Retail News CRM

Category: General

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest General Retail news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • AirAsia Philippines drops mask rule

    AirAsia Philippines drops mask rule

    AirAsia Philippines has ended wearing face masks on all domestic flights following the government’s decision to lift the state of public health emergency under Presidential Proclamation 297, filed by the Department of Transportation.

    Meanwhile, wearing face masks for flights to international destinations remain subject to the existing health protocols in the destination country. AirAsia destinations Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan lifted the face mask requirement as early as Q1 2023.

    AirAsia Philippines country head for communications and public affairs and spokesperson Steve Dailisan said deep cleaning and aircraft sanitation will continue after each flight.

    “We want our guests to feel secure when they fly with AirAsia. Although it is no longer a policy, guests and crew may wear face masks whenever necessary. However, we also want to reiterate that our aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which filter and block 99.97% of airborne particles, including known bacteria and viruses”.

    Guests can book a PHP257 one-way base fare for domestic and international flights and a PHP2,293 fare for other international destinations flying thru Kuala Lumpur, to Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne, for travel until 30 September 2023.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Google Assistant and AI might help Pixel users understand what they are reading online

    Google Assistant and AI might help Pixel users understand what they are reading online

    code found in the latest beta version of the Google app (version 14.29) indicates that Google Assistant will soon be able to use generative AI to help summarize passages found on the internet. While browsing the web, a user can tap on a “Summarize” button when the Google Assistant’s presence is requested with the iconic “Hey Google” call out. Or, you can ask the Assistant to “Summarize this” to see a quick summary of what you are reading on the screen.

    The Summarize suggestion will appear when browsing the internet using Chrome or when an app opens a web page in a Custom Tab (also powered by Chrome). At the moment, the feature does not work as requests for the Assistant to summarize a passage from a website return an error message as seen in the embedded image below.

    While it isn’t clear if and when this feature will be made available, it is a strong possibility that the Google Assistant’s AI summary of internet content will be limited to Pixel phones and tablets only. Google Assistant is supposed to be more optimized and offer faster responses on a Pixel handset.
    The problem with relying on AI to summarize a document is the same problem that is typical with artificial intelligence: the possibility that summaries from Google’s AI service will contain “hallucinations.” These AI platforms are “trained” using information derived from humans and could contain biases and outright incorrect data. But this is something that you need to keep in the back of your mind anytime you use AI to interpret information.
    The Google app right now will also help answer your queries using generative AI on Android and iOS. All you have to do is tap the “Generate” button to the right of your question on the Google app and you’ll see more enhanced information related to your search. Again, you’ll need to watch out for hallucinations and biases, if any.
    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Diana Unicharm to sell cat food

    Diana Unicharm to sell cat food

    Diana Unicharm, a leading personal hygiene products manufacturer, is set to distribute Japanese cat food brand Silver Spoon.

    Takahiro Okada, CEO of Diana Unicharm, said the company would import the product from Japanese joint venture partner Unicharm and sell it through supermarkets, pet stores and e-commerce platforms in Vietnam.

    Since Covid broke out, the pet industry has thrived as families choose to raise dogs or cats to soothe themselves.

    Statistics from Pet Fair Asia, the organizer of an annual international tradeshow for pet supplies, show pet care industry sales in Southeast Asia are US$4 billion, with Vietnam accounting for $500 million.

    The Vietnamese market is forecast to grow at 11% a year.

    Diana Unicharm, one of the biggest makers of sanitary napkins and diapers in Vietnam, targets annual revenues of $1 billion by 2030.

    As of last year it had a 40% share of the child care segment, 58% of the women’s care segment and 88% of the adult care segment.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Malaysia’s Gambling Sector on the Rise in the Second Half of 2023

    Malaysia’s Gambling Sector on the Rise in the Second Half of 2023

    Gaming and gambling industries are two fields that no one expected would underperform in the first half of 2023. Still, casinos that are currently operational in Malaysia are facing underwhelming results.

    According to some estimates, however, the Malaysian gambling sector will see a significant rise and get back on track in the second half of this year.

