Shanghai Jahwa Hires Tmall Veteran, JD.com Outperforms and Under Armour Resets

Former Tmall Beauty GM Gu Mai Joins Shanghai Jahwa

Gu Mai, the former General Manager of Tmall Beauty, has officially joined Shanghai Jahwa United Co., Ltd. as the company accelerates digital innovation and category expansion. Known for his deep understanding of China’s beauty ecosystem and his leadership in building cross-border growth channels at Alibaba, Gu’s appointment signals Jahwa’s intent to further strengthen its brand portfolio and consumer reach. His move also reflects the growing trend of top e-commerce talent shifting into brand-side leadership roles.

JD.com Beats Revenue Expectations as Consumer Demand Holds Steady

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com exceeded Q1 revenue estimates, reporting a 7 percent year-on-year increase to 260 billion yuan ($36 billion). The performance was driven by strong logistics services and stable consumer demand, especially in daily essentials and home appliance categories. Net income rose to 7.1 billion yuan, underscoring JD’s operational efficiency amid cautious consumer sentiment. The results suggest resilience in China’s e-commerce sector as domestic players continue to adapt to post-pandemic consumption patterns and heightened market competition.

Under Armour Warns of Sales Decline Despite Q4 Lift

Under Armour reported improved Q4 results, including a 3 percent revenue increase to $1.33 billion, but warned of a challenging fiscal year ahead. The US sportswear brand projects a mid-single-digit percentage drop in sales for fiscal 2025, citing weak North American demand and plans to reset its business strategy. CEO Stephanie Linnartz emphasized a renewed focus on brand elevation, consumer experience, and margin improvement—highlighting the growing tension between turnaround plans and softening global demand for mid-tier performance wear.

Baidu Eyes Autonomous Taxi Rollout in Europe

Chinese tech giant Baidu is reportedly exploring the launch of its Apollo Go autonomous taxi service in Europe, according to local media. The company has already conducted millions of autonomous kilometers in China and seeks to tap into overseas smart mobility markets amid ongoing AI and EV investment. If implemented, Baidu would become one of the first Chinese firms to pilot robotaxi operations in Europe, adding competitive pressure to local players like Waymo and Cruise.

Geely Enters Polish Market in Europe Expansion Push

Geely Auto has officially entered the Polish market, marking a significant step in the Chinese automaker’s European expansion. Its all-electric Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands are expected to spearhead the move, as Geely looks to capture eco-conscious consumers in Central and Eastern Europe. The launch aligns with Geely’s strategy to internationalize its smart EV portfolio and establish brand presence in untapped EU regions, building on previous rollouts in Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Asics Names Bai Jingting as China Brand Ambassador in China

Sportswear label Asics has appointed Chinese actor and singer Bai Jingting as its latest brand ambassador, aiming to enhance its cultural resonance with Gen Z consumers. Bai’s popularity in fitness and street fashion circles complements Asics’ strategy of reinforcing its performance image while appealing to a younger, lifestyle-driven audience. His appointment will be activated through a series of content campaigns and offline engagements, including his appearance at brand events and new product releases.

& Other Stories Teams Up with Roksanda for Collaboration

H&M-owned brand & Other Stories has announced a new collaboration with London-based designer label Roksanda, launching May 15. Founded and helmed by Roksanda Ilinčić, the brand is celebrated for its sculptural silhouettes and expressive color palettes. The capsule collection explores themes of femininity, art, and architectural form, blending Roksanda’s signature aesthetic with & Other Stories’ accessible price point.

Ecco Reopens Shanghai Flagship with Nordic-Inspired Outdoor Focus

Danish footwear brand Ecco unveiled its revamped Active Lifestyle flagship store on Shanghai’s Huaihai Road on May 9. The new space blends Nordic nature with urban energy, highlighting Ecco’s outdoor performance lines. The opening featured appearances by brand ambassador Huang Jingyu and White Mountaineering founder Yosuke Aizawa, underscoring the brand’s fusion of technical design and street appeal.