ITV

Category: e-commerce

  • The rise of social commerce: Blending shopping with social media

    The rise of social commerce: Blending shopping with social media

    Mumbai: In today’s fast-paced world, retail is undergoing a major shift, and it’s all thanks to social commerce—a game-changer that’s blending online shopping with our favorite social media platforms. This new way of shopping isn’t just a passing trend; it’s transforming how we discover, connect with, and buy from brands, all while scrolling through our feeds.

    What Exactly is Social Commerce?

    Social commerce takes the convenience of online shopping and brings it directly into social media apps. Instead of heading to a separate website to shop, you can now browse, interact with, and buy products without leaving platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest. The result? A more engaging, streamlined shopping experience that fits seamlessly into the social media routine many of us already have. It’s like e-commerce and social media had a baby—making shopping smoother and more connected to everyday life.

    A Quick Look Back: When E-commerce Met Social Media

    E-commerce has been around since the ’90s with pioneers like Amazon and eBay leading the way. At the same time, social media took off in the early 2000s as platforms like Facebook and Instagram changed how we connect. Over time, brands began to see the potential of these platforms for engaging with customers, and that’s when the magic started. What began with simple product tags on Instagram posts has now evolved into an entire ecosystem—complete with live shopping events, in-app checkouts, and influencer collaborations. The pandemic only sped up this trend, with many of us turning to online platforms for shopping when stores closed their doors.

    The Stats Speak for Themselves

    Social commerce is on the rise, and the numbers are impressive. By 2026, it’s expected to be a $2.9 trillion market globally. Over half of social media users already use these platforms to research products before they buy, and in 2023, social commerce accounted for 13% of all U.S. e-commerce sales. It’s clear—social commerce isn’t just here to stay; it’s reshaping the future of retail.

    The Power Players of Social Commerce

    Several social media platforms are leading this charge, each offering unique features to make shopping more fun and convenient:

    • Facebook and Instagram: These platforms let businesses set up virtual storefronts, making it easy to shop directly from product tags in posts and stories.
    • TikTok: Known for its viral trends and influencer-driven content, TikTok now lets users buy products directly from shoppable videos.
    • Pinterest: This visual discovery platform has leaned into social commerce with shoppable pins, helping users explore and purchase products they find inspiring.
    • Snapchat: With its augmented reality (AR) features, Snapchat takes shopping to the next level, letting users virtually try on products before they buy.

    Why Influencers Are Crucial

    Influencers are at the heart of social commerce. Their genuine, relatable content makes them trusted sources for product recommendations. Whether they’re well-known or micro-influencers with smaller, niche followings, their impact on purchasing decisions is huge. Partnering with influencers allows brands to tap into their loyal communities, building trust and driving sales.

    The Benefits for Businesses

    Social commerce offers some big perks for businesses:

    • Better Customer Engagement: It allows brands to connect with their audience on a more personal level, creating a more interactive experience.
    • Valuable Data: Social platforms offer insights into consumer behavior, helping businesses fine-tune their strategies.
    • Boosted Sales: The convenience of in-app shopping can drive higher conversion rates and overall sales.

    The Challenges Ahead

    While social commerce offers a lot of opportunities, it’s not without its challenges. Brands need to be mindful of data privacy and security regulations while managing customer data on social platforms. Additionally, relying too much on social media for sales can be risky due to algorithm changes that can affect visibility. Finally, standing out in the crowded world of social media requires businesses to produce consistent, high-quality content that captures attention.

    What’s Next for Social Commerce?

    As this space continues to grow, a few trends are set to shape its future:

    • AI and AR: From personalized recommendations to virtual try-ons, these technologies are making social commerce more interactive.
    • The Metaverse: Virtual environments are creating new opportunities for social commerce, with brands exploring virtual storefronts and digital goods.
    • Going Global: Social commerce is breaking down international barriers, allowing businesses to reach new audiences without the need for physical stores.

    Conclusion: The Future of Retail is Social

    The future of retail is deeply connected to social media. As the lines between content and commerce blur, brands have a unique opportunity to create more immersive, engaging shopping experiences. To thrive in this new landscape, businesses need to embrace social commerce while balancing it with traditional e-commerce strategies. The future of shopping is social, and it’s already here.