    So, we’ll delve a bit deeper into why the gambling sector is in the red and why things are not nearly as bad as they appear on the surface.

    A dismal start of the gaming sector in 2023

    According to some of the reported numbers of casino operators in Malaysia, the numbers for early 2023 are far weaker than expected.

    While Malaysia is one of the fastest-growing economies in this part of the world, the population is predominantly young and tech-savvy. More importantly, about 97% of them have access to the internet. So, the majority of gamblers in the country choose online gambling, the majority of which is offshore gambling, which doesn’t enter the official statistics.

    Reliance on tourism

    The discouraging numbers regarding Malaysia’s gambling sector are a bit misleading. The local gambling laws are quite restrictive and mostly limited to tourists. Both betting and access to casinos are not available for the Muslim population, which is a huge problem since about 63.5% of people in Malaysia are Muslim (according to the 2020 census).

    This means that the Malaysian gambling industry heavily depends on the tourist season. This is also one of the reasons why the expectations that the second part of the season will be better are high. People have more vacation opportunities in the last two quarters of the year, so these numbers will increase.

    In other words, instead of focusing on gambling exclusively, this is a problem that flight capacities and the easing of airfares around the globe should fix. It’s also worth remembering that a gasoline price rise affects every form of travel. With currently unstable prices, estimating these future trends accurately is difficult.

    Offshore gambling

    As we’ve already stated, the biggest problem with these stats is that they don’t include offshore gambling, a huge industry. While Malaysians have limited betting and gambling opportunities, playing on sites not hosted in Malaysia is legal. So, many players from Malaysia use these shortlisted gambling sites as their main option.

    We’re talking about thousands and tens of thousands of players; however, this doesn’t go into any official statistics, which leads to the conclusion that the gambling industry in Malaysia is doing far worse than it is.

    Unrealistic expectations

    While the pandemic is far from our minds, just two years have passed since it was in full swing. During this period, everything digital, contactless, and online has peaked its popularity.

    The iGaming and social gaming numbers reached alarming rates; however, these were unprecedented conditions, and this momentum wasn’t fated to last. Some analysts still use figures from 2020 and 2021 as relevant metrics. Compared to this, any numbers would seem disappointing.

  • Can technology make us more productive in the workplace?

    Can technology make us more productive in the workplace?

    Increasing workplace productivity is a typical objective shared by many business owners. We want everyone on our team to get as much done as possible while maintaining a pleasant work atmosphere since this helps us to grow our businesses.

    Despite having the same aim, company owners approach productivity improvement uniquely. Some may strive to conduct team-building activities, while others may simplify specific procedures. If you want to increase workplace productivity, you may do it by using modern technologies. Here are a few ways technology might assist in boosting efficiency in your office.

    How does technology help make us more productive?

    Many businesses integrate new technology into the workplace to boost staff productivity by decreasing mistakes, shortening timeframes, and lowering worker stress. Cloud computing has already influenced enterprises’ capacity to operate from anywhere, including mobile devices.

    Artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly affect sectors and enterprises during the next decade.

    Of course, introducing new technology into the workplace can be overwhelming at first. It’s also important to remember there is little point in introducing new software without a rigorous onboarding process. For example, employees might already be familiar with a free VPN for PCs in the office, and it’s easy to implement.

    Let’s look at different types of technology and how they help improve productivity in the workplace.

    Communication software

    An excellent place to begin is using communication software. Even if your staff members work in the same office, having technologies to assist them interact can help them operate more efficiently. This is especially true if you still converse by email. Providing your staff with chat software is an excellent choice.

    They can swiftly send messages, share files, and do other things using software like Microsoft Teams. This facilitates talks through email and provides a central location for your staff to address significant issues.

    Cybersecurity technology

    VPNs assist in improving online privacy and security by protecting your IP address, location, passwords, and data from possible hackers. A VPN can even enhance your business’s next digital marketing campaign.

    Your company may be transmitting data between web programs like Dropbox or within Office 365, and a VPN establishes an extra layer of protection and security between the source and destination of the data.

