Entries tagged with “retail”
Articles
22 articles found for retail:
- Gamification in Retail
Gamification has been used in online and offline (at store) formats of retail to attract, engage, and influence customer decision. It is used to promote products and create brand awareness through games and puzzles and engage retailers or shop owners by transforming the conventional marketing ideas into a game. Games are designed based on the product, and target audience interactions are tagged with prizes ranging from free coupons or vouchers to expensive cars. Retail industry can enhance the use of multidimensional gamification to derive maximum benefit and develop a loyal customer base by retaining existing clients and enticing new leads.
- The Rise and Challenges of Direct-to-Consumer Model
In recent years, the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model has captured the attention of consumers and businesses alike, promising a more personalized and convenient shopping experience. With the advent of COVID-19, D2C brands received an unexpected boost as traditional retail channels faced closures and disruptions. However, recent figures suggest that the once-thriving D2C sector may not be performing as well as initially anticipated. This is an overview of the evolution of D2C model, the pandemic's impact on its growth, and the challenges faced by D2C brands in the current market.
- Retail in the Metaverse – Present and Future
The retail industry was the earliest adopter of the metaverse. The industry’s substantial investments in the AR/VR ecosystem helped attract a large number of users to virtual spaces. Strategies built around the metaverse will help retailers develop a more immersive and inclusive experience of online shopping.
- Private Label Retail in F&B – A New Paradigm in Consumer Choice
Private label retail, also known as store brand or own brand, posted remarkable growth in recent years globally. Retail giants, such as Walmart and Target, played a significant role in driving this surge, revolutionizing the way consumers perceive and engage with private label products, especially in the Food and Beverage(F&B) segment. While it can help increase the profit margin of retail stores, it comes with a set of challenges.
- Exploring Web3: Applications and Use-Cases
In this technology-driven world, centralization has enabled billions of people to become familiar with the world wide web or the internet, making way for the advent of many emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and machine learning. The increasing implementation of blockchain has necessitated the interoperability and seamless integration of blockchain platforms. Web3 embraces decentralization and gives more power to individuals than corporate giants, thus providing interesting use cases.
- Shrinkflation in the US
Shrinkflation is a form of inflation where companies reduce the product size, quantity, or quality to maintain or increase their profit margins. A common practice during high inflationary periods, shrinkflation is preferred when companies are hesitant to raise product prices amid rising operating costs. To avoid facing consumer backlash, companies sneakily practice shrinkflation, which, coupled with consumer ignorance, makes it hard to detect. Consequently, consumers may end up purchasing two packets of a product, for example, if its size is reduced by fourth. Thus, shrinkflation may not only help in maintaining margins but also boost sales. When accused of shrinkflation, companies may give several reasons such as health, environment, and better value addition. Inflation is transparent, but shrinkflation is underhanded and thus could be difficult to calculate and tackle.
- Would Metaverse Play a Pivotal Role in Industrial Production?
The metaverse is slowly gaining recognition and acceptance. By 2030, the metaverse market is projected to reach approximately USD824.53 billion, and most industries, including traditional ones such as manufacturing and production, would have digital twins in virtual reality. However, it would be a while before the concept gains acceptance in industrial production on a large scale.
- The Ripple Effect: Innovation Disrupting Industries
The last decade has witnessed that innovation in one industry has transcended traditional industry boundaries and disrupted businesses across industries. The pace of trans-industry disruptive innovations is expected to accelerate in the coming decades, blur the lines between sectors, and emphasize the importance of cross-industry collaboration and adaptability for sustained success.
- Rise of Metaverse Real Estate
Real estate is rapidly developing in metaverse as more and more corporations are buying land in the virtual world. The main real estate companies in this segment are witnessing exponential growth and have potential for further development. Land prices in metaverse are connected to the experiences that can be created within this space. Therefore, corporations, retailers, hospitality companies, and banks are marking their territory in the virtual world and vying to create the most interesting experiences.
- ONDC – Revolutionizing Indian E-commerce
Open network for digital commerce (ONDC) is a set of protocols built on open network systems. It seeks to give Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) equitable possibilities to participate in digital commerce. This will lead to increased digital transactions and separate the supply chain and credit markets. Through ONDC, democratization of the e-commerce ecosystem and thwarting monopolies of established platforms can be done. A recent communication shared by ONDC proves that it initiated control to help customers and level the playing field for small retailers.