  • Disney+ Hotstar survey shows surge in budget over last year

    Disney+ Hotstar survey shows surge in budget over last year

    Mumbai: As the festive season approaches, Indian consumers are gearing up for a significant shopping spree, as revealed by the positive spending sentiment observed in the third edition of Disney+ Hotstar’s Festive Shopping Sentiment Survey. The survey reflects strong consumer confidence, with shoppers expected to boost their spending by a remarkable 47 per cent compared to last year. Millennials are predicted to lead the charge, with women shoppers notably increasing their budgets by 70 per cent over the previous year, focusing on multiple categories including clothing, mobile phones, food, and beauty products.

    Key Findings:

    . Increased spending capacity: Improved spending capacity will drive higher expenditures this festive season

    . Millennial vs. Gen Z spending: Millennials are expected to spend more compared to Gen Z

    . Women shoppers: Women shoppers will increase their budget by 70 per cent compared to last year and shop across more than two categories

    . Top categories: Festive shopping baskets will comprise clothing, mobile, food, and beauty products

    . Upgrading technology: Consumers are looking to upgrade to 5G-enabled mobile phones and smart TVs this festive season

    . Preference for online shopping: 59 per cent of consumers prefer to shop online

    . Influence of online video ads: Online video ads will be the top information source, with 58 per cent of consumers discovering brands and services through these platforms

    . Digital payment preferences: 67 per cent preference for digital payment options, with UPI leading the way

    Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan commented, “We are excited about the upcoming festive season, given the positive consumer sentiment reflected in the survey. Disney+ Hotstar’s wide array of shows and movies across languages offers the perfect platform for brands to connect with consumers as they plan their festive shopping. Our

    platform is uniquely positioned to spotlight brands and their offerings through our innovative ad formats and comprehensive targeting options.”

    For the upcoming festive season, Disney+ Hotstar has an exciting line-up of shows across English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, as well as marquee live sports tournaments including the Premier League, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, and Pro Kabaddi league, making it the platform of choice for advertisers to engage with their consumers. Additionally, the platform offers festive packages for top-watched shows in multiple languages, simplifying campaign planning for advertisers. With innovative ad formats and over 1,000 targeting options, advertisers looking to capitalise on the festive fever will be spoilt for choice on Disney+ Hotstar.

    https://discover.hotstar.com/festive-report-2024/

  • 40 per cent increase in D2C festive sales as early trends show strong start – Gokwik report

    40 per cent increase in D2C festive sales as early trends show strong start – Gokwik report

    Mumbai: GoKwik anticipates a significant 40 per cent increase in sales during the upcoming festive period driven by a resilient Indian economy, the rise of aspirational Generation Z consumers, and the emergence of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands.

    According to data from GoKwik’s network, which includes over 4000 direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, there has been a 38 per cent increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and a 49 per cent rise in orders in July compared to June of this year. This early spike suggests that the festive shopping season has begun earlier than usual and is being driven by online shopping.

    This year, with more shoppers adopting a direct-to-consumer (D2C) approach, an increasing number of Gen Z individuals entering the workforce with disposable income, and a growing emphasis on aspirational purchasing of premium products, GoKwik anticipates a 40 per cent increase in orders during the festive season.

    Last year, brands on the GoKwik network experienced a 34 per cent uplift in GMV and a 38 per cent increase in orders. The brands continued to showcase a boost in order volume even as major marketplaces were running concurrent sales.

    “As we enter the festive season, we are witnessing an early surge in consumer activity, which is a promising sign for the industry,” said GoKwik co-founder & CEO Chirag Taneja. “The shift towards D2C brands is becoming more pronounced, with consumers valuing the direct connection, personalised experiences, and unique offerings these brands provide. At GoKwik, we are committed to supporting this growth by ensuring that brands can meet the increasing demand while minimising challenges like RTO. We are excited to see how this festive season unfolds and are optimistic about the continued rise of D2C in India’s eCommerce landscape,” he added.

    D2C brands now see little to no impact on their sales when major marketplaces run simultaneous sales. Last year, brands in the GoKwik network also witnessed a 52 per cent surge in sales during the significant marketplace sales, suggesting eCommerce brands have now become inert to these sale periods. The market is deepening, and shoppers show a positive sentiment toward D2C brands.

    Return to Origin (RTO) rates, a critical metric for eCommerce success, saw a seven per cent decrease across GoKwik’s network last year. This year, the company expects this improvement to double, driven by brands becoming more vigilant in understanding customer intent and enhancing communication through multiple channels.

