Comment Post

I posted a comment on David Wolf's "Silicon Hutong" blog. David Wolf is a corporate communications and marketing strategist living and working in Beijing since 1995. Wolf blogs on many topics relevant to my blog. I chose to comment on a blog post that talked about the Krispy Kreme donut chain and why it is likely to fail. http://siliconhutong.typepad.com/silicon_hutong/food_and_drink/

I just wanted to say that I found your blog on Krispy Kreme very interesting. I found it surprising that there are no donut chain stores in Beijing. Is that still the case now? I have been to Shenzen and although it is one of the most successful Special Economic Zones in China, to me it almost seems like an extension of Hong Kong. So in order to be successful in the mainland I don't see why he would want to start in Shenzen.

I agree with what you said concerning Shanghai and Beijing. I think if someone wanted to start a business there they would be more successful starting in central mainland China and then branching out. They would also be wise to observe successful predecessors as well.

Since you are a long time Beijinger, I was wondering about a few things. First, if a donut chain was able to be successful in Beijing, which part of the city do you think it would be? Second, I have not been to Beijing post-Olympics and was wondering what the business environment was like currently. Third, how is Beijing faring in the midst of the global recession and downturn in exports that is currently affecting China?