Big in China Three American brands that seem to be doing well overseas, and two Chinese brands we need to import ASAP...

1. Converse All Stars.  

As pretty much any of my yearbook photos will verify, I have always been a little slow at recognizing fashion trends.  

And yet, even I couldn't help but notice the inordinate amount of girls walking the streets of Hong Kong in lowcut Converse All Stars.  

I would say at LEAST one out of every two girls had a pair on.  (Of course, this is Hong Kong, so there were plenty of knock-offs - color canvas shoes designed to LOOK like Converse All Stars.)  

I do realize that Chuck Taylors are a popular/trendy shoe is the US as well (and that this story would be better if I had noticed that Hong Kong girls all wore snowboots or ruby slippers or something crazy), but the mere fact that I DID notice a trend in frigging footwear says something about how dominant these kicks are in Asia.



One day?

2. Prison Break.  

I've never really watched much of Prison Break, but, from what I understand, it has a pretty convoluted plot.  Not quite as batshit insane as something like LOST, maybe, but still on the complex side of average, requiring significant investment/attention from its viewers over the season.

Which is why I'm surprised a show like Prison Break is such a big hit overseas.  People in Hong Kong LOVE Prison Break.  You'd think a sillier, flashier export would go over better in countries where English isn't most viewers' first language (and, to that end, I did find that American Idol is definitely watched far outside of America, despite the existence of local-themed singing competitions, in which Chinese contestants still belt out several songs in English).  

Despite all its twists and turns, though, Prison Break is a hit - apparently Hong Kong's biggest ratings ever for a foreign drama.  

From what I can tell, it's not actually allowed on air in mainland China (though I just read a report online saying that's about to change) - apparently, there has been quite a bit of demand from fans on the mainland who have been watching popular pirated DVDs of the show.

3.  7-11

There are TONS of 7-11s (both in Beijing and Hong Kong, although far more prevalent in HK).

Outside of the Slurpee and the Big Gulp (which, honestly, is more of a size than a product), 7-11 doesn't really make anything that I care about/can remember, so I was surprised to see them have such an international presence (since any number of local convenience chains could sell the same junk at the same price).  But, 7-11s are everywhere in Hong Kong, and, since they accept the Octopus Card (see below), they're actually the most convenient convenience stores I've ever been to.

(Side note: I just decided to read up a bit on 7-11, and found out that the company is actually owned... by the Japanese!  Founded in Texas, American owned for years, but, after some financial troubles, was bought out by a Japanese company.  Apparently they're all over Tokyo, and I guess this explains why they have such a presence in China as well.)

4. The Octopus Card

Bring this concept to the US and you will make millions.  I don't understand why NYC doesn't have something similar - the Octopus Card is dramatically better than a MetroCard, and not just because it has a sweet name like Octopus Card.

An O.C. is a pre-loaded proximity card (you just wave it over the sensor) which works on all forms of public transit (and gives you a cheaper fare than paying cash).  It ALSO works as payment at drug stores, 7-11s, certain Starbucks, McDonalds, etc.  Again, you just wave the card - no swiping, no paper receipt (unless you ask) - just pay and go.



They make Octopus watches, cell phone covers - all proximity based.  Perhaps there's a reason I'm not thinking of that would prevent this from catching on here (though privacy doesn't seem to be an issue, as you can buy/reload the cards with cash anonymously), but I think it's just a matter of time before we have something similar.  

I have seen the credit card of the future, and it has eight legs.

5. Goods Of Desire

Speaking of cool ideas/brands, my favorite local shopping discovery was Hong Kong's Goods of Desire (abbreviated as 'GOD' on lots of their merchandise).  

Clothing, bedding, furniture, household stuff - all very cool, all pretty reasonably priced - most of the stuff a step up from ikea, but still geared towards young urban apartment dwellers.

And, finally, I guess it's not really a brand, but THIS guy was everywhere.



He/Jackie Chan/Yao Ming seemed to endorse every product in China.  I eventually asked someone who he was.

His name is Liu Xiang - he won a gold medal in the 110m hurdles in 2004.  No disrespect to hurdlers, but I was surprised that was enough to make this guy such a superstar.   At last, it was explained to me - Xiang's victory was China's first track and field gold medal EVER - and, as my new friend explained, "he proves that Asians can RUN."