    Over 900,000 orders were RTOed last year, with the highest rates observed in Manipur (36%), Bihar (28%), and Arunachal Pradesh (28%). Specific pin codes, such as 782122 in Nagaon district, Assam, 321204 in Bharatpur district, Rajasthan, and 852138 in Saharsa district, Bihar, saw the highest RTO rates, with an average of 72 per cent of orders being returned before delivery.

    Notably, the most popular price points for COD (Cash on Delivery) orders ranged between Rs 900- Rs 1500 and above, while prepaid orders were concentrated in the Rs 400-800 range.

    This indicates that while Indian consumers are becoming more comfortable with online shopping, caution remains, particularly for high-value items, where COD continues to be a preferred payment method. To address this, D2C brands are focusing on building trust through robust communication channels, product updates, a seamless online shopping experience, and further measures to enhance customer service.

    Tier 3 cities emerged as significant contributors during last year’s festive season, accounting for nearly 40% of total orders. This trend will continue this year, with markets and internet penetration deepening in these regions.

    Additionally, Average Order Value (AOV) is projected to grow by 12-15% this festive season, driven by bundle offers, a focus on premium products, and increased gifting. Aspirational buying is rising, particularly in Tier 3 cities, where consumers increasingly spend on higher-end products, facilitated by more accessible payment modes such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options and credit facilities.

    “India has always shown a consumption trend unique to the peninsula. Despite the global economic slowdown, India continues to show an upward trend in spending owing to increasing disposable income across the country, including tier 3,4 cities and towns. With the heterogeneous market in India, D2C brands cater to every distinct preference and niche, which has further increased consumption. This trend will continue to rise,” Chirag Taneja added.

    Last year, the top-performing categories during the festive season were Fashion, Beauty and Personal Care, and Electronics. However, the most significant growth in the number of orders was in beauty accessories (50%) and fashion (36%). The top products purchased during the festive period included candle holders, hair growth serums, watches, and perfumes. The trend is expected to continue. 

  • Kantar: Consumers in India are taking up ‘offers’ faster online than offline

    Kantar: Consumers in India are taking up ‘offers’ faster online than offline

    Mumbai: Kantar, a marketing data and analytics company, has launched ‘Uncovering Consumer Decision Making in Digital Commerce’ a comprehensive report collating multiple studies done across various categories, to help marketers formulate winning strategies for digital commerce.

    The research reveals a significant difference in availing offers online and offline by consumers. 86 per cent of online consumers are willing to take up offers while the offline offer uptake stands at 60 per cent which is a wide gap. Online buyers are more price sensitive and avail more offers compared to offline buyers. Therefore, it is important for marketers to optimise discount and promotion offers (own and with partners) considering channel dynamics and to understand the psychological thresholds to pricing.

    Other key findings of the report include:

    When it comes to selecting a digital payment instrument, brand reputation dominates as the primary factor, standing at the highest (index of 100) while other parameters such as ‘interest on earning’, ‘platform Fee & charges’ and ‘cashbacks on all transactions’, lags behind at 47, 43 and 18 (indexed to brand reputation) respectively.

    While selecting the e-commerce platform for online purchases, consumers’ look for foundational needs being met and hence delivery type & delivery charges stand highest (index of 100), followed by ‘discounts’ and ‘delivery time’ (61 and 52 respectively- indexed to delivery type & charges). This gives a clear indication to brands to keep a stronghold on these basics for customer loyalty and understand consumer’s maximum thresholds for delivery charges, delivery time and minimum thresholds for discounts.

    While consumers may expect to have many services and features available on the app, they would be willing to pay only for the services and features which fulfils an unmet need or have a tangible benefit. Kantar points out that it is important to estimate consumer’s willingness to pay for each service and feature, in order to construct subscription packages and to monetize profitably.

    A key aspect of consumer decision-making on digital platforms is Priced offers vis- a – vis free service/content. The report points out that while constructing and pricing subscription packages / offer bundles and monetizing services and features in digital commerce space, it is important to consider (and not ignore) free services and content available on the web as real competition because in consumer’s mind, these are relevant options and something they can easily switch back to.  Explaining this further, the report highlights that discounts on medicines are already available on many sites and thus, willingness to pay for it in a subscription plan is very low. The same is true for services such as nutritional / diet advice which are available for free on many health-related sites and platforms.

