Tony Shan, Head of the Americas for Alibaba’s B2C cross-border marketplace Tmall Global, recently participated in a webinar with Business Oregon, the state’s economic development department, on how local businesses can reach the Chinese market through Alibaba’s platforms. Many of Oregon’s leading companies, including Nike, Columbia, Leatherman, and Bob’s Red Mill, use Alibaba’s platforms to sell to Chinese consumers. Shan covered recent trends in the China retail landscape and explained how Alibaba helps small and medium-sized U.S. businesses overcome logistical, technological, and cultural barriers to reach Chinese consumers more effectively.

“Alibaba has an event every November called Singles Day, where they do record sales and all types of promotions…we’re excited to bring that opportunity to Oregon,” said Amanda Welker, Global Strategies & Recruitment Manager for Business Oregon.

Watch the full webinar here.‍

Oregon’s Schmidt’s Is Set to Meet Growing Demand for Natural Skincare Products in China‍

Portland, Oregon-based Schmidt’s is the maker of the first deodorant in the United States to be certified natural. The vegan and cruelty-free brand is bringing its innovative products to Chinese consumers and jump-starting its launch into Asia by partnering with Alibaba’s Tmall Global through the Go Global 11.11 Pitch Fest. Pitch Fest was created by Alibaba to help support small businesses and provide them with marketing advice and exposure to boost brand awareness. Last year, U.S. brands generated $5.4 billion in sales during the 11.11 festival.

“We’re very excited because the natural product revolution is just getting underway in China,” says Laura Zander, Global Brand Manager for Schmidt’s. “By entering the market now, we can adapt our products to truly meet Chinese consumers’ needs.”

Schmidt’s is now working with the Alibaba team to better understand the demand for natural, clean skincare in China and craft a product assortment for the 11.11 festival that features ingredients and scents tailored for Chinese consumers. The brand is also creating content that highlights its brand pillars of transparency and naturally derived ingredients that work equally well for both women and men.‍

“11.11 is a huge opportunity for us to see how Chinese consumers perceive natural deodorants and to gather insights and learnings,” says Zander. “Our job ahead is to instill trust, confidence, and familiarity.”