Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Netflix goes down and is now back up as millions breathe a sigh of relief

    Netflix goes down and is now back up as millions breathe a sigh of relief

    Although there are many streaming alternatives like Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Hulu, during the current crisis with so many people stuck at home, Netflix is the service that tens of millions of shut-ins depend on for entertainment. Friends and relatives are watching movies and binge-watching television shows from separate locations and then discussing it with each other via a video chat. But many could only feel isolated and alone when Netflix went down this morning in parts of the U.S. and U.K.
    The morning outage lasted only one hour but must have felt like much longer to those who could not stream their favorite Netflix fare. According to DownDetector.com, starting at 11:43 am ET, the number of complaints received about Netflix rose from 25 to peak at 1,646 by 12:43 pm. 41% of those complaining said that they could not connect to the service. 35% had issues with the video streaming and 23% said that they could not access the service via the Netflix website.
    A Netflix spokesman said, “Some of our members in the U.S. and Europe were unable to use Netflix via our website for around an hour this morning. The issue is now fixed and we’re sorry for the inconvenience.”
    Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and some other streamers have lowered the quality of their streams in certain markets in order to reduce the demands on the internet. With much of the world stuck inside and unable to work from home, the internet is being taxed as it never has been before.
  • DBS Postpones Annual General Meeting

    DBS Postpones Annual General Meeting

    DBS Group on Thursday said it would defer its annual general meeting (AGM) that was originally scheduled on March 31.

    The move follows government measures that imposed stricter measures to enforce safe-distancing in social settings given the novel coronavirus outbreak. From 11:59pm on March 26, all events and mass gatherings must be deferred or canceled, regardless of size.

    With this, pre-registrations previously opened by DBS to watch the webcast and for physical attendance on March 31 have ceased. Shareholders can get updates from DBS’ website regarding the AGM. «DBS apologizes to shareholders for the inconvenience and thanks them for their patience in these difficult times,» the bank said in a statement.

    DBS will update shareholders of the new date for the AGM and the procedures for participation after the legislative amendments to facilitate the holding of the meeting have been passed, and the necessary arrangements have been put in place in order to implement the safe distancing measures imposed by the Ministry of Health.

    The 24 March Ministry of Health (MOH) Notification states that with effect from 11:59 pm on 26 March 2020, all events and mass gatherings must be deferred or canceled, regardless of size.

    ACRA, MAS, and SGX RegCo have also issued a joint statement on 25 March 2020 stating that all listed issuers are expected to comply with MOH’s safe distancing measures and that legislative amendments are being proposed for Parliament sitting in April 2020 in relation to the conduct of meetings (which include allowing issuers the flexibility to hold meetings solely by virtual means). DBS’ last general meeting was held on April 25, 2019, and saw a turnout of more than 1,000 shareholders.

  • Shiseido kicked off Baum retail brand

    Shiseido kicked off Baum retail brand

    Japanese cosmetics label Shiseido has released a new skincare brand, called Baum.

    In response to consumers placing greater importance on companies’ and brands’ attitudes toward social responsibility and environmental considerations, Baum focuses on sustainability. It features a range of 27 products to be released on May 30 via Shiseido’s Prestige business category.

    The products are formulated to support healthy skin regardless of age or gender, with a focus on three key characteristics found in trees – water storage, growth, and environmental defense. The brand is positioning itself as focusing on the “power of trees, gracefully harmonizing with environmental changes and living for hundreds of years”. It ascribes to a sense of coexistence with nature that it asserts has been “valued by Japanese people for centuries”.

    Production of the Baum range is particularly attentive to sustainability concerns, with the use of upcycled wood in product packaging; actively offering to refill products; using bio-based plastics and recycled glass and participating in forest conservation activities – with plans to plant and grow oak trees scheduled to begin next year.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Apple reverses bulk-order ban and updates on opening plans

    Apple reverses bulk-order ban and updates on opening plans

    US tech giant Apple has reversed restrictions on buying multiple iPhones from its online store imposed last week.

    The restrictions placed a ban on purchasing more than two devices of the same model in multiple international territories, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. That restriction has now been lifted on the purchase of iPhones, although some iPads and Macbooks are still subject to limits.

    A 9to5Mac report conjectured that the ban may have been lifted quickly due to a supply-chain problem caused by the coronavirus epidemic being resolved since, or otherwise that iPhone sales dropped more sharply than the company anticipated.