- Exploring Financial Performance Trends of Leading Japanese Corporations
The Nikkei 225 functions as the principal index in Japan. It is constituted of prominent corporations within the nation, which collectively generated JPY 596 trillion in revenue during the fiscal year 2023. These companies have demonstrated exceptional financial performance last year, and indeed, over the past five years. The article highlights some interesting insights on their performance over the last fiscal year and preceding five-year period.
- Business Innovations – Winning Strategies
Today, the new brands entering the market are not only designing innovative products but also devising enticing ways to market them. Business innovation involves implementing new ideas and thoughts to help a company achieve its objectives and boost its bottom line. A series of new startups has adopted this concept and are making their mark in the industry.
- Recent Technological Innovation Turning Metaverse into a Reality
The metaverse is growing exponentially as various industries are showing interest in its potential. However, the virtual world must be comprehensive and authentic to entice users and be of use, which requires advanced software platforms and supportive hardware such as VR headsets, lenses, sensory gloves, and earphones. The metaverse can be totally immersive if it can engage maximum user senses and provide a holistic experience. Companies looking to foray into this space are investing in the development of smart platforms and innovative products as well as research on new platforms that add value to users. This article lists interesting hardware innovations that will enable metaverse into reality.
- Global Market Opportunity for Bio-Based Resins
Bio-based resin is being increasingly adopted across industries as the need for sustainability has risen. Bio-based resins, made from partially or wholly plant-derived monomers, offer a sustainable and carbon-positive approach for consumers and manufacturers shifting to a bioeconomy model from highly-priced and depleting fossil fuel ingredients. Government regulations have also boosted their application. Successful commercialization is leading to the growth of bio-based resin throughout the world.
- How Big Data Analytics Will Facilitate Procurement 4.0
Procurement activities generate considerable amounts of data from systems, operations, and geographies. In the era of digitalization and Industry 4.0, big data analytics would be a boon to procurement professionals, helping derive insights across stages. With several potential use-cases, the synergy between procurement and big data analytics will help shape Procurement 4.0. Aligning business goals to choose suitable analytics tools will be the key toward realizing this transformation.
- Redefining Comfort: Exploring the Evolving Trends in the Mattress Market
As technology and consumer preferences evolve, the mattress market is undergoing a transformation that extends beyond traditional notions of comfort. From personalized sleep solutions to sustainable materials, this article delves into the dynamic landscape of mattress trends. These changes, driven by evolving customer needs or the adoption of different business models such as direct-to-consumer, highlight a shift toward customized and eco-conscious sleeping experiences. Here, we uncover how brands redefine comfort to align with modern lifestyles and desires and aim to build relations with customers.
- Millets – The New Super Crop
Millets, often referred to as "food grains of the poor," are grown and consumed worldwide. Currently, there is a renewed interest in millets due to their numerous health benefits, low environmental impact, and adaptability to diverse growing conditions. In fact, the United Nations declared 2023 as the “International Year of Millets”, highlighting the importance of these crops for food security and sustainable development. This is expected to increase the demand for millets globally and create new opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs in the millet value chain.
- Towards a Greener Future: The Rise of Eco-Friendly Disposable Hygiene Products
Disposable absorbent hygiene products are becoming more popular among people of all ages and socioeconomic groups. Campaigns for public education, wider availability of the goods, and enhanced marketing initiatives have contributed to normalizing the use of these products and lowering the stigma attached to them. There is a rise in the need for absorbent hygiene products, notably those for adult incontinence, as many nations' populations are getting older. The need for disposable absorbent hygiene products has been influenced by contemporary lifestyles, which include busy schedules, lengthy workdays, and substantial travel.
- US Pet Food Industry on the Rise
Pet ownership increased during lockdown when people were confined to their homes. Pet humanization has led to owners treating pets as part of their family. Owners are increasingly concerned about their pets’ health and nutrition and are looking for high quality and nutrient-rich food products. Pet food manufactures have been quick to tap into this rising demand to develop organic, natural, and high nutrition products. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet food sales increased 19.3% year-on-year to USD123.6 billion in 2021. Large pet food and treat manufacturers are expanding their production lines to meet growing demand. The pet food industry has shown resilience during the recent economic downturn and is expected to grow further.
