Week In Review: January 7-11, 2013

In case you missed them the first time around, here are some of Jing Daily’s top posts for the week of January 7-11, 2013: 2013 Outlook: Premium Brands In China Can't Ignore WeChat By the end of this year, China will have several hundred million smartphone users, able to receive directly tailor-made content, offers and services, make purchases via integrated payment systems, and instantly share news, insights and interests with their personal networks. Currently boasting over 300 million users in China, the leading mobile group messaging app WeChat (weixin, 微信) now reaches 70 percent of China’s 3G mobile phones and continues to catch on in China as well as throughout Asia. China's Home-Grown Luxury Brands Struggle For Credibility, Customers One of the most commonly discussed topics within China’s luxury industry (and here on Jing Daily) is when the country will produce its own luxury brands that people are actually willing to buy. This topic has only become more pressing over the past two years, following the release of the Chinese government’s 12th five-year plan, which prominently advocated the nurturing of domestic Chinese brands that could compete on a global level and move up the value chain. China's Diamond Market Could Have A Tougher Year Ahead Major global jewelers may remain bullish about their prospects in mainland China market, but storm clouds remain over the industry as Beijing’s anti-corruption drive hits conspicuous consumption and consumers go for smaller, lower-quality rocks in the year ahead. While China’s luxury market as a whole could show a rebound from last year’s mixed results, changing consumption modes in top-tier cities in particular has the potential to crimp sales in the short-term, according to Asia Cracked. Montblanc "Bridge Of Love" Campaign Taps China's Young Romantics Perhaps recognizing that Chinese fans are often willing to put a great deal of effort into online giveaways and competitions, Montblanc recently launched a Valentine’s Day-themed Sina Weibo contest, “Bridge of Love” (爱情之桥). The contest, which is far less complex than other recent digital efforts like Buick’s recent augmented reality app competition, encourages users to write virtual love letters and place them inside “love locks” (爱情锁), which hang on the animated Bridge of Love. Upon completing and sending love locks to their intended recipient, users are then encouraged to follow Montblanc’s Weibo page and spread the word about “Bridge of Love” to their followers. Serpentine Surprises: Jing Daily's Chinese New Year Gift Guide As the Year of the Snake slithers ever closer, here are Jing Daily’s picks to keep in mind when shopping for friends, family, and significant others.

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Week In Review: January 7-11, 2013