e-commerce

Alibaba’s Hong Kong shares surged over 19% driven by strong cloud computing results and AI chip development news. Cloud revenue grew 26% YoY, fueled by AI services, with AI-related product revenue experiencing triple-digit growth for the eighth consecutive quarter. The company’s investments in AI and its entrance into China’s competitive “instant commerce” market are viewed favorably despite temporary earnings pressure. Overall, positive sentiment followed a solid earnings report with significant net income increase and promising e-commerce revival signs.

Affirm (AFRM) shares jumped 12% after exceeding Wall Street expectations in its fiscal fourth quarter. Earnings reached 20 cents per share with a 33% year-over-year revenue increase to $876 million. Net income was $69.2 million, a stark contrast to last year’s loss. Affirm’s volume surged 44%, driven by partnerships with Shopify and Amazon, despite losing Walmart as a partner. The company issued strong fiscal 2026 guidance, highlighting growth in consumer transactions and the success of its Affirm Card, which saw GMV surge 132%. AI is also boosting merchant volume.

Alibaba (BABA) reported a mixed Q1 fiscal year performance. Net income beat expectations with a 78% jump, driven by equity gains and the Trendyol sale. Revenue, however, fell short of estimates. Cloud computing revenue soared 26%, fueled by AI demand, with AI-related product revenue growing at a triple-digit rate for the eighth consecutive quarter. Despite macroeconomic headwinds in China, Alibaba’s stock showed resilience. Investors are optimistic about AI initiatives and investments.

Affirm shares soared after reporting strong fiscal fourth-quarter results, beating expectations with EPS of 20 cents and revenue of $876 million. Revenue jumped 33% year-over-year, and gross merchandise volume increased by 43% to $10.4 billion. The company reported a net income of $69.2 million, a significant improvement from the previous year’s loss. Affirm projects first-quarter revenue between $855 million and $885 million. Despite facing competition from Klarna and Walmart’s shift, Affirm has partnerships with Amazon, Shopify, and Apple.

Bubble Mart’s new Mini LABUBU blind box collection launched yesterday and sold out almost instantly online. The “Inner Code” series was particularly popular, causing overwhelming traffic and “Sold Out” messages on platforms like Tmall and Douyin. Early sales figures show over 1.078 million units sold across Bubble Mart’s online flagship stores. Founder Wang Ning anticipates the Mini LABUBU, designed as a phone accessory, will be a “super-selling blockbuster,” reflecting the company’s strategy to integrate IPs into daily life.

Gree Electric Appliances reported a slight revenue decrease of 2.46% to ¥97.325 billion in its 2025 H1 report, while net profit rose 1.95% to ¥14.412 billion. The company will not distribute dividends. Livestreaming e-commerce generated over ¥5 billion in sales, contributing to consumer engagement. Gree also highlighted its extensive online and offline sales network. Recently, Gree and Xiaomi engaged in a public dispute over air conditioner sales rankings, underscoring market competition.

Taobao Flash Delivery and Ele.me (Alibaba companies) have launched new racing suit-inspired uniforms for delivery riders, sparking online buzz. Beyond aesthetics, the high-performance uniforms prioritize practicality with windproof, water-resistant material, reflective strips, graphene lining, and smart helmets featuring AI assistance and safety sensors. The uniform includes a “Golden Rescue Information Pocket” for emergency data and a medical kit. This investment signals a shift towards professionalizing the delivery sector and enhancing rider safety and well-being, supported by Alibaba’s “City Rider – Orange Initiative.”

Pinduoduo’s Q2 earnings call highlighted strategic investments aimed at long-term growth within the e-commerce ecosystem. Chairman Chen Lei emphasized prioritizing industry development over short-term profits. PDD is increasing subsidies for cross-border merchants and collaborating on innovative business models to expand into new international markets. These efforts are bolstered by the resilience of Pinduoduo’s industrial supply chain, further reinforcing the company’s conviction to increase investments.

Speculation arose on Chinese social media regarding Wahaha’s Tmall flagship store when it was renamed “Tongyuan Kang Food Franchise Store.” Tongyuan Kang confirmed they previously operated as Wahaha’s official Tmall store as a distributor but are now independent after the partnership ended. Tongyuan Kang E-commerce is controlled by Sanjie Investment Group, with Du Jianying holding a major stake. The current “Wahaha旗舰店” on Tmall is now run by Hangzhou Hengyi E-commerce, where Zong Fuli, daughter of Wahaha’s founder, serves as a board member.

Hua Xiaoxiao, a Xinjiang stir-fried rice noodle brand, is rapidly expanding across China, projected to reach over 3,000 locations by 2025. Founder Zhao Gang, leveraging his marketing background, strategically utilized e-commerce to overcome challenges faced by traditional restaurants. By focusing on a standardized, replicable menu item and building a strong online presence, Hua Xiaoxiao achieved scalable growth and improved product development through immediate customer feedback. E-commerce accounts for a significant portion of revenue, enabling community stores and promoting Xinjiang culture. The brand aims for global expansion, using a multi-platform approach to maximize reach.