    Another valuable piece of cybersecurity technology is the firewall. It’s a virtual framework comprising hardware, software, or a combination that can prevent hackers, fraudsters, and other criminals from accessing your data.

    A firewall also stops hackers from entering your system in the first place, as opposed to a virus protection tool, which prevents them from installing a virus once they’ve entered. When activated, a firewall inspects the millions of data that move in and out of your company’s network. It prevents it from entering if it detects something unlawful, malicious, or harmful.

    Project management software

    If your company works on massive projects, having software that can coordinate all relevant duties is important. You may use project management software to define goals, allocate tasks to specific individuals, measure progress, and exchange files.

    Attempting to do this without specialist software may result in errors, miscommunications, and delays. Even if you already use project management software, looking into alternative possibilities is good since you could find something better suited to your needs.

    Automation tools

    Automation tools can help your staff save time. You can automate them if they have basic and repetitive duties that they must complete daily. You may automate email answers, meeting scheduling, communications to prospective clients, data input, and other tasks.

    A simple automation software solution may sometimes save your staff a significant amount of time throughout their day. They can then use this time to concentrate on more vital duties. They can now do more in less time, resulting in increased production.

    Enhanced internet hardware

    A dependable internet connection is an essential component of a productive office. If your staff needs to wait for items to load or transfer files, it will only slow down their workday. Moreover, frequent internet disconnects cause dissatisfaction and might slow down your staff. This is why having the proper gear for your internet connection is critical.

    Some smaller offices, for example, may require a single router to which everyone may connect. Larger workplaces may need hubs or wifi extenders to reach everyone successfully. Similarly, other businesses may need to rely on technology such as SD-WAN networks to provide the entire office with safe and reliable internet access. If your employees need help with their internet connections, one of the most important things you can do is look into ways to enhance them.

    Recreational and atmosphere

    Finally, technology may assist you in creating a more joyful workplace. It makes no difference what productivity techniques you apply if your staff are unhappy at work. Installing wireless speakers across the office and playing background music is a simple option that can significantly boost productivity.

    You could even arrange a virtual quiz event or start a fantasy sports league for your team. These are accessible technological applications that will make your employees’ days more enjoyable, increasing their productivity.

    Conclusion

    Technology is a wonderful thing that can help improve our experience in the workplace, just like it does when we are off the clock. Implementing new technology in the office will boost productivity through automation and project management while providing security for your business.

     

     

  • Google Messages could soon feature end-to-end encryption for cross-platform messaging

    Google Messages could soon feature end-to-end encryption for cross-platform messaging

    Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the messaging platform available on the Messages by Google app for Android. Similar to Apple’s iMessage, RCS runs off data connectivity, not cellular connectivity. This allows it to send and receive huge messages, share higher-quality images and videos, deliver read receipts and typing indicators, and offer end-to-end encryption.

    But like a chat made up of iMessage users that loses all of its great features when an Android user dares to join the group, the same thing happens when an iPhone user joins a chat session made up of RCS users. One of the features that both RCS and iMessage users lose when someone from a rival platform joins a group chat is the aforementioned end-to-end encryption.

    As Google said in a blog post it published on Wednesday, “This is why Google is strongly supportive of regulatory efforts that require interoperability for large end-to-end messaging platforms.”
    Google writes, “For interoperability to succeed in practice, however, regulations must be combined with open, industry-vetted, standards, particularly in the area of privacy, security, and end-to-end encryption.” And this makes sense. Otherwise, you’ll have a situation where end-to-end encryption would be a mess. “Group messages would have to be encrypted and delivered multiple times to cater for every different protocol,” the company says.

    As a result, Google announced that it is supporting Messaging Layer Security (MLS) which would allow end-to-end encryption to remain in effect between two large messaging platforms like iMessage and RCS. MLS is a protocol developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and now enables “practical interoperability across services and platforms, scaling to groups of thousands of multi-device users.”

