magine buying a pair of sneakers from a Chinese brand, paying instantly from anywhere in the world, with no hefty bank fees or days-long wait. That’s the future 361 Degrees, a leading Chinese sportswear giant, is betting on with stablecoins. As global trade gets faster and more digital, this company is dipping its toes into digital currencies to make shopping, supply chains, and payments smoother. Announced in September 2025, their stablecoin trial is turning heads, and it’s not just for crypto nerds—it’s about making life easier for everyday shoppers and businesses alike. Let’s dive into how 361 Degrees is using stablecoins to conquer global markets and why it matters to you.
Why Stablecoins? A Game-Changer for Global Trade
Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to stable assets like the U.S. dollar, offering the speed of crypto without the wild price swings. For a brand like 361 Degrees, which operates in over 40 countries, stablecoins could be a secret weapon. They’re testing these digital payments for overseas retail, e-commerce, and supply chain operations, aiming to cut costs and speed up transactions.
Why does this matter? Traditional bank transfers can take days and come with fees as high as 6% for cross-border payments.Stablecoins, by contrast, settle in minutes with fees often below 2%, making them a no-brainer for a company selling sneakers and sportswear worldwide.Think of it as upgrading from snail mail to instant messaging for money.
361 Degrees’ Big Plan: Testing the Waters
Based in Jinjiang, China, 361 Degrees is no small player—it’s one of China’s top sportswear brands, known for running shoes, kids’ gear, and bold marketing like “One Degree Beyond.” Now, they’re exploring stablecoins to stay ahead in a $2 trillion global e-commerce market.The company has partnered with a third-party digital payment provider to handle stablecoin transactions for its international stores, online sales, and suppliers outside mainland China.
This isn’t a full-on leap—361 Degrees is cautious, calling it an “exploratory step.” They’re testing how stablecoins perform in real-world scenarios, like paying suppliers in Europe or handling online checkouts in South America. Updates will be shared under Hong Kong Stock Exchange rules, ensuring transparency for investors. For shoppers, this could mean faster, cheaper purchases, while suppliers might get paid quicker without currency headaches.
Benefits for Shoppers and Businesses
So, what’s in it for you? If you’re buying 361 Degrees gear online from, say, Australia, stablecoins could mean lower checkout fees and no surprise exchange rate charges. For businesses, the perks are even bigger:
- Faster Payments: Stablecoin transactions clear in minutes, not days, speeding up supply chains.
- Lower Costs: Cutting out bank intermediaries reduces fees, potentially lowering prices.
- Currency Stability: Pegged to the dollar, stablecoins dodge wild forex swings, making budgeting easier for global brands.
This move also taps into a trend: younger, tech-savvy customers love digital payment options. By embracing stablecoins, 361 Degrees could attract a new wave of fans who value seamless, modern shopping experiences.
The Bigger Picture: A Crypto Trend in Retail
361 Degrees isn’t alone. Luxury brands and global retailers are also eyeing stablecoins to streamline payments and appeal to digital natives.The global stablecoin market hit $272 billion in 2025, with Asia driving nearly half the transaction volume. Regulatory clarity, like the U.S.’s GENIUS Act, is making stablecoins safer for businesses to adopt, boosting their mainstream appeal.
For 361 Degrees, this could strengthen its edge against rivals like Nike or Anta, especially in markets like Southeast Asia, where digital payments are booming. If the trial succeeds, expect stablecoins to become a core part of their global strategy, potentially influencing other retailers to follow suit.
Risks and Challenges to Watch
Nothing’s risk-free, especially in crypto. Stablecoins face scrutiny over reserve transparency—think questions about whether issuers like Tether have enough cash to back every coin. For 361 Degrees, a failed stablecoin trial could dent investor confidence or disrupt operations. Plus, China’s tight crypto regulations mean they’re treading carefully, focusing only on overseas markets.
There’s also the risk of tech hiccups or low adoption if customers and suppliers aren’t ready for digital currencies. But with a cautious approach and a solid partner, 361 Degrees seems prepared to navigate these waters.
Why This Matters for You
Whether you’re a sneaker fan, an investor, or just curious, 361 Degrees’ stablecoin push signals a future where shopping and payments are faster and cheaper. If their trial works, you might soon pay for your next pair of running shoes with a tap, no matter where you are. For investors, it’s a sign this brand is innovating to stay competitive, potentially boosting its stock (HK:1361) as global markets embrace digital finance.
As 2025 unfolds, keep an eye on 361 Degrees. Their stablecoin experiment could redefine how global brands operate, making your shopping cart—and the world’s economy—a little more connected. Ready to see where this leads? The future of money might just be a click away.
