Throughout the outbreak, we’ve seen China’s leading tech giants actively supporting businesses to set-up their eCommerce operations. Many view this as a win-win. The platforms gain new channels to build exposure and sales, meanwhile businesses are able to offset their offline losses.
It’s important to recognise however, that much of this support is being delivered via mini-programs. Mini-programs are an iconic Chinese approach to tech-integration. They support consumers to seamlessly interact with businesses (both online and offline) without ever straying from their preferred social/payment platform.
Although these technologies are yet to take off in the west, a growing number of western businesses are launching comparable direct-selling initiatives on platforms such as WhatsApp. Over the coming months, it’s possible that we may see mini-program technologies starting to emerge in the west.
Last week, Pinduoduo, JD and Alibaba took their support one step further. They commenced actively procuring and promoting Hubei Province goods in an effort designed to kick start their devastated local economy. We see this as a strong community initiative which we expect will similarly play out in the west as countries and communities pull together to support each other.