    Google plans on integrating MLS into Google Messages. The goal is to have users of the Google Messages app enjoy secure group chats with all members of a group chat regardless of the messaging app they are using.
    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Aeon Vietnam secures $41 million loan to fuel expansion

    Aeon Vietnam secures $41 million loan to fuel expansion

    DHL Supply Chain has announced a landmark investment of €500 million into Latin America over the next years (until 2028) as part of a strategy to strengthen its capabilities in high-demand sectors like healthcare, automotive, technology, retail and e-commerce.

    Projects in the pipeline include decarbonizing the domestic fleet through greener alternatives; building, developing and retrofitting real estate assets and warehouses in the market; as well as significant investments into new technologies, robotics and automation solutions.

    DHL Supply Chain is confident in its plans for the region, citing its proximity to large consumer markets in North America as well as booming sales markets which make it attractive for industries to invest and therewith request additional logistics support.

    The company has been growing its operations in Latin America with more than 240 locations. In Mexico last year, it acquired NTA, a company focused on logistics services for the pharmaceutical industry.

    In Brazil, it recently announced the expansion and modernization of its distribution centre located in Goiás, while expanding its operations and presence in Extrema Minas Gerais for various clients in pharmaceuticals and retail fashion. It also opened a new distribution centre in Pudahuel, Chile, and expanded its presence in Mexico with new warehouses in Tijuana and Monterrey, including a new campus in the State of Mexico, which will serve the e-commerce, retail, fashion, consumer, medical devices, aerospace, electronics, and automotive sectors.

    Following the announcement of the investment, DHL Supply Chain Mexico inaugurated a new center of excellence for electric vehicles to provide synergy to the automotive industry in the region.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Google’s new Weather interface will feature improved short-term forecasts

    Google’s new Weather interface will feature improved short-term forecasts

    Google has started to offer its updated Weather interface on both of its large-screened Pixel devices, the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Fold. So far though, the new Weather interface has yet to be pushed out to Pixel phones. The new interface includes a larger, bolder current temperature reading and a transparent system navigation bar.
    Perhaps more important than the redesign is the improved accuracy of the short-term weather forecasts delivered by the interface. Android Police notes that the interface will now update weather data multiple times each hour. This data comes from the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system that uses multiple radars and algorithms to help improve the accuracy of hazardous weather forecasts and warnings.
    Also being used to improve the accuracy of the forecasts for the Google Weather interface is High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) which is an atmospheric model that updates every 15 minutes. Both MRMS and HRRR are systems belonging to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
    More accurate weather forecasts will help Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold users plan their day around a  precise and accurate weather forecast. And when the weather changes abruptly, the Google Weather interface will show users the latest forecast in time to prepare for the new weather activity on the way.
    It isn’t clear when the Pixel handsets will get the new weather interface. Right now, to get the Google Weather interface on your Pixel phone, open the Google app and swipe the carousel underneath the search bar until you see the local weather and temperature. Tap on it and about half the page will be dedicated to the current weather. Tap the three-button overflow menu icon on the right of the screen where you’ll see the “Weather/Today” heading and a menu that includes an option to “Add to homescreen.”
    Once you add the weather icon to the homescreen of your Pixel phone, you’re just a tap away from seeing Froggy, the latest temperature, and the forecast. Since it is available on Android 13 for the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, we are not simply awaiting the update to Android 14 to see it on Pixel handsets. But when it does become available on Pixel phones, it will allow users to get the information they want without having to scroll to the bottom of the screen.
    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Changes made by Apple is making iPhone users switch back to Apple Maps from Google Maps

    Changes made by Apple is making iPhone users switch back to Apple Maps from Google Maps

