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  • February 2020 (Revised June 2020)
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

China Commerce 2020

By: William R. Kerr, Daniel O'Connor and Nathaniel Schwalb
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:20 
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Abstract

China's digital commerce platforms engage billions of consumers daily across a number of routine tasks from banking, retail purchases, travel, gaming, payments, and more. These platforms are the most sophisticated/informed and highest performing/capable in the world. While often business leaders refer to Amazon as a leader in digital exchange, this case highlights the vital areas where the Chinese platforms lead. Of special note is the merging of the retailers' on and offline capabilities into a unified consumer experience. Retailers like Walmart China have fundamentally altered their business model and federated with these Chinese platforms to build a better consumer experience, sell more, and manage costs and investment. While not all of these practices are globalizing, the non-China platforms are copying them fast to reach the new global standards. Leaders need to be informed and respond.

Keywords

E-commerce; Platforms; Strategy; Leadership; Retail Industry; Technology Industry; Consumer Products Industry; China

Citation

Kerr, William R., Daniel O'Connor, and Nathaniel Schwalb. "China Commerce 2020." Harvard Business School Background Note 820-014, February 2020. (Revised June 2020.)
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About The Author

William R. Kerr

Entrepreneurial Management
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Related Work

    • February 2020 (Revised June 2020)
    • Faculty Research

    China Commerce 2020

    By: William R. Kerr, Daniel O'Connor and Nathaniel Schwalb
Related Work
  • China Commerce 2020 By: William R. Kerr, Daniel O'Connor and Nathaniel Schwalb
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