Who's marketing in China?

The Chinese market is large and its economic growth is outpacing that of many major markets worldwide. No wonder so many companies see China as a key market for goods and services. Four examples:

• Reckitt Benckiser recently acquired the baby formula firm Mead Johnson with an eye towards selling more in China, now that the one-child policy has been changed and the birth rate is increasing. RB has marketed other brands in China, recognising the power of global brands that are already established.
  
  
• Mattel, which owns Barbie and other toy brands, is working with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba to research the local market and develop appropriate products. 'By combining Mattel's unmatched expertise in childhood learning and development with Alibaba's immense reach and unique consumer insights, our goal is to help parents in China raise children to be their personal best', says Mattel's CEO.
• Shanghai Disney, opened in June 2016, expects to welcome 10 million visitors by the time it celebrates its first anniversary. Just as important, the strong attendance is helping the theme park race towards its break-even point and become profitable soon, banking on the high brand awareness of Disney characters and the entertainment experience of family fun.
• The luxury watch brand Cartier markets in China by leveraging its connection with singer/actor Lu Han and through social media marketing. Celebrity spokespeople are credible and influential here, and world-class status-symbol brands are also coveted.

'Authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese'

From Walt Disney Company news

Disney has opened a giant new theme park outside Shanghai, featuring six distinct areas in 963 acres to explore: Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland and Treasure Cove.

The path from idea to approval to construction to opening was long and challenging. Disney originally proposed the theme park 20 years ago, but political and economic factors slowed progress.

The target market is the 330 million people who live within three hours of the park. Millions more may travel longer distances to visit, increasing domestic tourism and spreading awareness of the Disney brand throughout China.

As the head of Disney states: 'Shanghai Disneyland is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese'.

Disney, whose characters are increasingly familiar to Chinese families, faces considerable competition from diverse theme parks already attracting crowds in China. Dalian Wanda Group is opening 10 entertainment complexes, with admission prices below those set by Disney. Other theme parks (such as Hello Kitty) are also competing for the middle class family's attention and money. How will Disney do in this super-competitive environment?