WIZZ&CO’s Post

What’s important in digital v physical retail in beauty? I shared my thoughts with Nateisha Scott Vogue Business The beauty shopping landscape is evolving with digital innovation bit you can’t deny the appeal of the in-store experience still. While e-commerce and tools like AI-powered try-ons have grown, consumers still gravitate toward physical stores for tactile engagement, testing, and sensory experiences—especially for new or premium products. Hybrid shopping habits are crucial, with social media and online research playing key roles in product discovery but often final purchases made in store. Livestream shopping has boomed in the East, while the West has yet to fully embrace it. There are further differences with global and digital beauty markets, from social commerce platforms like TikTok, Amazon, and Tmall, driving instant purchases and trust through relatable content. I’ll be sharing a more in-depth report on this in my next newsletter. Sign up in the comments https://lnkd.in/eQK5pERp

The beauty retail landscape has transformed significantly in recent years, becoming more vibrant and varied but also more complex. Today, a beauty product is sold every two seconds on TikTok Shop, while Amazon has emerged as the largest e-commerce merchant for beauty in Europe. Specialists like SEPHORA and Ulta Beauty are focusing on experiential retail to stay competitive, while FARFETCH and NET-A-PORTER have discontinued their in-house beauty businesses. The global beauty retail market grew to $569 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach $653 billion by 2028, at a 2.8% compound annual growth rate. To succeed in this dynamic and competitive market, brands must be agile and operate seamlessly across both digital and offline channels. Consumers are increasingly savvy, shopping across different platforms, brands, and price points. This blend of digital convenience and the irreplaceable store experience is shaping the modern beauty shopping landscape. At ZAFAA, we are committed to navigating this complex landscape by leveraging data and technology to enhance our customer experience. Explore our curated collections and join us in embracing the future of beauty retail. #BeautyRetail #Ecommerce #DigitalTransformation #RetailInnovation #ZAFAA

Concluding this week was China’s “6.18” shopping festival, during which e-commerce platforms offer steep discounts to boost sales.  For 10 years these festivals have operated on a “pre-sale” model, making it easier for merchants to prepare inventory, but also over-complicating the experience for consumers. This year, Alibaba took the lead in abandoning the “pre-sale” model, simplifying the user experience - with other platforms adopting the same approach. Some takeaways from our recent conversations with merchants on the 6:18 festival: 1) Merchants’ sales expectations for 6.18 are waning, but the improvement on everyday sales is enough to keep participating; 2) Stricter restrictions on pricing and promotion methods have squeezed margins, but they still make a profit after the steep discounts; 3) Chinese consumers' spending habits are now far more rational – with several shopping festivals each year, interest is fading; 4) today it is far more important to focus on daily operations and providing good value-for-money products in an effort to attract customers. The disappointing numbers from this year’s “6.18” reflected these views. Based on third-party data from Syntun, total sales on Tmall, JD.com and Pinduoduo declined 6.9% YoY to US$ 78.7 billion. On a more positive note, China's domestic brands, especially in cosmetics and skincare, continued to see solid growth, supporting the idea of smarter spending and a focus on value-for-money. Domestic players topped the sales charts for both Tmall and Douyin, with the top spot for Tmall going to Proya Cosmetics, and top place for Douyin going to Hanshu Cosmetics. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investment involves risks, including possible loss of principal. The above information is for reference only. It does not constitute an offer or an invitation to subscribe any securities, or a recommendation in relation to any securities. The material has been prepared and issued by Red Gate China Asset Management. This material has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission.

🚀 Transforming Retail: Live Shopping & the Future of Social Commerce 🌟 Global brands are betting on Live Shopping because it creates an immersive, fun, and very close shopping experience. A perfect example of this trend is Zara, which recently launched its own live shopping event in Spain, marking a significant step towards integrating this innovative approach into mainstream retail. This is where StreamPlaza plays a key role: as an innovative social marketplace, we help brands increase their sales through the humanization of eCommerce. 💡 ✨ How do we do it? With live streaming and creative content, we provide consumers the confidence they need to know they are shopping in a safe and fun space and from their favorite brands. StreamPlaza allows consumers to interact directly with stores, replicating the mall experience but from the comfort of their home! 🏡🛋️ As our CEO Carmen Muley 康梦, states, “We’re seeing a gradual shift as brands embrace this new selling method.” With Zara joining the live shopping trend, it further emphasizes the growing consumer acceptance and demand for interactive shopping experiences. Consumers are becoming increasingly accustomed to engaging with brands via live streams, and the demand for a personalized shopping experience continues to rise. 💄 Why is this important? The live shopping model has found particular success in the beauty and cosmetics industries, where real-time product demonstrations can directly address consumer questions. This interactive format not only boosts confidence in purchasing decisions but also fosters a sense of community among shoppers. If you haven't tried this revolutionary way of shopping yet, download StreamPlaza now, available on iOS and Android! 💻📲 🔗 Link to the news in the comment section 👇 Massive thanks to Economía 3 for highlighting this trend and talking about us! 👏📢 #LiveShopping #Ecommerce #RetailInnovation #SocialCommerce #Marketplace #StreamPlaza #DigitalTrends #Zara #livecommerce

The statement “We can buy everything online” is often repeated, but I humbly disagree. Online shopping is fast, convenient, and cool, but it can't match the memorable experience of in-person shopping. Customizing an online journey to the smallest detail still lacks the completeness of a physical experience due to the absence of smell, touch, and taste. Online, people rely only on visual and auditory receptors, which limits the experience. The fewer senses involved, the less memorable the experience. Clicks, personalized emails, and discount coupons can’t replace human interactions like sharing a smile with a restaurant manager, exchanging jokes, being remembered by name, enjoying a clean, nice-smelling venue, and listening to relaxing music. That’s why even online first brands are opening brick-and-mortar stores faster than ever. The best and brightest brands understand that an omnichannel approach is needed to maintain and grow brand identity and sales.

