Azoya Offers ‘Turnkey’ Solution for Cross-border E-commerce in China

Azoya Offers 'Turnkey' Solution for Cross-border E-commerce in China Arthur Zaczkiewicz Using a cost-per-sale structure, Azoya is working with retailers and brands to penetrate the e-commerce Chinese consumer market. Many fashion apparel brands and retailers have struggled with selling directly to consumers in China, said Don Zhao, cofounder and executive director of the Shenzhen-based company. The cross-border market, by its nature, is fraught with challenges — from financial and logistical to cultural and consumer behavioral, Zhao noted. In response, Zhao and Alex Huang, cofounder and chief executive officer, created the company three years ago to serve as a one-stop, "turnkey" e-commerce solutions provider that serves as a bridge to the Chinese consumer for U.S., South American, Asian and European companies and brands. Franklin Chu, managing director of the U.S. for the company, said Azoya works as a true and collaborative partner. Zhao added that Azoya is different than other marketplace providers, which "essentially sets up an e-commerce site and then relies on third-party vendors to do the rest." Azoya's expansion in the market (the company now has over 35 global retail partners) comes as the Chinese consumer remains resilient and continues to evolve despite economic hiccups over the past few years. A recent report from McKinsey & Co. noted that Chinese shoppers continue to trade up from mass-produced Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook. Read More... Fashion 3