Many friends have emailed me asking if Tmall has an English website. I can categorically say that it does not. There hasn’t been one in the past, there isn’t one now, and there might never be one in the future. This is because Tmall is essentially Taobao’s platform for corporate stores. Products on Tmall belong to official brands and are quality-assured. In fact, when you search for products on Taobao, Tmall’s products are also displayed, as I explained in my previous article on how to use Taobao in English. Tmall also does not have an English website or a Tmall English app. Tmall and Taobao primarily target the Chinese market, or the Chinese-speaking market. There is no official news yet about launching an English website.
However, for non-native Chinese speakers shopping on Tmall, is there a way to use English? Let’s talk about that today!
What is Tmall?
Tmall is an online retail platform in China operated by Alibaba Group. It is one of the largest B2C (Business to Consumer) platforms in China, known for offering a wide range of quality products. Tmall differs from Taobao, another major Alibaba e-commerce site, as it focuses on premium brands and official brand stores, making it a popular choice for consumers seeking authentic, branded goods.
Tmall sells products from both local Chinese and international brands, covering various categories including fashion, electronics, household items, and luxury goods. It primarily targets local Chinese consumers and offers services in Chinese. The platform caters to the growing demand for high-end products in the Chinese market and is known for the reliability, authenticity of its products, and consumer protection policies.
What is Tmall Global Platform?
Tmall Global, an import retail platform under Alibaba Group, allows overseas merchants and brands to establish an online presence in the Chinese market without needing to set up a physical store or a local business entity in China. It is dedicated to providing Chinese consumers with global imported quality products and direct access to overseas lifestyles. Tmall Global also serves as the preferred platform for international brands to directly reach Chinese consumers, build brand awareness, and gain consumer insights. It is clear that the primary customer base of Tmall Global is the local Chinese clientele, with services mainly provided in Chinese.
Alternative Ways to Browse Tmall website in English
For non-native Chinese speakers looking to browse Tmall in English, you can follow these steps:
- Use Translation Tools: Although Tmall doesn’t have an official English version, you can use browser-based translation tools. For example, Google Chrome offers an automatic translation feature that can translate the entire webpage into English. You can refer to my previous article on how to browse Taobao in English for more information.
- Use Translation Extensions: Install translation extensions in your browser, such as Google Translate, to translate Tmall’s pages. There are many other translation extensions available, which you can explore and find out more about.
- Use Translation Apps: If you are accessing Tmall on a mobile device, you can use translation apps to interpret the text. Some apps allow you to take a screenshot and then translate the text within the image.
- Use Taobao Agent: Some online services and Taobao agents can help you navigate Tmall, communicate with sellers, and manage purchases and shipping, often providing services in English.
Remember, while these methods can help, automated translations may not always be accurate or capture the nuances of the original language, so it’s always good to double-check important information.
