keeta? How will it dominate in food delivery?
4 out of the top 8 Apps on the US Apple Store come from China. Many are shopping platforms such as SHEIN, Temu and TikTok Shop. These platforms have strong algorithms, massive supply chain networks, and seemingly bottomless investment pockets. Is the West slowly becoming addicted to Chinese-style online shopping? We talked to Ed Sander, who is the co-founder of ChinaTalk, a Dutch service provider specializing in knowledge transfer about China. Ed also writes for the TechBuzz China substack.
1. You arrange business tours in China. Tell us about the upcoming Spring Exclusive Investor Electric Vehicle Trip. Is it too late to sign up?
2. Why has TikTok Shop struggled to get traction in the U.S. while it's been so wildly successful in SE Asia?
3. How can brands make TikTok Shop work in the U.S.? What's the magic formula? Will it come from live commerce?
4. Are some markets more influenced by cultural differences that help drive livestream shopping success? Or are Chinese just more open to new experiences? Do you think brands should engage in livestream shopping?
5. Do you think TikTok Shop makes adjustments on their platform to make shopping more palatable?
6. Is there still a place for brands or livestream commerce for cheap, impulsive products?
7. Why are you so bullish on the growth of Temu? How will they adjust for impending Trump tariffs?
8. How will Temu and SHEIN impact global markets in Europe?
9. Who has the best chance of success, SHEIN, Temu or TikTok Shop?
10. What is happening with Meituan's Keeta? How will it dominate in food delivery?
Ed Sander on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edsander/
Tech Buzz China: https://substack.com/@techbuzzchina
Exclusive Investor EV Trip Details: https://techbuzzchina.substack.com/p/join-the-tech-buzz-china-spring-2025
For everything ShanghaiZhan: http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox: https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M
ShanghaiZhan Theme Music: by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/
1. You arrange business tours in China. Tell us about the upcoming Spring Exclusive Investor Electric Vehicle Trip. Is it too late to sign up?
2. Why has TikTok Shop struggled to get traction in the U.S. while it's been so wildly successful in SE Asia?
3. How can brands make TikTok Shop work in the U.S.? What's the magic formula? Will it come from live commerce?
4. Are some markets more influenced by cultural differences that help drive livestream shopping success? Or are Chinese just more open to new experiences? Do you think brands should engage in livestream shopping?
5. Do you think TikTok Shop makes adjustments on their platform to make shopping more palatable?
6. Is there still a place for brands or livestream commerce for cheap, impulsive products?
7. Why are you so bullish on the growth of Temu? How will they adjust for impending Trump tariffs?
8. How will Temu and SHEIN impact global markets in Europe?
9. Who has the best chance of success, SHEIN, Temu or TikTok Shop?
10. What is happening with Meituan's Keeta? How will it dominate in food delivery?
Ed Sander on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edsander/
Tech Buzz China: https://substack.com/@techbuzzchina
Exclusive Investor EV Trip Details: https://techbuzzchina.substack.com/p/join-the-tech-buzz-china-spring-2025
For everything ShanghaiZhan: http://zhanstation.com/
Got a Question? Access Our Mailbox: https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6StjsljIEPkXt3M
ShanghaiZhan Theme Music: by Bryce Whitwam
https://soundcloud.com/bryce-r-whitwam/bad-cough-syrup?si=cfb30a6e0c0e459da78b912bf60825ac
Bryce on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewhitwam/
Ali on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alikazmi/