    International Apple store locations remain shuttered during the pandemic in all areas except China. Some stores may be reopened on a staggered basis next month, according to reporting by Bloomberg.

    “At this time, we anticipate some stores may be able to open in the first half of April depending on the conditions in their community,” said the firm’s senior VP of people and retail Deirdre O’Brien.

    “We will provide updates for each store as soon as specific dates are established.”

    Apple was one of the first retailers to shutter stores in the early days of the outbreak.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • AirAsia Updates Rebooking Policy

    AirAsia Updates Rebooking Policy

    AirAsia has updated its rebooking policy so that customers with tickets issued on or before 22 March 2020, with a departure date between 23 March and 31 May 2020, can select from the following two options:

    Unlimited Flight Change: Customers can change their ticket to any travel date before 31 October 2020 on the same route for an unlimited number of times without any additional cost subject to seat availability; OR

    Credit Account: Retain the value of the flight booking in the customer’s AirAsia BIG Member account for future travel with AirAsia to be redeemed within 365 calendar days from the issuance date. The travel date of the new booking can fall on any date within the published flight schedule on airasia.com.

    The above information is only applicable for direct online bookings made via airasia.com. For group bookings or those made with travel agents, the traveler must contact their booking agent directly for further assistance.

    As this is a rapidly changing situation, travelers should make sure that their airline has their correct contact information and should carefully monitor their airline’s website and social media accounts for any new updates.

    Lees ook:

  • Nike E-commerce sales soar during coronavirus crisis

    Nike E-commerce sales soar during coronavirus crisis

    Nike online sales soared 36 percent in the February quarter, compensating in part for a slump in sales across Mainland China which was in lockdown for much of January and February due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    The strength of online sales gave the retail giant a buffer from stalling brick-and-mortar sales, but it is not just in China that the effect is obvious.

    In an earnings call, Nike EVP and CFO Andy Campion said online sales in every global market grew in excess of 30 percent for both its core brand and sister brand Converse in the three months to February 28. That fuelled growth in both quarterly sales and earnings greater than the company expected.

    “From a digital capability perspective, the investments we’ve made to-date are now proving to be the foundation for our resilience amid challenges and they will be strengths as we emerge,” said Campion.

    “We are still in the early innings of Nike’s digital transformation, but the capabilities we’ve already been building for the future are proving to be the strongest pillars within our business today.

    “These are times in which strong brands get stronger and we’re confident that Nike will come back stronger than ever.”

    Campion told analysts that following its China experience, the company is now seeing similar trends play out in other markets where government lockdowns are resulting in shopping malls and stores being closed to help stem the spread of the virus. Now, consumers are shopping online instead.

    Nike is responding to the digital uptake by using tools that dynamically model demand, planning, allocation and pricing and using its app and membership program to reach out to consumers and encourage them to be active at home, while in lockdown. Those mediums are also offering products and services specifically targeted to various groups of consumers or individuals.

  • McDonald’s logo temporary changed to promote social distancing

    McDonald’s logo temporary changed to promote social distancing

    International fast-food chain McDonald’s logo has been altered in some global markets to emphasize the importance of social distancing during the coronavirus crisis.

    The popular restaurant chain is largely closed for dine-in business in certain hard-hit areas globally but remains open for delivery or takeout. Venues have been closed completely in the UK and Ireland, while only 5 percent of outlets in the US are now closing dining spaces.

    The new McDonald’s logo campaign was unveiled in Brazil, with the golden arches represented in the brand logo separated to remind patrons of the need to keep a distance from each other during the course of the pandemic. The campaign was soon taken up in India.

    “Our customers, employees and communities are counting on us now more than ever to provide them the meaningful support, delicious food and good-paying jobs,” said McDonald’s US president Joe Erlinger.

    A statement from the firm read: “Guidelines have been shared with franchisees and restaurant general managers to support crew in adhering to social distancing best practices while on the job. This includes, among other items, updating configuration of crew on shift and following contactless operations procedures, etc”.

    https://youtu.be/BFgW4S6zOQU

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Bank of China Partners Refinitiv for AI-Based FX Trading App

    Bank of China Partners Refinitiv for AI-Based FX Trading App

    Developed by the bank’s Digital Asset Management department, the application is the first third-party app from a China-based financial institution on the Eikon platform.

    Bank of China is launching DeepFX, an AI-based forex trading prediction application through Refinitiv’s financial data platform Eikon, the firm announced in a statement on Tuesday.