    Apple Maps was something of a mess for a long time, prompting users to download Google Maps instead. Things are finally getting better though and iPhone owners are beginning to appreciate the changes that Apple has made to its maps app.
    Google Maps used to be the default mapping app on the iPhone and iPad but that changed after iOS 6 was announced. Apple Maps had many bugs including misplaced labels for landmarks and businesses and missing roads in cities. The user experience was so bad that Apple CEO Tim Cook had to issue an apology for the frustration it caused.
    Apple Maps has improved to the point that many people are sticking with it instead of switching to Google Maps.
    Changes such as an attractive design, clear public transit direction, faster routes, and better management of the unpredictability of subway outages than Google Maps is making people like Jason Rabinowitz who switched to Android to use Google Maps more easily come back to Apple’s ecosystem.
    Jane Natoli, who considers herself a Google Maps power user, says she has started using Apple Maps more after her iPhone prompted her to use the app in an airport. The app was able able to detect that she was at the airport and recommended shops and restaurants in her terminal. Natoli also liked that it had clearer information than Google Maps. She also thinks that it’s easier to read Apple’s find directions when compared to Google Maps.
    “It made me kind of revisit and rethink some of my prior assumptions about it. Whatever initial reputational hurdles that Apple Maps faced, I think they’ve jumped over those.” – Jane Natoli
    Georgia Tech graduate Angelica Nguyen says that roads are easier to look at on Apple Maps and the view is not cluttered by points of interest.
    Even though the iPhone comes preloaded with Apple Maps, most users have downloaded Google Maps as an alternative, according to Canalys. But Apple Maps is more deeply integrated into iOS and services that need direction use Apple Maps.
    People generally like to use default options, according to user-experience consultant Peter Ramsey. So now that Apple Maps has improved, people have no reason to download Google Maps.
    Google Maps is still considered the better option by some when they are driving. And Apple still has a lot of work to do. Costume-design student Laura Pladziewicz says that Apple Maps misguided her when she was in Boston. Law student Noah Abdelaziz said the app suggested a route that lengthened his commute.
    Lees ook:

  • The final version of iOS 16.6 is just days away

    The final version of iOS 16.6 is just days away

    Apple can’t wait to get iOS 16.6 out, especially in light of the issues that caused it to try three times to patch a serious WebKit vulnerability in iOS and iPadOS 16.5. Apple was aware of reports that said the flaw was being actively exploited and could cause arbitrary code execution which would allow an attacker to steal your personal data. So out went iOS 16.5.1 and iPadOS 16.5.1. But before you could spell Cupertino, Apple pulled both releases because of some bugs found in the software.
    Using its Rapid Security Response system, instead of developing iOS 16.5.2 and iPadOS 16.5.2, Apple released iOS 16.5.1 (a) and iPadOS 16.5.1 (a). But the two updates changed the user agent for mobile Safari. The user agent tells the server all about a device’s browser so it knows what version of the content to serve. For example, it tells the server whether to show the mobile or desktop version of a website or the U.S. or U.K. version of a site. The bugs also prevented iPhone and iPad users from accessing sites like Zoom, Facebook, and Instagram.
    Knowing how serious the vulnerability affecting WebKit was, Apple pulled iOS 16.5.1 (a) and iPadOS 16.5.1 (a) and quickly replaced them with iOS 16.5.1 (c) and iPadOS 16.5.1 (c) and that is where we stand at the moment. However, the Release Candidate for iOS 16.6 was released to developers today which means that update is probably less than a week away. The Release Candidate builds give beta testers the opportunity to test the final build of an update before it is released to most users. Apple continues to split its resources between the remaining builds of iOS 16 and the iOS 17 beta which should end in September with the release of stable iOS 17.
    Besides the Release Candidates for iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6, Apple dropped the Release Candidates for watchOS 9.6, macOS Ventura 13.5,  and tvOS 16.6. All of the updates’ release notes indicate that they will fix minor bugs found on the various OS builds.
    You can check for the new update on your iPhone or iPad by going to Settings > General > Software Update. When the update arrives, you will be prompted to press the appropriate buttons. For the Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap the My Watch tab at the bottom of the screen. Go to General > Software Update. On Apple TV go to Settings > System > System Update.
    Lees ook:

  • Gmail pop-up reminds you to use Enhanced Safe Browsing

    Gmail pop-up reminds you to use Enhanced Safe Browsing

    If you get a pop-up notification from Gmail, prompting you to take security measures, don’t be alarmed. That’s just a reminder from Google – they want you to use the Enhanced Safe Browsing mode.

