Xiaomi's Surprise Moves: How Lei Jun's Live Streams and Trademark Registrations Reveal a Shift in Strategy
In a surprising turn of events, Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, has been making headlines with his recent livestreams on Douyin, a popular Chinese social media platform. Despite his initial hesitation to engage in livestreaming e-commerce, Lei Jun has now fully embraced the format, leveraging his massive following and influence to promote Xiaomi products. This shift in strategy has sparked widespread discussion and speculation about the future direction of Xiaomi. A review of Xiaomi's trademark registrations reveals that the company has already secured trademarks for products such as sanitary pads, which were previously considered outside of their core business scope. This development raises questions about the company's expansion plans and whether they will venture into new areas, despite Lei Jun's earlier statements suggesting otherwise.

18 March 2025
The recent exposé of substandard sanitary napkins and diapers on CCTV's 3.15 evening show has sparked widespread concern among consumers, with many calling on Xiaomi to produce high-quality sanitary napkins and diapers. This is not the first time that netizens have asked Xiaomi to enter the market, as the company's reputation for producing reliable and affordable products has led many to trust its brand. In response to the outcry, Xiaomi's ecosystem general manager, Chen Bo, had previously stated that the company would not be producing sanitary napkins, but the comment has since been deleted. The incident has highlighted the potential for Xiaomi to expand its product line into the hygiene industry, which is expected to reach $600 billion by 2025. With the market dominated by international brands such as Procter & Gamble and local companies like Seven Degrees Space, Xiaomi's entry into the market could provide consumers with a reliable and affordable alternative.
Xiaomi has gone on to develop and release products that its founder, Lei Jun, had previously stated the company would not pursue, including items such as treadmills, automobiles, and electric toothbrushes. Furthermore, despite executive statements denying any interest in producing sanitary products like sanitary napkins and diapers, the company has proceeded to register trademarks related to these very items. This apparent contradiction between public statements and actual business moves has raised eyebrows, suggesting a shift in Xiaomi's strategic vision or a deliberate divergence from publicly stated goals. As Xiaomi continues to expand its product lineup, it remains to be seen how these new ventures will impact the company's brand identity and market position.
The company's history of engaging with its fanbase and broadening its product portfolio has led to speculation about potential reversals of these statements. Market expectations are fueled by Xiaomi's past actions, where they have eventually produced products they initially said they would not. The influence of fan feedback on Xiaomi's product development decisions is significant, and the company has been known to incorporate suggestions from its enthusiastic community into its business strategies. This has led fans to hope that the company might still produce products like sanitary napkins, despite earlier denials. The dynamic between Xiaomi's public statements and its actual product development trajectory reflects the complexities of managing consumer expectations in the tech industry, highlighting the delicate balance between setting clear business strategies and remaining responsive to market demands and consumer preferences.
Ultimately, market expectations remain hopeful that Xiaomi will reverse its previous stance and introduce products like sanitary napkins, despite initial denials, due to the company's history of engaging with fan requests and expanding its product lines. Fans and observers are watching closely to see if Xiaomi will once again defy its initial statements and cater to the desires of its loyal customer base. As the tech industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain - Lei Jun's marketing prowess and ability to connect with his audience will remain a key factor in Xiaomi's success.
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