Core Insights - The current consumer industry is experiencing collective anxiety regarding the reliance on low prices as the only solution, with concerns that brand, quality, and innovation are losing importance [1] - There is also anxiety about the diminishing significance of major promotional events as consumer stockpiling mentality fades, leading brands to question the effectiveness of high marketing costs during these events [1] - The recent release of the "China Online Consumption Brand Index" (CBI) and "Global Brand China Online Top 500" lists by Peking University indicates that consumer emphasis on brand and quality is actually increasing, and major promotions remain a key strategy for enhancing brand value and customer loyalty [1][2] Group 1: CBI Index and Methodology - The CBI index is the first brand value assessment system based entirely on actual consumer purchasing behavior, filling a gap left by traditional macro indicators [1] - The index is developed by Peking University and supported by Alibaba, updated quarterly, and utilizes a comprehensive data set from 6,000 brands on Taobao and Tmall [3][5] - The methodology employs machine learning algorithms to identify key indicators that distinguish "high-quality brands" from ordinary ones, ensuring the index is both comprehensive and dynamic [6][5] Group 2: Trends and Consumer Behavior - The CBI index shows an upward trend, with a notable increase in consumer preference for quality brands during major promotional events like 618 and Double 11 [7][10] - The data indicates that during these promotional periods, consumers not only increase their total spending but also show a stronger inclination towards selecting quality brands over low-priced alternatives [7][9] - The seasonal fluctuations in the CBI index reflect the impact of major promotions on brand rankings, with brands like Midea and Haier significantly improving their positions during the 618 event [10][11] Group 3: New Brands and Market Dynamics - The research highlights that major promotions serve as critical growth accelerators for emerging brands, allowing them to establish a foothold in competitive markets [12] - For categories like beauty and personal care, promotions help brands create a closed loop from demand generation to brand recognition, enhancing consumer loyalty [13] - In the mother and baby category, promotions facilitate trust-building and market penetration, while personal care brands leverage differentiation and innovative channels to stand out [14][15] Group 4: Strategic Implications for Brands - The core conclusion from the CBI findings is that the challenge for brands is not whether to participate in promotions, but how to effectively leverage them for deeper engagement and growth [17] - Each promotional event represents an opportunity for brands to either capture market share or risk being left behind, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and execution [17]