    Lastly, the report points out that loyalty program subscribers expect higher tangible rewards in return. This can vary by category. For one category, the expectation from the conversion rate for reward points to cash for loyalty program subscribers was 1.17 times that of the conversion rate for regular users and for another it was 1.31. Kantar recommends that in order to balance between consumer loyalty, rewards payout based on loyalty programs and profitability, it is important to estimate and optimize the reward-to-cash ratio and benefit from the difference in these expectations across program subscribers and regular users (to get them onboard) by different categories.

    Commenting on the report, Kantar MD & chief client officer, insights division, South Asia Soumya Mohanty said, “India’s online shopper base is to be the 2nd largest globally by 2030, with nearly 500-600 Mn shoppers, as per Invest India*. To capitalise this massive growth and be future-ready, it becomes even more important to listen to what consumers want from your category, brand, and those you partner with.

  • Wholsum Foods joins ONDC Network

    Wholsum Foods joins ONDC Network

    Mumbai: Wholsum Foods, the parent company of Slurrp Farm and Mille, has announced its integration into the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network. This integration marks a significant step forward in Wholsum Foods’ mission to provide nutritious, tasty, and convenient food options that cater to the needs of both children and adults across India.

    Wholsum Foods is built on the belief that wholesome eating should be a part of every family’s daily life, without compromising on taste or convenience. Slurrp Farm, a brand for children, offers a delightful range of products made from ancient grains and natural ingredients. From cereals to dosas to pancakes to noodles and pasta, Slurrp Farm ensures that parents can easily provide their little ones with meals that are both nutritious and delicious, nurturing a healthy relationship with food from a young age.

    Mille is crafted for adults who seek gourmet-style nutrition without sacrificing the convenience needed in today’s fast-paced world. Mille’s thoughtfully designed product range brings a modern twist to traditional nutrition, offering foods that are rich in flavour and packed with essential nutrients, making it easier for adults to maintain a balanced diet while savouring their meals.

    By joining the ONDC Network, Wholsum Foods is making these thoughtfully crafted products accessible to a wider audience, especially in tier two and beyond markets where the demand for healthy, convenient food options is rapidly growing. Through this network, Slurrp Farm and Mille products will be available on a variety of shopping apps, ensuring that families across India can easily discover and enjoy the benefits of delicious, nutritious eating.

    Wholsum Foods co-founders Meghana Narayan and Shauravi Malik commented on this development: “Our vision has always been to make nutritious food that everyone in the family can relish. By joining the ONDC Network, we’re able to bring our passion for tasty and healthy eating to more households, whether it’s through Slurrp Farm for children or Mille for adults. We’re excited to reach new customers across the country and make it easier for them to choose wholesome meals that fit their lifestyle.”

    As ONDC network continues to revolutionise digital commerce in India, Wholsum Foods is poised to expand its reach and strengthen its position as a leader in the health food industry. This integration will further ensure that Wholsum Foods’ products are not only accessible but also conveniently discoverable, making the path to healthier eating accessible for consumers nationwide.

    ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “We are pleased to have Wholsum Foods on board the ONDC Network. As they expand their reach, we are confident that this integration will make it easier for families across India to access high-quality, nutritious food. We look forward to supporting their journey as they bring their distinctive offerings to a broader audience.”

  • Zigly celebrated ‘International Happy Pets Day’ on 4 Aug Pan-India

    Zigly celebrated ‘International Happy Pets Day’ on 4 Aug Pan-India

    Mumbai: Zigly, India’s premier tech-enabled omni-channel Pet care brand from Cosmo First Ltd, celebrated the first-ever International Happy Pets Day (IHPD) celebration that took place on August 4th, 2024. This landmark event, coincided with Friendship Day, aimed to celebrate the extraordinary bond between humans and their four-legged companions while promoting responsible Pet parenting.  

    The day-long festivities held across 23 experience centres in 11 cities, featured a host of engaging activities for both pets and pet parents. Attendees participated in interactive pet yoga sessions, fun quizzes and animal trivia, photo opportunities with professional pet photographers, free health check-ups and anti-rabies vaccinations for pets, live entertainment, and meet-and-greet sessions with popular Pet influencers. All participants received exclusive goodie bags.