Shopping in stores is making a comeback for interesting reasons, and brands will need the right lure to pull consumers in! Consumers are starting to change their shopping patterns from sitting on the couch ordering on line to having an elevated experience in store. What consumers are now seeking goes beyond the physical touch and immediate gratification of the product. Especially since Covid, there is a yearning amongst many to have both a sense of community and experience, and consumers are looking to stores as one way to address this desire.  So how does a brand help to meet this consumer need and create deeper engagement in store? I can see an increase in retailtainment such as interactive digital experiences, elevated product samplings (ie progressive meals in grocery stores as they shop), unique use of celebrity shopping experiences, and even creating meeting spaces where people can mingle or even take a class (ie aerobic classes in sporting good stores). HOW MIGHT YOUR BRAND authentically show up in store to address this growing dynamic? https://lnkd.in/gBmDWGbZ

A multipack of toilet rolls gently rotating on a plinth, a rail full of coat hangers adorned with hair extensions and a woman with four electric massage machines strapped to her legs, all furiously wobbling in unison. These are just some of the sights you’ll be greeted with if you decide to scroll through a #LiveShopping app today.  It might sound like a ropey virtual market stall right now, but #livestreamshopping has been hailed as one of the most promising new retail channels, already capturing the attention of many established brands around the world, which have committed to growing their live audience. However, the concept is in its infancy in the UK and there are questions around whether the phenomenon will catch on here long term. So when is the right time for big retailers to brave the murky waters of livestream shopping? Featuring stories from Joules, Skinnydip London, John Lewis & Partners and expertise from Sprii, Whatnot and Social Element. https://lnkd.in/eYmp-qen

Alongside societal progress, consumer shopping habits are evolving continuously. Shopping now extends beyond fulfilling material needs to meeting emotional demands. 🤗 Online shopping is becoming a popular form of entertainment and evolving into a favored consumer style, especially among the youth. Therefore, Shoppertainment - the fusion of shopping and entertainment has become an inevitable trend. The global shoppertainment market is projected to reach $1.2 trillion, showcasing its significant influence in attracting consumers and creating business opportunities. In Vietnam, Shoppertainment is the most vibrant trend in the entire e-commerce sector. What makes it so appealing? How will this trend shape Vietnam's online shopping market? Scroll down to explore with InnoEx! 👇 ------------------------ For any purposes, register at https://lnkd.in/gjiTswbj #innoex2024 #innoex #news #vietnam #technology #innovation #shoppertainment #ecommerce 

Alongside societal progress, consumer shopping habits are evolving continuously. Shopping now extends beyond fulfilling material needs to meeting emotional demands. 🤗 Online shopping is becoming a popular form of entertainment and evolving into a favored consumer style, especially among the youth. Therefore, Shoppertainment - the fusion of shopping and entertainment has become an inevitable trend. The global shoppertainment market is projected to reach $1.2 trillion, showcasing its significant influence in attracting consumers and creating business opportunities. In Vietnam, Shoppertainment is the most vibrant trend in the entire e-commerce sector. What makes it so appealing? How will this trend shape Vietnam's online shopping market? Scroll down to explore with InnoEx! 👇 ------------------------ For any purposes, register at https://lnkd.in/gjiTswbj #innoex2024 #innoex #news #vietnam #technology #innovation #shoppertainment #ecommerce 

Thoughts of the week.. We are in the Post Web and the Intention Economy era (or better saying that consumers play a valuable role in which markets and economies are focusing on buyers as a scarce commodity). That's quite visible in how e-commerce marketplaces are competing to get more and more active users on their platforms. How do you see the latest US beta version of Amazon called Haul? Products starting from $2.99 - with an average price of $10 to compete with Temu and Shein? This is a quick response to continue to retain the most price sensitive consumers which are growing exponentially. However, the future of the web is going to be driven by agents. Currently, according to the latest stats, the best discovery channel for shopping in the UK continues to be Facebook, meanwhile TikTok has already surpassed Instagram. What does it means? The digital savvy consumers are adopting the latest technologies which simplify their experience faster. And sooner or later even the slowest will change habits. Who purchases online, is forgetting price sensitivity? No. The average return rate in the UK is growing by 7%. That is why many retailers (including the ones operating in the luxury space) are now focusing the largest budgets on physical locations in order to make cost efficiencies. Is it the right strategy? I am firmly convinced that the right mix in this era continues to be a good balance of omnichannel strategy and a good relationship quality vs pricing. Producing valuable product reviews and interactive live events is crucial, as well as having an engaging location and the personnel properly trained in store. Cutting the online marketing budget, means not reaching prospects in-store. But once they are customers, it is strongly recommended to keep them alive delighting them with special dedicated offers and events, despite their average tickets. What about Luxury: VIP customers are certainly important, but remember that the brand competition around a 1% of the market naturally will declare just a few winners. Are you thinking forward in your strategy and digital transformation? #luxury #fashion #retail #ecommerce #fmcg