    The app uses deep learning technology to predict the short-term price movements of major foreign exchange currency pairs, which currently include EUR-USD, AUD-USD, GBP-USD, USD-CAD, USD-JPY and USD-CHF, the announcement said.

    The Lite version of DeepFX provides a 5-minute interval real-time FX trade signal forecasting service, while displaying back-test results within 10 days. The service is available for free through Refinitiv’s App Studio.

     

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Apple’s App Store is coming to 20 new countries

    Apple’s App Store is coming to 20 new countries

    Apple announced that the App Store will be expanding to 20 new countries this year, making it available to 175 countries or regions in total. According to Apple’s Developer Agreement those countries are:

    Afghanistan, Gabon, Cote d’lvoire, Georgia, Maldives, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Rwanda, Tonga, Zambia and Vanuatu.

    In its announcement, Apple also informed developers on how to get their apps available in the new countries by completing steps with a recommended deadline of April 10, suggesting that the expansion may happen sometime around that date.

    The App Store – iOS users’ only Marketplace for apps and games – is now getting over half a billion visits per week. To date, developer earnings from sales and in-app purchases are over $155 billion. Between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve of 2019, App Store customers spent a record-breaking $1.42 billion.

    In contrast, even though Android has the vast majority of the mobile market, Google has paid only $80 billion to Android developers since the launch of its app marketplace, according to Google’s quarterly earnings reports. This reconfirms the fact that there is much more money to be made by developers on Apple’s ecosystem.

  • Starbucks Korea expands social-distancing plan

    Starbucks Korea expands social-distancing plan

    Starbucks Korea will expand social-distancing measures across its branches nationwide from Thursday, after a successful trial at some stores in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.

    The company plans to ensure a safe distance between customers and employees is maintained when ordering by placing safety line stickers in front of checkout counters.

    Furthermore, for a limited time, customers will not be able to bring their own reusable mugs.

    When ordering drinks using individual multi-use cups, customers will still get benefits for being eco-friendly, such as discounts or points, by showing personal cups. However, customers will be provided the drink in a disposable cup. This strategy was introduced in the US a fortnight ago and has since been implemented in many markets across Asia.

    Meanwhile, Starbucks will also conduct campaigns such as asking people to wear masks when ordering, and to dispose of paper straws in trash cans.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • You might soon unlock your BMW with your iPhone

    You might soon unlock your BMW with your iPhone

    Apple and premium German car manufacturer BMW are seemingly collaborating to bring the CarKey iPhone feature to eligible vehicles of the carmaker. Evidence for this was unraveled in the iOS 14 code, hinting that iPhone users might soon be able to unlock their BMW cars with their iPhones thanks to the CarKey feature. As a reminder, the existence of CarKey itself was revealed in the iOS 13.4 beta back in February.

    Given that BMW was among the very first automakers to adopt Apple’s CarPlay feature a few years back, it would make sense to assume that CarKey could be adopted on upcoming beemers as well.

    It seems that CarKeys could be stored inside the ubiquitous Wallet app and even be shared with other people through iMessage. “Yo, mom, shared me the keys for the car” would sound a whole lot cooler! Code strings suggest that you will not only be able to lock and unlock your vehicle with your device, but also start it remotely. This is already available through the BMW Connected app, but native iOS support would definitely be great. There would seemingly be two ways to unlock the car – either by holding your phone near the NFC-enabled door handle or just having your iPhone in your pocket.

    Apple could use NFC, UWB (ultra-wide band) chip, or a combination of the two. The UWB chip debuted with the iPhone 11-series but has been pretty underused when it comes to features, as it’s currently only used to aid AirDrop discovery.

    On the topic of anti-theft countermeasures, CarKey will enjoy the same level of biometric security that the sensitive data on your iPhone enjoys, but there would seemingly be an option to use CarKey without having to authenticate yourself with a Face ID scan or a PIN code for an even faster experience.

    BMW itself neither denied or acknowledged the rumored functionality. When asked, the company replied rather nonchalantly with “Please understand that at this point we cannot confirm your request nor give you further details. We would like to refer you to our press release, ” which suggests that we could be in for news on the matter very soon.

    Lees ook:

  • Swiss Payments Firm Expands to Singapore

    Swiss Payments Firm Expands to Singapore

    Zurich-based Netcetera is setting up its 15th office in Singapore as part of its global growth strategy and has appointed a managing director to lead its regional push.

