http://www.thebergstromgroup.com Sat, 19 May 2012 07:08:33 +0000 en hourly 1 http://efclan.org/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/a-new-take-on-chopsticks/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/a-new-take-on-chopsticks/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 12:54:58 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/a-new-take-on-chopsticks/

Recently, we spotted unique chopsticks on offer at a local chain store. The company Oriental Chopsticks has introduced a sizable variety customized with astrological signs, Chinese zodiac signs, and even people's Chinese last names.]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/magazine-twins-the-new-yorker-and-sky-golfer/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/magazine-twins-the-new-yorker-and-sky-golfer/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:55:11 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/magazine-twins-the-new-yorker-and-sky-golfer/

We noticed a new magazine recently. Although the topic is golf, we think it looks similar to The New Yorker.  Imitation is the highest form of flattery right?]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/how-to-present-iphone-status-without-selling-a-kidney/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/how-to-present-iphone-status-without-selling-a-kidney/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:10:33 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/how-to-present-iphone-status-without-selling-a-kidney/ Chinese Teen Sells Kidney For iPad And iPhone) In reality, this is not a "new" story. We recall several cases of young Chinese willing to trade a kidney for a shiny iGadget. While not common, it does reflect the importance of keeping up and the close connection between consumer goods and status.

Online, we have seen two ways that consumers "fake" an iPhone signature online.

7 steps for a DIY user:
#1 find and save an iPhone sign-in logo from the Internet (or simply a screenshot from QQ friend who is logging in via iPhone)
#2 use Photoshop to add the iPhone sign-in logo onto your avatar
#3 upload the edited avatar to QQ
#4 customize the QQ online status from "online", "busy", or "away" to "iPhone QQ online"
#5 add the sentence every time you talk to someone on QQ: "(本消息由您的好友通过iPhone QQ发送，详情请访问： http://apple.qq.com/ ) (meaning this message is sent by your friend via iPhone QQ, for details please visit:http://apple.qq.com/)" (this appears automatically if an iPhone user starts conversation via QQ)
#6 edit the sentence font to black Song typeface, size 9
#7 now it's time to enjoy your DIY result]]>

There was a ruckus recently about a Chinese youth who sold a kidney for an iPhone and iPad. (NPR: Chinese Teen Sells Kidney For iPad And iPhone) In reality, this is not a "new" story. We recall several cases of young Chinese willing to trade a kidney for a shiny iGadget. While not common, it does reflect the importance of keeping up and the close connection between consumer goods and status.

Online, we have seen two ways that consumers "fake" an iPhone signature online.

7 steps for a DIY user:
#1 find and save an iPhone sign-in logo from the Internet (or simply a screenshot from QQ friend who is logging in via iPhone)
#2 use Photoshop to add the iPhone sign-in logo onto your avatar
#3 upload the edited avatar to QQ
#4 customize the QQ online status from "online", "busy", or "away" to "iPhone QQ online"
#5 add the sentence every time you talk to someone on QQ: "(本消息由您的好友通过iPhone QQ发送，详情请访问： http://apple.qq.com/ ) (meaning this message is sent by your friend via iPhone QQ, for details please visit:http://apple.qq.com/)" (this appears automatically if an iPhone user starts conversation via QQ)
#6 edit the sentence font to black Song typeface, size 9
#7 now it's time to enjoy your DIY result]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/field-notes-from-the-2012-shanghai-sex-products-expo/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/field-notes-from-the-2012-shanghai-sex-products-expo/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:10:38 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/field-notes-from-the-2012-shanghai-sex-products-expo/
What we noticed:
1. The expo was full enough to spill booths onto the second floor for the first time
2. Many different ideas about sexuality (from romantic to silly, artistic to technological)
3. No surprise, booths with AV stars seemed to have the most traffic
4. There was a booth or two discreetly promoting gay issues (rainbow bracelets, etc.)
5. Large audiences for the rated G stage shows (girls in costumes, primarily standing still with product in hand)
6. Many sellers were embarassed to discuss their products in mixed company
7. A few interesting companies presenting new concepts (ancient Chinese massage oils, etc.)
8. Overwhelmingly, audience members were middle aged Chinese men, in black winter coats]]>
What we noticed:
1. The expo was full enough to spill booths onto the second floor for the first time
2. Many different ideas about sexuality (from romantic to silly, artistic to technological)
3. No surprise, booths with AV stars seemed to have the most traffic
4. There was a booth or two discreetly promoting gay issues (rainbow bracelets, etc.)
5. Large audiences for the rated G stage shows (girls in costumes, primarily standing still with product in hand)
6. Many sellers were embarassed to discuss their products in mixed company
7. A few interesting companies presenting new concepts (ancient Chinese massage oils, etc.)
8. Overwhelmingly, audience members were middle aged Chinese men, in black winter coats

]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/interview-long-distance-love-affair/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/interview-long-distance-love-affair/#comments Fri, 02 Mar 2012 04:35:32 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/interview-long-distance-love-affair/  
The Bergstrom Group: What do you think a typical Shanghainese boyfriend or husband should be like?

