Category: Shopping

Aeon, a major Japanese supermarket chain, has introduced a new AI system designed to evaluate and “standardize” employee smiles. On July 1, the company announced the rollout of the “smile-rating AI system,” named “Mr. Smile,” across 240 stores in Japan. This move makes Aeon the first company to employ such technology on this scale.

Developed by the Japanese company InstaVR, Mr. Smile claims to accurately assess employees’ demeanor and rate their overall attitude based on over 450 factors, including greeting, facial expressions, voice volume, and tone. Aeon states its goal is to “standardize staff members’ smiles and satisfy customers to the maximum.”

Continue reading… “Japanese Supermarket Chain Aeon Implements AI to Standardize Employee Smiles”

As omnichannel retail and social commerce trends continue to shape the business landscape, some industry leaders argue that focusing on enhancing their own websites can lead to increased conversion rates, customer loyalty, and lifetime customer value. Janvi Shah, CEO of Boston-based e-commerce company Hue, emphasizes the enduring importance of a brand’s own digital platform, asserting that while various platforms may come and go, a consistent online presence remains essential. Shah highlights the pivotal role websites play in customer research, even if the final purchase occurs on a different channel, stressing that investments in a brand’s own platform can have a positive ripple effect across different channels.

Continue reading… “Elevating E-Commerce: Innovations Transforming Retail Strategies”

Consumers Call for Improved Transparency in Online Purchases

Experts are urging for increased visual accessibility to terms and conditions when making online purchases, a move that could revolutionize consumer understanding and memory, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Policy. The research highlights the potential of providing clearer information post-purchase, leading to a deeper engagement with legalities and improving overall comprehension.

Post-Purchase Information Boosts Engagement

The study reveals a significant disparity in the attention and interest shown towards pre-purchase and post-purchase disclosures. Pre-purchase reading times were found to be only half as long as post-purchase reading times, indicating a lack of focus on disclosures before making a purchase. Researchers suggest that shifting the responsibility for providing detailed information to companies after a purchase could be a game-changer, with attention levels increasing by as much as 162% and understanding improving by 14 to 21%.

Continue reading… “Enhancing Online Shopping Transparency: Visual Information Improves Understanding of Terms and Conditions, Study Finds”

By Sarah Perez

Image Credits: PayPal

PayPal has been talking about its “super app” plans for some time, having recently told investors its upcoming digital wallet and payments app had been given a go for launch. Today, the first version of that app is officially being introduced, offering a combination of financial tools including direct deposit, bill pay, a digital wallet, peer-to-peer payments, shopping tools, crypto capabilities and more. The company is also announcing its partnership with Synchrony Bank for its new high-yield savings account, PayPal Savings.

These changes shift PayPal from being largely a payments utility that’s tacked on other offerings here and there, to being a more fully fleshed out finance app. Though PayPal itself doesn’t aim to be a “bank,” the new app offers a range of competitive features for those considering shifting their finances to neobanks, like Chime or Varo, as it will now also include support for paycheck Direct Deposits through PayPal’s bank partners with two-day early access, bill pay and more.

These features could make PayPal more competitive, as getting paid earlier has been one of the bigger draws among those considering digital banking apps instead of using traditional banks.

In addition to shifting their paychecks to Payal, customers’ PayPal funds can then be used for things that are a part of daily life, like paying their bills, saving or shopping, for example.

Continue reading… “PayPal launches its ‘super app’ combining payments, savings, bill pay, crypto, shopping and more”