Imagine possessing an innovative product with boundless potential in overseas markets, yet struggling to unlock access to mainstream retail channels. As Chinese brands navigate the complexities of global expansion, with diminishing returns from digital marketing, a stark reality emerges: the true bottleneck lies not in promotional visibility, but in establishing robust distribution networks.
The critical questions facing exporters: Who can secure entry into North America's retail strongholds? How can brands transform China's manufacturing prowess into enduring retail partnerships? What systems enable sustainable procurement, platform onboarding, and distribution at scale?
BrandTech Connect@CES 2026: Addressing Distribution Challenges
Scheduled for January 7, 2026, in Las Vegas, BrandTech Connect@CES 2026 will convene pivotal figures from North America's retail, platform, and distribution sectors. These practitioners—not theoretical analysts—represent organizations holding structural influence within retail ecosystems, making daily decisions about product selection and brand onboarding.
The event focuses on resolving distribution barriers for Chinese brands through pragmatic dialogue, offering strategic guidance for building sustainable overseas channels. Participants will gain direct access to decision-makers shaping North America's retail landscape.
Key Participants: Gatekeepers of Retail Access
Hicham Fikry | Global Partnerships Lead, Smartech Retail Group
This emerging force in North American retail specializes in smart retail solutions and innovative product integration. Smartech facilitated Anker's first physical store in North America and maintains partnerships with premium department stores including Selfridges (London), KaDeWe (Berlin), and Rinascente (Rome). The group excels at translating technological advantages into retail-compatible solutions, creating end-to-end pathways from product display to final sale.
Jeremy Lenk | President & CEO, Resource Group
With deep expertise in North America's complex channel structures, Resource Group assists brands like Jisulife and Olight in navigating retail and distribution networks. The organization helps mitigate risks for retailers introducing new brands while optimizing multi-channel operations.
Joanna Mckew | Business Development Lead, B&Q Marketplace
B&Q's third-party platform has become a dominant force in UK/European DIY and home goods e-commerce since its 2022 launch. The marketplace now hosts 1.2 million products from 1,100+ sellers, accounting for 38% of B&Q's online sales—a viable channel for Chinese brands targeting European home improvement markets.
Skip West | Board Member, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
As organizers of CES, CTA influences global consumer technology trends and retail innovation. West facilitates connections between tech enterprises, retailers, and brands within this ecosystem.
Martin Kean | CEO, Ardent Inc.
Specializing in manufacturer-distributor network development, Ardent provides channel matching services and management tools to enhance market penetration. Kean's expertise helps brands overcome "last-mile" distribution challenges in North America.
Complementary Industry Expertise
The event will feature additional specialists forming a comprehensive support network:
- Greg Appelhof (Tradehub): Cross-border trade and channel integration
- Josh Roberts (RSG Sales): Retail sales and brand growth strategies
- David Laskin (Lowe's Marketplace): Home improvement retail platform operations
- Farouk Hemraj (ChannelHub): E-commerce channel technology systems
- Adam Levin (Levin Consulting): Retail and brand strategy development
Target Participants
This gathering is designed for:
- Established cross-border brands seeking market expansion
- Platform sellers pursuing omnichannel growth
- Brands at strategic inflection points requiring breakthrough solutions