    The promotional message has been rolling out over the past days, gradually coming to users on both Android and desktop. The pop up reads ‘Get additional protection against phishing’ and ‘Turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing to get additional protection against dangerous emails’. If you think you don’t need that level of protection, there’s the option to decline by tapping/clicking ‘No thanks’.

    Once enabled, the Enhanced Safe Browsing mode ‘works automatically in the background to provide faster, proactive protection against dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions’, claims the Google team. This mode checks for risky URLs, Downloads, browser extensions.

    If you’re interested in using Enhanced Safe Browsing on Google Chrome, you could benefit from the following additional protections:

    • Real-time checks against lists of known phishing and malware sites
    • The option to request Google to perform deeper scans of files they’ve downloaded to check for malware and viruses
    • Protection against previously unknown attacks when navigating to sites
    • Tailored protections based on your risk level

    Don’t forget that if you choose Enhanced Safe Browsing, it will share additional security-related information. This data is used only for security purposes and deleted after a short period of time, Google discloses. By sharing additional information about potential risky events, Chrome enables Safe Browsing to improve its ability to detect malicious content online, to better protect users all over the web.

    If you get the Gmail pop-up prompt and you tap on ‘Continue’, it will take you to the following page: myaccount.google.com/account-enhanced-safe-browsing.

    On Chrome, you could access it via chrome://settings/security.

    Or, the long route:

    1. Go to your Google Account.
    2. On the left, select Security.
    3. Scroll to “Enhanced Safe Browsing for your Account.”
    4. Select Manage Enhanced Safe Browsing.
    5. Turn Enhanced Safe Browsing on or off.

    If you turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing for your account, Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome will also be turned on when:

    • You’re signed in to Chrome
    • Sync is turned on in Chrome without a custom passphrase

    If you turn off Enhanced Safe Browsing in your account:

    • It may take up to 24 hours for this setting change to complete.
    • Google Safe Browsing continues to help protect you from dangerous websites, downloads, and extensions
  • Hydropower production rises 24%

    Hydropower production rises 24%

    Hydropower plants in northern Vietnam have pumped up their production by almost a quarter compared to earlier this month, to release water amid forecasts of heavy rain caused by Storm Talim.

    Water levels at most hydropower plants are now 10-20 meters higher than the minimum level for power production, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

    This is why plants in Lai Chau, Tuyen Quang and HoaBinh provinces will increase their production to avoid overflow as heavy rains are expected this week as an effect of Storm Talim making landfall.

    Talim is the first storm to form over Vietnamese waters this year. The national meteorological center said that between July 11 and August 10 tropical convergence tends to be more active and stronger, leading to thunderstorms, tornadoes and high waves at sea.

    Power demand in Vietnam increased last week due to high heat. Maximum production last week recorded a new historic peak of 45,474 megawatts and increased by 1,720 megawatts from the week prior.

    From the beginning of the year until July 13, total production reached 147 billion kilowatt-hours, up 1.35% year-on-year.

    Hydropower accounted for 27.5% of total production.

    Coal supply is now stable as most thermal power plants have secured adequate coal inventory.

    After a major shortage recorded in the last weeks of May and early June, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai had assured that there would be no power shortage for northern Vietnam for the rest of the year.

    Authorities will increase hydropower production and decrease thermal production in the third quarter as storms and heavy rains are expected to arrive.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Pattern’s Ecommerce Acceleration Platform Now Helps Brands Identify Unauthorised Marketplace Sellers

    Pattern’s Ecommerce Acceleration Platform Now Helps Brands Identify Unauthorised Marketplace Sellers

    Global ecommerce and marketplace accelerator Pattern has announced the release of new functionality in its ecommerce acceleration platform in Australia, designed to help retail brands identify unauthorised resellers of its products on marketplaces including Amazon and eBay.

    The new protection layer allows brands to stay abreast of how many marketplace sellers are selling its products, and who they are – the brand itself, authorised resellers or unauthorised resellers.