    A highlight of IHPD was the launch of Zigly’s innovative “Happy Pet Index”, a comprehensive tool designed to measure and monitor pet health beyond standard vaccinations. This ground-breaking initiative aims to set a new standard in pet care and well-being. Several initiatives were also planned online at www.zigly.com. Alongside, Zigly also unveiled its first-ever rap anthem, “Tujme Basti Meri Jaan” a heartfelt tribute to the love and joy our pets bring into our lives. This anthem celebrates the timeless bond between pets and their humans.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Zigly (@ziglyforpets)

     

    Cosmo First & Zigly group CEO Pankaj Poddar stated, “International Happy Pets Day represents a significant milestone in our mission to enhance the lives of pets and pet parents. By launching the Happy Pet Index, we are not just celebrating the joy pets bring to our lives, but also providing a tangible way to ensure their ongoing health and happiness. This event embodies Zigly’s commitment to fostering a community dedicated to responsible and joyful pet parenting and we celebrated this with the launch of first wrap song dedicated to all pets”

    While Zigly currently operates in India, IHPD reflects the company’s global vision for pet care. Collaborations with international brands underscore the event’s worldwide significance and promise to bring a diverse range of products and experiences to attendees. Pet parents and animal lovers were invited to join this unforgettable celebration of the human-animal bond. Each participant had the opportunity to create a lasting memory with their pet through complimentary paw print keepsakes.  
     

  • From local to global: The digital evolution of Pashmina.com with VTEX

    From local to global: The digital evolution of Pashmina.com with VTEX

    Mumbai: The art of Pashmina, crafted with centuries-old techniques by Kashmiri artisans, represents a rich tradition of exquisite craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Each piece, meticulously handmade, embodies the delicate balance of artistry and skill passed down through generations. In an effort to preserve and promote this timeless craft, Pashmina.com has emerged as a vital platform, connecting these artisans with a global audience.

    To further enhance its impact and operational efficiency, Pashmina.com has partnered with VTEX, a leading digital commerce platform. This strategic migration from Adobe Commerce to VTEX signifies a new chapter for Pashmina.com, focusing on global expansion and streamlined commerce operations. By leveraging VTEX’s innovative technology, Pashmina.com aims to amplify its reach while continuing to support and sustain the traditional art of Pashmina through its commitment to its artisan community.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Arth Chakraborty caught up with VTEX general manager, EMEA & APAC, Prakash Gurumoorthy and Pashmina.com founder Varun Kumar to gain deeper insights about their recent partnership, recent product announcements and updates and more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On Pashmina.com planning to leverage VTEX for its global expansion and streamlined operations

    We wanted to create a seamless online shopping experience for our customers from around the globe by optimising our website Pashmina.com for the international markets. The fully integrated and centralised order management system provided by VTEX is helpful for automating processes and analysing the performance metrics for customer delight. Having a single product portfolio while managing multiple markets with varied currencies & languages was surely the core feature that made us want to go ahead with VTEX.

    On Pashmina.com’s migration from Adobe Commerce to Vtex, and the benefits it anticipates from this transition

    As VTEX provides a single platform for commerce and marketplace functions, it is easier to analyse and reach out to specific customer segments with the niche of product mix we offer. VTEX has eliminated costly integrations like payments, CRM, and logistics by providing a fully integrated omnichannel solution for our business to run smoothly.

    On VTEX ensuring faster, high-conversion, composable experiences for both B2C and B2B brands, and its differentiating aspect in terms of user experience and conversion rates

    VTEX has ascended as the composable and complete commerce platform of choice for renowned household names in B2C and B2B commerce such as Samsung, Colgate, Stanley Black & Decker, Sony, Whirlpool, and many others, due to its ability to solve the diverse needs of global retailers and brands.

    As part of its core, VTEX’s composable and complete platform delivers a unified commerce approach, seamlessly intertwining online stores, marketplaces, and physical retail outlets to deliver a connected commerce shopping experience. This strategy fuels collaboration between VTEX, the vendor in this case, and its customer, which nurtures brand loyalty by providing a collaborative and seamless journey that resonates with today’s buyer.

    Supporting this approach is VTEX’s modular and scalable architecture, which significantly enhances user experience and boosts conversion rates by allowing seamless adaptation to market changes while maintaining peak performance. VTEX ensures that retailers avoid the overhead costs associated with extensive developer teams and ongoing maintenance. This efficiency translates directly into a lower total cost of ownership (TCO), as our platform empowers retailers with intuitive tools like FastStore. These tools enable swift implementation of changes, optimisation of product displays, and enhancement of user experiences without compromising on speed or performance. Thus, VTEX not only improves operational agility but also reduces costs, making it a superior choice for retailers aiming to thrive in dynamic markets.

    In order to showcase how VTEX can empower brands, we commissioned a “Total Economic Impact” (TEI) study with Forrester Consulting, which evaluated the financial impact and contributions of VTEX on businesses. The study found significant benefits for brands that transitioned to VTEX within three years, including $5.8 million saved by migrating from legacy digital commerce platforms to VTEX, along with a 133 per cent return on investment (ROI).

    On the recent product announcements and updates from VTEX, particularly regarding AI, security, and data enhancements

    As the comprehensive and composable platform serving enterprise businesses like Samsung, Sony, WhirlPool, and others, VTEX is constantly listening, reviewing, and gathering data on B2C consumer and B2B buyer trends. Additionally, we actively engage with enterprise brands to understand their needs, particularly in reaching new audiences, achieving sales targets, and integrating new innovations to unlock growth opportunities.

    As we are constantly responding to evolving demands and economic changes, we strategically utilise AI algorithms to enhance our offerings for enterprise brands to personalise products, collect valuable data on customer behavior, make informed decisions and optimise their marketing strategies and more to drive revenue forward.

    This is why we launched ‘VTEX Vision,’ a semi-annual product unveiling of cutting-edge solutions aimed at reducing the barriers to growth.  

    For our inaugural VTEX Vision, we created a comprehensive digital product showcase with solutions spanning advertising, data, security, software development, and more. Many of these innovations are embedded with AI integrations to empower both B2C and B2B enterprise brands to provide frictionless commerce for their internal team and buyers. Our latest AI-powered solutions include:

    AI-driven ad network: effectively manages ad space across digital stores using AI-driven optimisation. To maximise profits and simplify advertising efforts, it provides competitive auctions, precise targeting, and thorough ad campaign monitoring.

    WhatsApp integration for tailored sales: VTEX combines targeted campaigns, real-time campaign monitoring, AI-driven customisation, and personalised cart recovery messages with the WhatsApp Business Account builder. Personalised client communication is made possible by this connection, which improves sales conversion strategies.

    AI-powered intelligent search: Utilizing AI to discover patterns in user behaviour, this solution provides automatic find and suggest relevant synonyms for search terms to increase conversion rates.

    Live shopping with AI-powered live chat: VTEX enhances its popular live shopping product with AI-powered live chat to let users receive more prompt responses to their questions and requests during the live shopping experience. Conversion rates and customer happiness both rise with this interactive feature.

    AI is utilised in VTEX pick and pack operations to increase efficiency and decrease errors in fulfillment procedures. Reducing human error and enhancing the overall customer experience, it automates the approval or rejection of consumer return requests.

    These are just some of the ways we’ve built AI-driven solutions to streamline workflows,   tailor customer experiences, maximise advertising budgets and more. Our end goal is to ensure competitiveness for enterprise brands in the ever changing world of commerce.

    We have also introducted VTEX data pipeline to help customers gather all their data from their commerce operation. Unlocking actionable insights from digital commerce data is crucial for business success, yet high costs and complex integrations often pose challenges. VTEX Data Pipeline offers a streamlined solution for data sharing, ensuring secure and direct delivery of commerce data to your infrastructure. With a diverse range of datasets available, customise update frequencies and destinations, while maintaining GDPR compliance and data security. VTEX Data Pipeline empowers brands to access valuable insights, make informed decisions, and drive growth effectively.

    To fortify data protection and strengthen security across all modules, we introduced ‘VTEX Shield’ during VTEX Vision. This advanced security layer is meticulously crafted to elevate overall protection levels and enhance threat detection capabilities.

    VTEX Shield encompasses an advanced web application firewall (WAF) to defend against common online attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting, fortifying the security of digital stores hosted on the platform. Furthermore, VTEX offers a Pentest Readiness Service, allowing merchants to conduct regular penetration tests to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities, thus preventing potential security breaches.

    A key feature of VTEX Shield is its security monitor dashboard, providing real-time visibility into security events for swift risk mitigation. This comprehensive approach strengthens security measures, protects personally identifiable information (PII), and instills confidence in data security within the VTEX ecosystem, ensuring the safety of its customers and stakeholders.

