In this episode of The Negotiation, we are joined by Nicole Lin, Business Development Country Manager at Tmall Global. This conversation comes ahead of the China Cross-Border Summit in Los Angeles on October 16, 2025, co-hosted by WPIC and Tmall Global.

Nicole shares how Tmall Global is helping brands of all sizes access China’s enormous consumer market without requiring a local entity, explaining how bonded zones, logistics, and social commerce integrations make market entry seamless. She discusses the consumer-first philosophy at Alibaba, the latest trends driving growth on Tmall Global, and which categories—like beauty, wellness, supplements, premium food, and pet care—are seeing the biggest lift.

The episode also covers how international brands can localize, stand out, and succeed in China’s fast-paced digital landscape, plus a preview of what to expect at October’s summit in LA.

Discussion Points

• What brands can expect at the China Cross-Border Summit in Los Angeles this October
• What makes Tmall Global different from domestic e-commerce platforms
• How Chinese consumers discover and engage with brands in cross-border channels
• Why now is the right time for U.S. brands to enter the China market
• The top-performing consumer categories on Tmall Global in 2025
• Key lifestyle trends shaping China’s demand for international products
• Lessons from over 46,000 global brands already selling on Tmall Global
• How Alibaba helps brands localize through data, branding, livestreaming, and KOLs
• Practical first steps for brands that want to break into China

In this episode of The Negotiation, we welcome Emmanuel Poupelle, WPIC Marketing + Technologies’ Director of Growth for Europe, to explore how European lifestyle and health brands can succeed in China’s fast-changing consumer landscape. Originally recorded as a webinar, there were so many incredible insights brought to the discussion that we felt it was well worth publishing as a podcast as well.

Drawing on his extensive experience advising international brands, Emmanuel explains why China’s evolving demographics, shifting consumption priorities, and increasing demand for premium lifestyle products have created a major growth opportunity. We discuss why Xiaohongshu (RED) is essential for discovery and influence, how Chinese consumers evaluate value and quality, and why European “heritage” brands still hold strong appeal.

From health supplements and personal care to mental wellness and outdoor products, Emmanuel walks through the most promising categories—and why brands need to lead with storytelling, lifestyle positioning, and an integrated service model to win in China. Enjoy!

Discussion Points

• What’s changing in China’s consumer landscape—and why this matters for European brands
• The growing influence of Chinese outbound travellers and Xiaohongshu (RED)
• Why lifestyle positioning and heritage storytelling are key to market entry success
• Which health and wellness categories are gaining the most traction
• How services, co-branding, and social commerce strategies can complement product launches
• Timing your entry: why summer is ideal for lifestyle and travel-linked brands
• Where opportunities remain wide open: supplements, clean beauty, mental wellness

In this episode of The Negotiation, we speak with Clementine Pippa Ebel, a cultural strategist and expert on China’s rapidly growing outdoor sports market. Clementine works for KAILAS, one of China’s top domestic outdoor gear brands, and brings unique insight into how Chinese consumers are embracing trail running, hiking, camping, and the broader Gorpcore lifestyle.

We explore how outdoor culture is evolving across China—from elite ultra-marathon events to the growth of beginner-friendly running clubs in second- and third-tier cities. Clementine also explains what makes Chinese outdoor consumers unique, how Western brands can enter this space authentically, and the key regional nuances shaping demand.

We also explore the impact of digital communities, livestreaming, and Xiaohongshu on shaping outdoor trends—and why this space represents one of the most exciting opportunities in China's consumer market today.

Whether you’re an outdoor brand eyeing expansion into China or simply curious about cultural shifts in the region, this is a must-listen conversation.

Discussion Points:

· Clementine’s journey from branding and cultural strategy to the world of outdoor sports in China

· The growth of trail running and ultramarathons across Chinese regions

· Why outdoor sports are resonating with young, urban Chinese consumers

· The role of KAILAS and other local brands in shaping the market

· Regional trends and the influence of nature tourism on demand

· How community-driven platforms like Xiaohongshu are fueling outdoor enthusiasm

· Gorpcore fashion: from function to street style in Chinese cities

· What Western outdoor brands need to know to localize effectively

· The intersection of sustainability, wellness, and outdoor consumerism

· Clementine’s outlook on what’s next in China’s outdoor and adventure economy