In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter, we report on the different approaches that retailers are taking to the cost of living challenge – we round up three examples. Very is launching an Everyday affordable range, John Lewis and Waitrose are promising free meals to employees over Christmas as parent company the John Lewis Partnership launches its seasonal recruitment campaign, while scan and pay app developer Ubamarket says its customer Budgens is among those using its technology to help customers with the cost of living.
We also report as PrettyLittleThing launches a marketplace app that it says reflects its customers’ interest in more sustainable ways of shopping. The launch has echoes of eBay’s recent sponsorship of Love Island, which has long proved fruitful ground for PrettyLittleThing brand ambassador recruitment.
Hugo Boss is an early adopter for Reactive Reality’s new Pictofit Mirror, which shoppers can use to create their own avatar and try clothing on without ever queuing to do so – or getting undressed.
In today’s guest comment, Bryan Palma of Kinaxis considers why Christmas preparations are now underway for retail supply chains.
Ted Baker is hoping its online business will be ready for peak trading, following issues with its platform that held back online sales in the latest quarter of its financial year. However, the retail brand has just reported a rise in second quarter sales, as customers returned to its stores in the early summer. That said, it will be very aware cost of living issues as it heads into peak.
Smaller brands are now looking to work with retail partners across channels including marketplaces, shops and websites over the coming year, rather than focus on selling direct to their own customers, a new study from ShipBob suggests. This comes as the cost of customer acquisition rises. Brands may also consider reshoring production
The first ChannelX World takes place on October 13 in London and offers retailers, brands and marketplaces a timely chance to explore the vital new channels that customers today want to buy through – from marketplaces, to social media and, looking to the future, the metaverse. Speakers hail from an array of brands including M&S, LK Bennett, Amazon, Debenhams, Boohoo, eBay, TikTok and many more. Click here to find out more and to register for the event.