    Despite fierce competition in the region, software and digital payment solutions firm Netcetera has set its sights on the Asia Pacific market with the opening of its Singapore office, calling it «another step towards the East.»

    The firm provides digital solutions for secure payment, mobile banking, mobile contactless payment, digital wallet and 3-D Secure Services for secure online transactions. It had previously serviced Asian clients from its offices in Europe and the Middle East.

    With the Singapore office, the firm can «better respond to their customers’ needs and to find optimal solutions for their business,» the announcement said. In addition, the new location also contributes to the early detection of regional market trends and a better understanding of the market as well as the ability to help shape it.

    Heading its Singapore office will be Kiril Milev, who was appointed managing director, responsible for business development and customer relations.

    Milev, who has been with Netcetera since 2008, was most recently the firm’s managing director for the Middle East.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Samsung temporary closing its smartphone and home appliance factory in Brazil

    Samsung temporary closing its smartphone and home appliance factory in Brazil

    Another factory falls victim to a global pandemic. As the coronavirus begins spreading rapidly in Latin America, Samsung has decided to shut down its factory in Manaus, Brazil. The measure is temporary and comes after the Brazilian government called out for help in containing the spread of the virus.

    Manaus is situated in the northern part of the country, and the Samsung facility near the city is producing smartphones and home appliances for the local market. The factory will remain closed until Sunday, while the other facility in Campinas, Sao Paulo state, will remain operational, at least for the moment

    There are 1960 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections in Brazil with 24 deaths. Europe is now at the peak of the pandemic with hundreds of people dying in Italy each day. Researchers think that in countries with warmer climates the virus will slow its spread, but that won’t halt the pandemic.

    The situation in India and Latin America shows some correlation to that prediction. However, governments use the welcomed delay to apply preventive measures. Samsung already closed its biggest smartphone factory in India and it will remain closed until May 25 in response to a request from the Indian government. COVID-19 cases in the country are still under 1000, but officials expect numbers to ramp up fast in the following weeks.

  • JD to launch worldwide new products initiative

    JD to launch worldwide new products initiative

    Chinese e-commerce platform JD plans to help 3000 new products around the world become hot sellers, nurturing more than 1000 new global brands this year.

    The details were announced during the JD Worldwide online conference for merchants, which focused on customer growth, developing third-party business and nurturing merchants in order to support the growth of more international retail in China.

    The group also anticipates helping more than 100 suppliers to achieve RMB100 million in sales this year via monthly promotions designated to push new products.

    Last year an average of more than eight new products were sold on JD Worldwide every minute. Customers displayed a greater consumption-ability during this period, and the platform has more young consumers and consumers from lower-tier cities than in previous years.

    According to the firm, JD Worldwide will focus on building a healthy ecosystem for merchants this year with a more comprehensive after-sale service system and special support for those using JD’s fulfillment services.

    During the coronavirus outbreak, JD’s international supply chain system and continuous logistics service have enabled merchants to supply their products to customers without interruption, with some merchants seeing sales increase by more than 90 percent.

    JD currently has more than 1000 international transportation routes to support overseas merchants.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • China will drive massive global e-commerce transaction growth by 2024

    China will drive massive global e-commerce transaction growth by 2024

    Chinese growth will drive e-commerce transaction values up 43 per cent to US$4.8 trillion by 2024, according to new reporting by Juniper Research.

    The research showed Chinese e-commerce undergoing 62 per cent value growth over the next four years, bolstering global e-commerce value along with emerging markets in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, among others.

    The report found that improvements in connectivity will enable the rise of e-commerce in new markets, thus urging payment providers to seek fresh revenue streams in emerging regions to offset slow growth in developed markets – with a particular emphasis on the potential of mobile payments that do not require a linked bank account, as mobile handset penetration is rising faster than banking penetration in young markets.

    “The popularity of mobile wallets is having a disruptive effect,” read material released by the firm, “with physical cards becoming less important to the payments market.”

    Accordingly, the research suggests that card networks must be proactive, by looking beyond the card, becoming involved in open banking initiatives and delivering omnichannel experiences for users.

    “Card networks must leverage their ability to invest in, and forge partnerships with, key players to gain scale in new areas, or they will fail to diversify their revenue streams and will be vulnerable to future disruption,” said research author Susannah Hampton.

    Juniper’s findings are published as Strategies for Payment Providers: Industry Trends, Opportunities & Recommendations 2020-2024.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: