The Impulso Podcast

In a fascinating exploration of the Labubu craze, the hosts discuss why collectors are customizing these toys with extravagant styles, including BBLs. They dive into the emotional psychology behind spending on collectibles that serve no practical purpose. Customization creates personal stories, enhancing attachment and value. Surprisingly, items without utility can be more desirable. As Labubu surpasses other figures in revenue, the podcast reveals the impact of hype, scarcity, and international demand in the toy market, even leading to store scuffles!

Luckin Coffee is making a bold entrance into New York City, targeting Starbucks directly. The hosts discuss its ecommerce platform approach, which turns coffee shops into mini fulfillment centers. They highlight innovative marketing tactics, including food trucks and influencer promotions to create buzz. Luckin's rapid product iteration sets it apart, enabling frequent menu changes. Yet, challenges loom regarding organizational readiness and labor issues as it expands in the U.S. Will this coffee giant thrive in the competitive landscape?

Wei Han, a member of the Impulso Insights team, shares his expertise on quick commerce in the booming markets of India and China. He discusses the intricacies of 15-minute vs. 30-minute deliveries, revealing the challenges riders face and the unique operations of dark stores. Wei highlights the importance of logistics and rider safety, along with the pressure of customer ratings. The conversation raises critical questions about the feasibility of ultra-fast delivery models and what these mean for the future of e-commerce.

Didi is launching its food delivery service, 99Food, in Goiânia to avoid the intense competition in São Paulo. The hosts explore whether Meituan’s entry into Brazil pushed Didi to accelerate its plans. Lessons from Didi's previous attempt in 2019 reveal how past mistakes influenced their current strategy. The discussion also revisits the 2017 battle in China and the tactics used in that subsidy war. With iFood dominating the Brazilian market, challengers must navigate its stronghold as new entrants like Didi and Meituan aim to capture market share.

The conversation delves into how young women in Asia navigate fashion shopping, blending online resources like Pinterest and TikTok with offline experiences at flea markets. Emerging trends such as capsule wardrobes and color analysis spark debates on minimalist versus maximalist styles. The group discusses the evolving significance of brands and whether fast fashion still holds appeal. Their insights reflect a shift towards conscious consumerism, highlighting the emotional impact of clothing on confidence and mood.

Luckin is buying coffee beans, Meituan is sending teams to map the streets—and BYD is rolling out electric buses across São Paulo. Amidst uncertain times, one thing seems to be sure - Chinese tech giants have their eye on Brazil. In this episode, we talk about why everyone in China’s consumer scene suddenly seems to have their eyes on Brazil. From TikTok Shop to Meituan, and from local competition to cultural adaptation, we dive into what’s driving this strategic push and whether it’s built to last.But beyond business strategy, we also unpack the deeper context: the increasingly close relationship between China and Brazil’s governments, Lula’s seemingly increasing popularity, and what this might mean for both countries. Chapters:00:00:43 – Why are Chinese companies flooding into Brazil now?00:02:05 – Chinese F&B giants are going into Latin America00:04:05 – Lula’s good relationships with China 00:07:31 – What is in it for both countries? 

Discover why Grab rides can cost vastly different amounts across Southeast Asia, like $2 in Manila versus $18 in Singapore. Join Denise and Arana as they share their unique ride-hailing habits and preferences in their respective countries. The discussion covers alternatives like Gojek and Foodpanda, and how Grab is used as a super app for food delivery. They also react to new features from GrabX, talk about safety perceptions, and the challenges of driver supply in Singapore.

After 13 years in Thailand, Foodpanda is making a sudden exit. Once the pioneer of food delivery, it’s now being overtaken by newer players—like ShopeeFood, which only showed up four years ago. Amongst operational decisions, PR controversies, and market dynamics, what exactly was it that led to its decline? In this episode, we unpack Foodpanda’s quiet (and rather sad) exit, the competitive nature of Thailand’s food delivery landscape, and what this means for Delivery Hero’s future in Southeast Asia. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Foodpanda quits Thailand: why now?00:01:20 – From first mover to 5%: the slow decline00:04:20 – Why Delivery Hero exits tough markets00:06:00 – Grab & Shopee: platform advantage wins00:08:00 – Global expansion vs. local complexity00:12:00 – Can Foodpanda survive elsewhere?Featured materials: AsiaFood Delivery Platforms In Southeast Asia 5.0, Momentum Workshttps://momentum.asia/product/food-delivery-platforms-in-southeast-asia-5-0/Food delivery platforms in Southeast Asia 2021, Momentum Workshttps://momentum.asia/product/food-delivery-platforms-in-southeast-asia-2021/E114: China’s Didi and Meituan clash in Brazil’s food delivery market, The Impulso Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu_kGfTsqQo&t=60sMy thoughts on Foodpanda’s exit from Thailand, TheLowDownhttps://thelowdown.momentum.asia/my-thoughts-on-foodpandas-exit-from-thailand/

Explore Xiaomi's bold entry into the EV arena, where they’ve sold over 200,000 cars against giants like BYD and Tesla. Discover the buzz around the Porsche-inspired SU7, and the implications of a recent accident on their sales. Delve into the challenges of autonomous driving and the importance of safety, especially for new drivers. Learn how Xiaomi's innovative strategies and focus on design are helping them carve out a niche in China’s fast-paced electric vehicle market.

Founded by a young man with (allegedly) no formal education, Chagee has quickly become one of the top tea brands in the world. Its recent successful IPO debuted at a market cap of nearly US$6 billion. How did they get here? In this episode, we dive into the success story behind Chagee’s rapid rise - from humble beginnings to becoming one of Starbuck’s biggest rivals anda hiccup in Vietnam. With over 6,000 global stores and a plan to expand further into the US in these turbulent times, can Chagee become the next global beverage giant? Chapters:00:00:50 – Chagee’s US$6 billion debut in Nasdaq00:02:30 – How the name “Cha” came about00:04:00 – The founder’s unconventional journey00:07:40 – Chagee’s same store sales are declining00:11:00 – Chagee’s hiccup in Vietnam00:12:00 – Could Chagee be the next Starbucks?