GENUINE X AARKE

FROM STOCKHOLM TO SHANGHAI: MAKING AARKE WORK LOCALLY

What works in Stockholm doesn’t always work in Shanghai. For Aarke, launching in China meant going far beyond product—it required structure, strategy, and a platform-native voice. GENUINE developed all three, turning ambition into real market traction.

Services Scope:

Market Research

E-commerce Operations

Social Marketing

Management Summary

For Aarke, entering China meant rethinking how the brand moved, spoke and delivered. GENUINE provided end-to-end support: forming the legal backbone of the operation, designing platform-specific communications and enabling the kind of fulfillment and service Chinese consumers expect. The result was not a copied-and-pasted global strategy, but a new structure, designed to match the market it entered.

Challenges

Strong brand equity in Europe, but no awareness or visibility in China
Lacked presence on Chinese lifestyle platforms such as RED and WeChat
Missing trust signals like reviews, local service and fast delivery
No infrastructure to support direct sales, customer engagement or fulfillment in China

Genuine solutions

Establishment of a local operational framework, including a registered WFOE and ERP system integration
Implementation of logistics, customs clearance and fulfillment infrastructure to ensure reliable delivery
Development of platform presence across RED, WeChat, Weibo and livestream channels
Execution of content strategy, influencer collaborations and community engagement to position Aarke as a credible design brand in China

What our clients say

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CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

Premium design does not automatically translate across borders. Aarke faced a fragmented landscape—new platforms, unfamiliar buyer behavior and limited operational readiness. The solution began with structure: establishing a legal entity, managing inventory flows and enabling fulfillment. Then came visibility—platform activation, content strategy and influencer collaborations tailored to local expectations. The brand stayed true to its roots while speaking fluently to a new audience.

BRAND LOCALIZATION THROUGH STRUCTURE + STORY

Success in China required both foundation and fluency. GENUINE built Aarke’s back-end operations and front-end engagement systems simultaneously, allowing the brand to operate efficiently and connect meaningfully from day one.

HOW WE MADE IT WORK

Rather than lead with content or campaigns, the focus began with readiness: creating an entity that could run, respond, and grow. Strategy lived at every level—from setup to storytelling.

Step 1

STARTING WITH SIGNAL, INSTEAD OF NOISE

The project began with in-depth research—competitive mapping, regulatory insight and audience profiling. This shaped every decision that followed, from sales channels to platform tone.

Step 2

SETTING UP A RUNNING BUSINESS

We coordinated the formation of a Chinese WFOE, integrated ERP tools and developed a localized logistics system—building operational independence from day one.

Step 3

SPEAKING TO THE RIGHT AUDIENCE, IN THE RIGHT WAY

Platform activation spanned WeChat, RED, Weibo and livestreaming, each with tailored influencer and content strategies designed to engage a young, design-conscious consumer segment.

Step 4

STAYING RESPONSIVE, ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE

Analytics, customer feedback, and platform trends were continuously reviewed to refine messaging, improve service and optimize campaign performance. Growth came through iteration, not assumption.

TAKEAWAYS

By putting both operational systems and brand communication in place, Aarke moved beyond visibility. The result was market legitimacy—built through consistency, access and a recognisable presence across key platforms. GENUINE didn’t act as a campaign driver, but as the architect of a functioning brand infrastructure designed to perform, adapt and grow over time.

Unlock your full potential in China

Join forces with GENUINE and let our proven methods give you a competitive edge in the complex Chinese market.

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References

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