In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes back Olivia Plotnick, Founder of Wai Social and one of the most insightful voices on Chinese consumer culture and digital marketing.

Olivia recently embarked on a remarkable journey across 32 cities in China over 60 days, immersing herself in the country’s diverse regional cultures and uncovering how people live, shop, and connect with brands today. From Tier 1 cities like Shanghai and Beijing to emerging urban centers, Olivia shares her firsthand observations of the evolving Chinese consumer landscape — revealing both common threads and striking regional contrasts.

The conversation explores the resurgence of offline retail, the growing influence of local brands, and what international businesses can learn from how China’s next generation of consumers engage with products, experiences, and storytelling. Olivia also reflects on her favorite moments from the road and offers advice for brands and travelers alike seeking an elevated understanding of today's modern China. Enjoy!

Discussion Points:

· What inspired Olivia’s 60-day, 32-city journey across China

· High-level takeaways about Chinese consumer trends and culture

· Differences in consumer behavior between major cities and emerging markets

· How offline retail and experience-driven shopping are evolving

· Insights into how Chinese and international brands connect differently with consumers

· What the trip revealed about the next generation of Chinese shoppers

· Stories and standout moments from her travels

· Olivia’s personal recommendations for cities to visit in China

In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes back Crystal Tai. Crystal is a journalist, cultural strategy researcher, and Managing Partner at Nüora Global Advisors. Formerly Senior Managing Editor at Jing Daily, her work explores how changing values + consumer behaviors, and social movements shape business trends and global markets.

In this episode, Crystal shares her insights on the latest developments in China’s sportswear and athleisure markets, including the ongoing popularity of Lululemon, the rise of niche sports labels, and emerging winterwear trends as the season approaches. She also provides an update on Chinese travel patterns in the post-COVID era, assesses overall consumer sentiment, and offers her take on Starbucks’ challenges in the Chinese market.

As always, Crystal brings her sharp reporting and deep understanding of Chinese consumer culture to the conversation—plus, a light-hearted discussion on Taylor Swift’s engagement and its reception among Chinese fans. Enjoy!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

· How Lululemon continues to perform in China and key takeaways from its recent Q2 report.

· The rise of niche sports brands and new trends in the sports and athleisure market.

· Winterwear and winter sports trends to watch as the season kicks off.

· Post-COVID travel patterns and evolving consumer behaviors in China.

· Current Chinese consumer sentiment and what it means for global brands.

· Starbucks’ challenges in China and whether the brand can bounce back.

· A fun look at celebrity news—Taylor Swift’s engagement—and its impact in China.

In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley sits down with David Perez-Des Rosiers, Director of the Beijing Chapter of the Canada-China Business Council (CCBC).

The CCBC has been a cornerstone of Canada–China business relations for over four decades, supporting Canadian enterprises as they navigate opportunities and challenges in China. David shares his perspective on the chamber’s work, its advocacy efforts, and the evolving landscape of bilateral trade and investment.

The conversation also touches on the current state of Canada–China relations, recent provincial-level engagement such as Saskatchewan’s trade mission to China, and the sectors where Canadian businesses are finding the strongest opportunities. David also previews CCBC’s upcoming AGM, an important gathering for business leaders and policymakers to exchange ideas and chart the path forward.

Whether you’re a Canadian business eyeing China, a policymaker, or simply someone interested in international trade, this episode provides practical insights into one of Canada’s most important commercial relationships.

Discussion Points

• David’s role as Director of the CCBC Beijing Chapter
• The role and mandate of the CCBC in Canada–China trade
• Services and support offered to Canadian companies in China
• Recent CCBC advocacy efforts and policy recommendations to Ottawa
• The state of Canada–China relations and signals from recent developments
• Reflections on the Saskatchewan delegation’s visit to China
• Top opportunities for Canadian businesses in China today
• Sectors where Canada has strong positioning (agriculture, energy, consumer goods, services)
• Preview of the CCBC’s upcoming AGM and its significance
• Advice for Canadian businesses navigating China’s market today