Key Brand Moves: Valentino Shanghai Campaigns, Walmart Moves amid Tariffs, and Adidas Sees Strong Growth

Valentino Celebrates Women’s Creativity with Several Campaigns in Shanghai

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Valentino presents several campaigns along Shanghai’s Suzhou River, celebrating women’s creativity through photography, music, and literature. Highlights include a photography exhibition at Fotografiska, a Women’s Live House concert at Union Church, and a literary salon at Naive Bookstore. Through this initiative, Valentino continues to recognize the influence of women’s voices and artistic expression.

JD Reports 2024 Revenue of RMB ¥1.16 Trillion and 71 Percent Net Profit Growth

JD reported a 6.8 percent increase in 2024 revenue, reaching RMB ¥1.16 trillion (approximately $168.5 billion), with net profit rising 71 percent to RMB ¥41.4 billion (about $6 billion). In Q4 2024, revenue grew 13.4 percent year-over-year to RMB ¥347 billion (around $50.5 billion), and net profit surged 191 percent to RMB ¥9.9 billion (approximately $1.4 billion). The company attributed these results to a rebound in consumer spending and robust performance across various product categories.

Chinese AI Firm iFlyTek Expands in Europe Amid US Trade Tensions

Chinese AI company iFlyTek plans to expand its European presence as trade tensions between the US and China continue. The firm, known for its voice recognition technology, aims to diversify its supply chain and increase its market reach. It currently operates in France and Hungary and plans to open a Paris office while exploring expansion into Spain and Italy. iFlyTek, which was placed on a US trade blacklist in 2019, has been developing AI models using Huawei chips and has also integrated models from start-up sensation DeepSeek.

Bvlgari Appoints Corinne Le Foll as CEO of Jewelry Division

Bvlgari has named Corinne Le Foll as CEO of its jewelry and high jewelry division. Le Foll previously led Dinh Van and spent two decades at Cartier, where she held key leadership roles. Bvlgari, founded in 1884 and owned by LVMH since 2011, operates over 320 boutiques worldwide and has expanded into luxury hospitality.

China’s Exports Rise 2.3 Percent YoY in January-February Despite Slowdown

China’s exports in January and February grew by 2.3 percent year-on-year in USD terms, a slowdown compared to December’s 10.7 percent increase. Imports fell by 8.4 percent, reversing a 1 percent growth in December. The trade surplus for the period reached $170.52 billion. Analysts suggest a continued “export rush” effect, especially in January, driven by higher U.S. imports. Despite a potential slowdown due to increased U.S. tariffs starting March 4, exports may still see slight growth in March due to low comparison figures from last year. However, longer-term effects of tariffs could negatively impact exports.

Walmart Requests Price Cuts from Chinese Suppliers Amid Tariffs

Walmart has asked some Chinese suppliers, including kitchenware and clothing manufacturers, to lower prices by up to 10 percent per round of U.S. tariffs, according to Bloomberg News. Many suppliers have resisted due to already tight profit margins. The retailer first requested reductions in early February and later sought additional cuts. Walmart stated it continues to work with suppliers to keep prices low while encouraging a resolution to trade tensions.

Kans Expands into Fragrance Market with New Collection

Chinese beauty brand Kans is set to launch its first fragrance collection by the end of the year, including perfumes, candles, solid fragrances, and diffusers. CEO Lv Yixiong emphasized the company’s strategy of diversifying within the cosmetics sector, expanding across multiple product categories and price ranges.

Adidas Reports Q4 and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results

Adidas posted a 12 percent year-over-year revenue increase in 2024, reaching €23.68 billion (approximately $25.8 billion), surpassing its 10 percent growth forecast. Q4 revenue rose 19 percent to €5.97 billion (approximately $6.5 billion), with strong performance in Europe and emerging markets, while North America saw a 1.6 percent annual decline but rebounded 15 percent in Q4. For 2025, Adidas projects continued market expansion and operating profit growth to €1.7–1.8 billion (approximately $1.86–$1.97 billion).