Kitty: He should study hard and have a good job. He should not play computer games or video games. They are too addictive and he will not pay attention to the girl. My ex-boyfriends always complained that I don't hang out with them enough. They also couldn't stand that we went to different universities. If you can't stand that, we have no future. I mean what if we have jobs in different cities and only see each other every two or three months? The relationship won't work.]]>

Kitty, a 20 year old Shanghainese university student is in a long-distance relationship. She has been in a committed relationship with her boyfriend of 10 months, Kelvin. Kelvin studies in the US and Kitty plans to join him next year. In the meantime, they have decised means to stay close. We spoke with her about her views on long distance relationships, gift giving and sex.
 
The Bergstrom Group: What do you think a typical Shanghainese boyfriend or husband should be like?

Kitty: He should study hard and have a good job. He should not play computer games or video games. They are too addictive and he will not pay attention to the girl. My ex-boyfriends always complained that I don't hang out with them enough. They also couldn't stand that we went to different universities. If you can't stand that, we have no future. I mean what if we have jobs in different cities and only see each other every two or three months? The relationship won't work.]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/mapping-love/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/mapping-love/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:40:37 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/mapping-love/ Map of Love” in honor of Valentine’s Day. Users could see love notes from both singles and couples in their area.]]>



Baidu launched a special feature for its mobile and PC map services called, the “Map of Love” in honor of Valentine’s Day. Users could see love notes from both singles and couples in their area.]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/media-spotlights-once-taboo-womens-status/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/media-spotlights-once-taboo-womens-status/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:12:35 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/media-spotlights-once-taboo-womens-status/



Until recently, single status for women was taboo. Whether by choice or by circumstance, finding oneself outside of marriage could be an uncomfortable and lonely place. But like most things in China, change is afoot. We have noticed media recently that gives a voice and personality to two roles that have traditionally been swept under the rug: older bachelorettes and single moms.]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/oyeah-sex-boutiques-tell-their-stories/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/oyeah-sex-boutiques-tell-their-stories/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:45:26 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/oyeah-sex-boutiques-tell-their-stories/ Red Light Revolution" is the comedic film about an out-of-work Beijing taxi driver who opens a sex shop. Despite its racy theme, the film has gotten a lot of play on Tudou and has even made it to the big screen in Toronto, London, and Vancouver. The fact that the film passed censors says something about the subject's quickly fading taboo -- and the fact that there is no nudity. But it also points to a change in people's attitudes and appetite for conversing openly about sexuality.]]>



Maybe you have seen it? Or at least heard about it. "Red Light Revolution" is the comedic film about an out-of-work Beijing taxi driver who opens a sex shop. Despite its racy theme, the film has gotten a lot of play on Tudou and has even made it to the big screen in Toronto, London, and Vancouver. The fact that the film passed censors says something about the subject's quickly fading taboo -- and the fact that there is no nudity. But it also points to a change in people's attitudes and appetite for conversing openly about sexuality.]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/celebrating-valentines-day-and-mistress-day/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/celebrating-valentines-day-and-mistress-day/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:18:47 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/celebrating-valentines-day-and-mistress-day/



Although February 14th is known as Valentine's Day, the day before, Mistress Day, has drawn attention. In Hebei province, billboards were installed along the highway and banners were posted at subway and bus stops, reminding couples, “Don’t have an affair on Valentine’s Day. Bring your love home.” Online, some cheeky youth poked fun at Mistress Day while other enterprising girlfriends showed off their loot from boyfriends who gifted on both Mistress Day and Valentine's Day.]]> http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/behind-the-scenes-of-goth-in-shanghai/ http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/behind-the-scenes-of-goth-in-shanghai/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:46:16 +0000 Bergstrom Trends http://www.thebergstromgroup.com/new-blog-view/behind-the-scenes-of-goth-in-shanghai/ One of the hospital theme party held in Fee Café.

Alice works at a gothic-themed hangout tucked into a quiet street in Shanghai. We were keen to share her impressions of the sub-culture and understand how the cafe helps to build a community.

The Bergstrom Group: What products and services do you offer besides coffee and drinks?

Alice: We also sell Gothic style clothes, do Tarot cards readings, organize themed events, and host a weekly movie night.

TBG: Could you tell us more about the Gothic style clothes? Who are the designers or brands?

Alice: There are more and more original Goth or Gothic Lolita brands, such as 表面咒语(Surfacespell), 第69部门(The 69^th Department), Kred Lanrete, and le Flacon. Some of the brands have 7-9 years of history, they are sold online, some even internationally. The designers and most of the customers are Chinese youth. These indie brands belong to an underground culture, we just provide a platform for them.]]>



One of the hospital theme party held in Fee Café.

Alice works at a gothic-themed hangout tucked into a quiet street in Shanghai. We were keen to share her impressions of the sub-culture and understand how the cafe helps to build a community.

The Bergstrom Group: What products and services do you offer besides coffee and drinks?

Alice: We also sell Gothic style clothes, do Tarot cards readings, organize themed events, and host a weekly movie night.

TBG: Could you tell us more about the Gothic style clothes? Who are the designers or brands?

Alice: There are more and more original Goth or Gothic Lolita brands, such as 表面咒语(Surfacespell), 第69部门(The 69^th Department), Kred Lanrete, and le Flacon. Some of the brands have 7-9 years of history, they are sold online, some even internationally. The designers and most of the customers are Chinese youth. These indie brands belong to an underground culture, we just provide a platform for them.]]>