    On Pashmina.com ensuring the authenticity and quality of the Pashmina products sourced from Kashmiri artisans, and some success stories or memorable experiences highlighting the positive impact Pashmina.com has had on their lives

    Each Pashmina we source from the artisans of Kashmir has a geographical indication seal from the ministry of textiles, government of India. This seal serves as the certificate of authenticity with a unique QR code for each Pashmina that indicates its purity. We work with over 100 artisan families assuring employment for both men and women in their families. We pay them upfront for them to have a sense of job security and make their living conditions better. This sustains their motivation to keep the dying art of Pashmina alive.

    On Pashmina.com navigating challenges such as competition in the e-commerce space and changing consumer preferences while staying true to its values

    To stay ahead of the curve, we try to keep our technology up to date for optimising the on-site user experience as per the shopper’s behaviour. The analytics help us to track the trends, drop-off points, and bounce rates for learning consumer preferences. We keep increasing our sustainable fashion product mix by adding traditional as well as contemporary Pashminas that attracts all generations.

    On how VTEX facilitates enhanced order fulfillment speed and efficiency through optimised inventory strategies and management updates

    Previously, enterprises managed their physical and e-commerce operations separately, leading to inventory issues and poor customer satisfaction, as deliveries were only handled by the e-commerce distribution center.

    Our OMS allows customers to integrate inventory from all distribution centers and physical stores, providing full visibility of inventory distribution. This integration reduces inventory breakage and offers multiple delivery options for customers, such as optimised delivery routes and in-store pick-up.

    With our OMS, you can track all sales from a single control panel, whether they occur on your DTC channel or through a third-party marketplace. Our native marketplace connection allows customers to list inventory on third-party marketplaces while maintaining a single source of truth, ensuring better operational control.

    Additionally, our native marketplace helps customers sell on external platforms and enables them to become a marketplace themselves, expanding their inventory without the burden of managing additional assortments.

    Furthermore, VTEX Vision, our semi-annual product showcase of innovative solutions unlocking growth strategies to boost conversion, recently introduced advanced functionalities for our VTEX Sales app such as efficient management of new product arrivals and top offers, the ability to recover abandoned shopping carts, and real-time inventory checks. These features not only streamline internal operations for brands, but also enhance the overall shopping experience for buyers. The integration of these capabilities within VTEX’s ecosystem ensures that businesses can leverage insights and utilize automation to deliver a seamless omnichannel experience that meets the evolving expectations of modern commerce.

    On ways in which VTEX empowers sales agents to enhance customer experience and increase customer lifetime value through improved access to inventory and productivity tools

    Our ecosystem includes sales reps who have a meaningful role in the consumer journey. We have been investing in connecting our customers’ sales reps across various channels, including call centers, brick-and-mortar stores, field sales, and multi-level marketing resellers. In addition to selling more, we enable them to take on other roles within the ecosystem, such as brand influencers, content creators, or part of the store fulfillment team. Our vision is that, in the long run, the sales app suite is so powerful and relevant to the salesperson that they will think twice before considering working somewhere that does not have it, as the software will provide them with so many new opportunities to sell more.

    Our VTEX Vision Spring 2024 announcement features an exciting update to help sales agents with our popular VTEX Sales app. The comprehensive tool is designed in managing sales processes and customer interactions efficiently. The recent updates introduced during VTEX Vision further amplify the app’s capabilities.

    New features within the VTEX Sales app include seamless integration with inventory management systems, ensuring real-time updates on stock levels. This integration enables sales agents to access accurate product availability information directly within the app, facilitating prompt and informed customer interactions. Additionally, we have introduced advanced functionalities for efficiently managing new product arrivals, top offers, recovering abandoned shopping carts, and checking inventory status.

    The VTEX Sales app is integrated with MasterData, consolidating all customer and order data. Moreover, it can seamlessly integrate with other business tools such as CRM software, payment gateways, and marketing tools, offering enhanced functionality and customisation options to meet specific business needs.

