Domestic Brands Seize Opportunity in Wake of Huawei Incident, Capitalizing on Consumer Attention
In the wake of the Huawei incident, domestic brands have seized the opportunity to regain public attention and capitalize on consumer interest. This development comes as a response to the surge in popularity of automatic pens priced at 10 RMB with three sets included, bundled with 60 extra refill cartridges.
28 September 2023
The recent influx of automatic pen promotions has been met with both admiration and criticism from Chinese netizens on Weibo, a popular social media platform in China. The promotion, which appears to be a lavish display of luxury, has sparked heated debates among users, with some praising the domestic brands for their creative marketing strategies while others criticize the perceived wastefulness of the promotions.
One Weibo user @得力文具 (Powerful Pen) expressed a desire for an automatic eyebrow pen that replaces ink cartridges, suggesting that domestic brands should explore this area of the makeup industry as well. The post garnered a mix of reactions, with some users expressing support and others expressing skepticism about the practicality and profitability of such an invention.
The Weibo user @大佬嘴 (Rich Mouth) expressed admiration for domestic brands' ability to unite and collaborate with other brands, stating that "Before others said that domestic brands should unite, in fact, they have been doing so for a long time, their character is really good and lovable." This sentiment was echoed by many other netizens who praised domestic brands for their ability to band together and compete effectively with international companies.
However, not all reactions were positive. Some users criticized the high price of the 79 RMB pens compared to their actual production costs, accusing the brands of deceiving consumers. The Weibo user @火燄 (Fire) exclaimed, "79's pen is really expensive! And the cost is only a few dollars! Yet they sell it to us for 79! They really treat us like fools who have been deceived."
Another netizen, @探路人 (Explorer), expressed a desire for more transparent pricing and marketing practices from domestic brands. "Having a well-developed network is great," they wrote, "but us common folks can stir up a ruckus in the corporate world and even say our bit."
Despite these criticisms, many Weibo users expressed admiration for Hua Xiwei's success in leveraging the Guochao (国潮，or national trend) movement to promote domestic brands. The term Guochao refers to the growing interest and pride in domestically produced goods and products, particularly as a response to political tensions with foreign countries.
The Weibo user @美好的一天 (A Good Day) praised Hua Xiwei's efforts, stating, "Hua Xiwei has achieved great success in taking the example of Guochao, and has been ruthlessly slapped by those who are also capable. Now, Hua Xiwei has become the driving force behind the rise of national brands, and everyone is launching their own 79 yuan or 7.9 yuan packages."
In conclusion, the recent influx of automatic pen promotions among domestic brands in China reflects a strategic response to the Huawei incident and the growing interest in Guochao movement. While some netizens expressed admiration for these promotions and praised the cooperative spirit among domestic brands, others criticized perceived wastefulness or deceptive pricing practices. As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how domestic brands will navigate this competitive landscape and maintain consumer trust and loyalty.