    “As marketplaces continue to grow in popularity, global and local Australian brands could potentially stand to lose millions of dollars if they don’t have a strategy for identifying and taking action against unauthorised sellers of their products on marketplaces,” said Merline McGregor, General Manager, Pattern Australia. “However, tracking down unauthorised resellers can be a complex and time-consuming task for already stretched brands, especially if done manually. That’s why Pattern has developed automated software that can help identify unauthorised sellers in real time and this feature is now available to Australian brands selling on Amazon.”

    With the retail market share of marketplaces rapidly growing in Australia – Pattern’s ‘Marketplace Consumer Trends Report – 2023,’ revealing 88% of shoppers bought from a marketplace in the previous year, and 92% of consumers plan to shop on marketplaces in the year ahead – the threat to brands of unauthorised resellers is only likely to increase.

    An unauthorised seller can be any third-party reseller who does not have an official link with a brand, or a global seller selling from overseas, who lists and sells the brand’s products on a range of online marketplaces. Not only do they sell a brand’s products without authorisation, but they also often pose a challenge to a brand’s reputation and value by listing incorrect product or brand information.

    This confuses and undermines the consumer’s perception of the brand’s products, which results in a poor customer experience.

    “The new protection layer within Pattern’s ecommerce acceleration platform delivers brands an enhanced understanding of those selling its product on Amazon Australia. It allows brands to not only identify unauthorised resellers but also drill down to how much inventory each seller has, giving brands greater visibility, and therefore knowledge on how big their unauthorised reseller issue is,” said McGregor.

    “Importantly, the new protection feature is already making its mark in the Australian market, having traced an estimated AUD$2.5 million worth of potential unauthorised marketplace sales within or into Australia for one of our global footwear brand customers.”

    About Pattern Inc

    Pattern is the category leader in global ecommerce and marketplace acceleration. Since 2013, Pattern has profitably grown to more than 1,400 employees operating from 24 global locations – including Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast – to help leading brands achieve accelerated growth on D2C websites and global marketplaces. As well as being one of the largest Amazon sellers in the world, we are also present on Tmall, JD.com, eBay and other marketplaces. We act as the authorised Amazon seller to more than 200 brands globally, buying their stock to sell on the marketplace and taking care of every aspect of their Amazon presence. For more information, visit https://au.pattern.com/

    Lees ook:

  • Facebook announces important video-related improvements

    Facebook announces important video-related improvements

    With Facebook Watch discontinued, Meta is trying to improve the video capabilities of its social app. The same editing tools from Reels will be made available for all Facebook videos, while the Video tab is getting a long-overdue redesigned that makes it the central hub of everything related to videos on Facebook.

    Starting today, the Reels editing tools are coming to Feed to make it easier for users to create dynamic videos on Facebook. Previously available on Reels, audio, music and text layers are now available on Meta Business Suite for reels and for video on Feed.

    Also, Facebook users will be able to speed up, reverse or replace their clips. With the new editing tools, it will also be possible to create the right sound for your video by adding music and audio clips, recording voiceovers and reducing unwanted noise.

    Last but not least, Facebook users are getting the ability to upload HDR videos from their phones to Reels and for that video to playback in full HDR.

    Previously known as Facebook Watch, the Video tab has just received a new look and many new functionalities. For starters, the Video tab now features new horizontal-scroll reels sections that highlight recommended reels.

    If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, the redesigned Video tab is available as a shortcut bar at the bottom of the app. Android users will find the same Video tab as a shortcut at the top. Keep in mind that the tabs in the shortcut bar change based on the part of the app that’s used more frequently.

    On the same Video tab, there’s a redesigned Explore section where you can find popular video topics. The Explore section can be accessed by tapping the search icon in the Video tab. According to Meta, the company is using a mix of human curation and machine learning to select topics and videos that are popular.

    Another useful change introduced today is the ability to view and write comments on Instagram Reels without needing to switch between apps. And this appears to be just the beginning, Meta claims.