    Furthermore, the updated VTEX Sales app now incorporates advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms for inventory forecasting. By analysing historical sales data and customer behavior trends, the app generates precise forecasts for future demand. These predictive insights empower businesses to make data-driven decisions regarding inventory management, procurement strategies, and sales initiatives, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

  • Raghav Juyal and Harshvardhan Rane’s viral fight exposed as Flipkart’s marketing gimmick

    Raghav Juyal and Harshvardhan Rane’s viral fight exposed as Flipkart’s marketing gimmick

    Mumbai – The advertising world is buzzing after the dramatic reveal that the viral fight between Bollywood stars Raghav Juyal and Harshvardhan Rane was an elaborate stunt orchestrated by Flipkart. The 15-second clip, which captivated social media with its intense and seemingly real altercation, was actually a clever campaign to spotlight the incredible durability of the Moto Edge 50, launching exclusively on Flipkart.

    The video, showing a heated brawl between the actors, sparked widespread speculation and curiosity. The big reveal came when both Raghav and Harshvardhan took to Instagram, sharing the full video and declaring, “Iss fight ka asli hero toh Moto Edge 50 tha,” showcasing the phone’s military-grade protection as the true star of the spectacle.

    The staged fight was meticulously designed to highlight the Moto Edge 50’s ruggedness, aligning perfectly with the macho personas of the actors. This high-energy drama effectively demonstrated the phone’s ability to withstand extreme conditions, leaving audiences both entertained and impressed. This campaign is the latest in a series of creative marketing strategies from Flipkart.

  • Adbuffs dwells on unlocking customer acquisition in DTC eCommerce at Shiprocket’s SHIVIR event

    Adbuffs dwells on unlocking customer acquisition in DTC eCommerce at Shiprocket’s SHIVIR event

    Mumbai: Adbuffs has achieved tremendous response from the community of DTC brands at SHIVIR, Shiprocket’s event that connected a multitude of brand owners and BSP within the DTC eCommerce landscape.  

    As the key highlight of the event, Adbuffs’ founders – Ramashish Bhowmik and Abhishek Maity led the Masterclass with their deep expertise and insights on the burgeoning eCommerce landscape. The masterclass was followed by a series of sessions on generating 50-100 creatives per week per brand with speed and scale and unlocking precision in customer acquisition to boost profitability and retention.

    Talking about the masterclass, Ramasish Bhowmik, Co-Founder of Adbuffs said, “As a DTC-focused marketing agency, we have been committed to deliver unmatched results for e-commerce brands. With the average person being exposed to 5000 ads per day, it becomes more challenging than ever for brands to grasp user attention, thereby making this masterclass a strategic imperative. With an emphasis on building impactful customer acquisition strategy, we are proud to help DTC brands increase revenue, conversions, and loyalty.”

    Commenting on this incredible opportunity, Adbuffs media buying manager Saijal Jain said, “ This event marks a significant milestone in our journey as we continue to make strides in supercharging growth for DTC ecommerce brands. With the opportunity to engage in conversations, and stirring inspiring interactions, we are looking forward to the incredible growth and possibilities brought forth by SHIVIR, Shiprocket’s flagship event

  • SwopStore partners with Snitch

    SwopStore partners with Snitch

    Mumbai – SwopStore, a leading e-commerce optimisation platform, has successfully partnered with Snitch, resulting in a significant revenue surge of approximately Rs five million. SwopStore’s strategic interventions, leveraging advanced analytics, targeted marketing strategies, and enhancements to user experience, have played a pivotal role in boosting Snitch’s market presence and profitability.

    In this collaboration, SwopStore implemented comprehensive data analysis to identify key market trends and consumer preferences, enabling Snitch to tailor its offerings more effectively. Additionally, targeted marketing campaigns were designed to reach a wider audience, while user experience improvements were made to ensure a seamless and engaging shopping experience for Snitch’s customers. These combined efforts have not only increased Snitch’s revenue but also enhanced customer satisfaction and retention rates.

    SwopStore CEO & founder Ayush Gupta commented on this successful partnership: “At SwopStore, our mission is to enable businesses to harness the power of data for tangible results. Our collaboration with Snitch is a testament to the potential of our platform in driving digital excellence and performance optimization. We are thrilled to see Snitch achieving such remarkable success and are committed to supporting their ongoing growth.”

    Snitch CMO Chetan Siyal also shared their thoughts on the partnership: “Partnering with SwoStore has been a game-changer for us. Their advanced analytics and data-driven insights have significantly contributed to our revenue growth and operational efficiency. We are excited about the new growth opportunities this collaboration has unlocked and look forward to continuing our journey with SwopStore.