- Unlocking a Billion-Dollar Opportunity: HPC in Healthcare for MedTech and IT Firms
High Performance Computing (HPC) has emerged as a transformative force that promises to revolutionize the industry in ways never seen before. As demand for innovative medical solutions and data-driven insights continues to grow, HPC technologies present a compelling opportunity for MedTech and IT firms. It could significantly impact patient care, medical research, and bottom-line growth for businesses in the healthcare ecosystem.
- The Current Real Estate Turmoil in China
China’s real estate sector is in turmoil due to various factors, ranging from low investment to declining trade numbers. It has far-reaching implications and is threatening the country’s economic growth. Therefore, the government has undertaken certain policy measures to limit the damages. However, a more extensive plan is needed to deal with this issue effectively.
- The Other Side of ESG Investing
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors play a critical role in investment analysis, actions, and recommendations. Globally, investors are looking at different methods such as positive or negative screening, green finance, thematic investing, shareholder engagement, and activist ownership to include ESG factors. Sustainable investing is the new buzzword for successful investing. However, various private ESG data providers use inconsistent scoring approaches or inappropriate constraints and assumptions. Lack of standardization and transparency makes it tough for investors and analysts to determine the effectiveness of ESG scoring. Additionally, companies having a low environmental score, owing to uncertain emissions reduction targets, but a high social and governance score may not be considered ESG compliant by a few market participants. This lack of uniformity has given rise to issues such as greenhushing and greenwashing.
Special Reports
4 special reports found for retail:
- Fintech Decoded: 1H22
Fintech deal activity in 1H22 slowed down due to the macroeconomic headwinds, with subsectors such as Blockchain/Crypto gaining importance over Payments+ owing to increased investor appetite for BNPL, DeFi & NFTs.
The transition to cashless payments and online banking behavior, developed during the pandemic and has been growing ever since. It is expected to boost investment in neo and digital banks, promoting financial inclusion in 1H22.
The year 2022 is witnessing a continued focus on blockchain in terms of investment and retail adoption, as investors begin to recognize its potential.
Deal activity in 1H22 was in-line with the pre-COVID level of 2019. VC funding in fintech contracted significantly by 86% in 1H22 from a sharp rise in 2021. Meanwhile, the PE and M&A space recorded a decline in financing in 1H22 of about 55% and 58%, respectively, compared to 2021.
In this edition of Fintech Decoded, we bring you insights into the sector’s performance following the pandemic, along with notable funding trends across the globe in 1H22.
- Shifting Sands - The Demographic Drivers of Change in Emerging Economies
In emerging economies, demographic shifts are becoming powerful drivers of change, shaping the trajectory of economic growth, social development, and market dynamics. One of the most prominent demographic trends in emerging economies is the youth bulge. With a significant portion of the population under the age of 30, these economies possess a dynamic and energetic workforce poised to fuel innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity gains. Urbanization is another key driver, where rapid urbanization is conducive for the proliferation of megacities and urban clusters, thus creating hubs of economic activity, innovation, and consumption. Moreover, changing family structures and shifting gender dynamics are influencing consumer preferences, household spending patterns, and labor market participation in such nations. Women's increasing participation in the workforce and decision-making processes is reshaping industries such as retail, healthcare, and finance, thus propelling demand for products and services tailored to their needs. Understanding the demographic drivers of change in emerging economies is essential for businesses, investors, and policymakers seeking to navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on promising opportunities.
- Q2 2023 Global Macro Report
Q2 posted a slowdown in global economic growth along with strong returns in risk assets. The IMF expects global growth to be lower in 2023 than 2022 for most advanced countries. It also expects headline inflation to decline owing to the aggressive monetary policies of major central banks, but core inflation may decline slowly. Chinese economic recovery seemed to have run out of steam after the initial reopening thrust, as shown by the decline in inflation, retail sales and PMI numbers.
Regarding asset class returns, equities rallied during Q2 due to strong corporate earnings in Q1, slowing inflation, a resilient US economy, and the AI theme. China’s sluggish recovery led emerging market equities to underperform developed market equities. Bonds gave a mixed performance with most yields increasing to price-in high rate expectations as central banks continued their hawkish policies. High yield bonds performed well despite their historically low yields. The US Dollar strengthened while gold price declined as the US Federal Reserve increased rates. Oil prices fell as expectations of a global economic slowdown loomed over investors.
- Fintech Decoded: Special Edition
Fintech deal activity in 2021 reached new heights due to the pandemic-induced tailwinds, with subsectors such as Payments+ drawing attention because of the “new normal” consumer lifestyle.