  • Successful Marketing Strategies For Beginners in 2023

    Successful Marketing Strategies For Beginners in 2023

    Let’s say you’re planning a road trip. You’ve got your snacks ready, you’ve got a banging playlist prepared, but you don’t really know where you’re heading. That’s what doing marketing without a strategy is like. You might have all the energy and all the cool ideas, but without a destination in mind or a roadmap to get you there, chances are you’re not going to end up where you want to be.

    Same thing in marketing. A marketing strategy is like your roadmap. It tells you who your customers are, what they want, and how you can reach them. Without a strategy, your marketing efforts might just be shots in the dark, and you could waste a lot of time and resources without getting the results you’re after.

    However, developing a good marketing strategy takes a lot of work and requires a deep understanding of your market. And if you’re juggling so many things, you might feel overwhelmed by the task. This is where marketing assignment help from special essay writing services can save you. These services can help you understand and develop effective marketing strategies. This way, you will nail your assignments and also gain practical knowledge that you can apply in real-world situations. 

    Do Beginners Need a Marketing Strategy?

    Starting a new venture without a marketing strategy means getting to your destination will be a challenge. Whether you’re launching a small business or you’re a student dipping your toes into the world of marketing, having a strategy is crucial, even for beginners.

    Consider your marketing strategy as your guide. Basically, it’s a plan that outlines your goals, identifies your audience, and lays out the tactics you’ll use to reach them. It’s something akin to grading college papers, where teachers evaluate students based on their understanding of the subject, their approach to the task, and how effectively they’ve communicated their thoughts.

    Much like the feedback process in grading, where teacher comments for students’ writing can guide improvements and new learning paths, a good marketing strategy can do the same for your business or project. It provides you with a framework for understanding what works, what doesn’t, and where you need to focus your efforts for maximum impact. In essence, it’s like a personalized feedback loop for your efforts.

    Marketing Strategies in 2023-2024

    There are a plethora of strategies that beginners can leverage, which go beyond understanding your audience, content marketing, and social media.

    You’re writing a research paper, you need to understand your subject in depth. In marketing, your subject is your potential customers. Who are they? What do they need or want? Answering these questions allows you to tailor your efforts to the people most likely to engage with your brand or product.

    Content marketing is another strategy that’s just as relevant for marketers as it is for students. When you’re writing essays, you’re trying to engage your reader, communicate a message, and persuade them to see things from your perspective. The same applies to content marketing. You’re creating and sharing valuable content that attracts and retaisn an audience. And ultimately, it drives profitable customer action.

    Social media marketing is also a must-consider strategy. With so many people active on various social platforms, it’s an excellent avenue to reach a broad audience, much like a presentation in a large class. It allows you to engage directly with your audience and build a community around your brand.

    Email Marketing is another powerful tool that shouldn’t be ignored. It’s like the academic advisor’s regular updates for a student – direct, personalized, and informative. With a compelling subject line and an engaging message, you can build relationships with customers, promote your brand, and boost sales.

    Last but not least, Influencer Marketing has been a game-changer. By partnering with influencers, brands can leverage the trust and authority these individuals have built with their audience. It’s like a respected student leader endorsing a club or event on campus. What does that mean? Their word carries weight.

    Choosing a Strategy

    Actually, you don’t always get the answer right on the first try. And that’s absolutely okay. The important part is to learn from it, just like getting feedback on an essay. So test out different strategies, analyze the results, and then refine your approach based on what you learn.

    Besides, you shouldn’t adopt a strategy without considering your resources. This includes your team’s skills, budget, and time. Not every strategy requires a big budget. But of course, each one requires an investment of some sort.

    By the way, you need to know your customers inside and out, what they need, what they want, and how they communicate. This knowledge will help you create a message that resonates with them and choose the right channels to deliver it.

    Picking the right strategy is a continuous process that involves three main elements. They are learning, adapting, and evolving. But you’ll be well on your way to success with:

    • a clear understanding of your audience
    • a realistic view of your resources
    • a commitment to learning
    • a willingness to seek help. 

     

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: