Global News and Digital Insights
for the Consumer Goods Industry

February 18, 2022

Food for thought for retailers: treat Gen Z consumers like co-creators

Pandemic affected multiple life spheres but on the contrary, it promoted unique DIY activities and handicraft artisans. Tufting is one such artisanal skill, which is trending nowadays among local Gen Zers in China. Tufting, more commonly known as 簇绒 in China, is the art of making traditional rugs with a tufting gun. The number of Tufting UgCS videos released on lifestyle channels increases five times every month. The emerging trend provides retailers an interesting opportunity to treat consumers like co-creators by inviting them to participate in skilful activities held at pop-up stores. This way retailers would be able to preserve their local artistic talent and encourage more customers to visit their brand. Read more from Jingdaily

What and how: China’s e-commerce continues to grow

Emarketer, a market research firm, predicted that e-commerce in China is expected to grow. In 2021 more than half (52.1%) of the country’s retail sales were generated from online channels, while the rate increased up to 55.6% in 2022. The growth percentage is anticipated to reach 57% and 58.1% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Emarketer revealed reasons and innovations behind e-commerce growth and declared emergence of Alibaba as the leading reason among others. Inspired by Alibaba, JD.com, also added into the country’s revenue. The smartphone empowered culture and advanced digital payment methods, including Alipay and WeChat helped e-commerce function effectively. Plus, the low-cost delivery services prompted consumers to shop from online channels, instead of non-customer-centric shopping outlets. Currently, WeChat mini-programs, live commerce, and Pinduoduo are driving the progress of e-commerce in China. Read more from Emarketer

L’Oreal sales excelled over 17% in North Asia

L’Oreal reportedly claimed that the firm’s sales in North Asia excelled by 17.6% in December 2021. The organization experienced twofold digit development in 2021, specifically, in central China as the brand’s quality-driven products allured Chinese consumers. Other regions, including The South Asia Pacific, Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa saw a growth of 13.9%. The company’s sales in Southeast Asia returned to the pre-Covid level in the final quarter of 2021 due to its remarkable performance in Vietnam and rise in e-commerce. Pacific countries, including Pakistan and India, and the Gulf region also delivered profitable performance. Read more from Retailasia

South Africa’s SPAR sales proliferated across its international (Irish, polish and Swiss) operations

SPAR Group, South Africa’s largest retailer, has experienced an increase of 5.8% in sales across its international chains, including the Irish BWG Foods (6.9%), Switzerland-based stores (1.9%), and Polish stores (11.8%).  The reliable and resilient strategies enabled the retailer to hit a €2.67 billion valuation. Due to the increased demand and sales of liquor, South Africa’s SPAR enjoyed a wholesale growth of 8.2%. While at the Switzerland-based operations, the turnover rate increased up to 15.9%. Read more from Esmmagazine

Food for thought for retailers: treat Gen Z consumers like co-creators

Pandemic affected multiple life spheres but on the contrary, it promoted unique DIY activities and handicraft artisans. Tufting is one such artisanal skill, which is trending nowadays among local Gen Zers in China. Tufting, more commonly known as 簇绒 in China, is the art of making traditional rugs with a tufting gun. The number of Tufting UgCS videos released on lifestyle channels increases five times every month. The emerging trend provides retailers an interesting opportunity to treat consumers like co-creators by inviting them to participate in skilful activities held at pop-up stores. This way retailers would be able to preserve their local artistic talent and encourage more customers to visit their brand. Read more from Jingdaily

What and how: China’s e-commerce continues to grow

Emarketer, a market research firm, predicted that e-commerce in China is expected to grow. In 2021 more than half (52.1%) of the country’s retail sales were generated from online channels, while the rate increased up to 55.6% in 2022. The growth percentage is anticipated to reach 57% and 58.1% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Emarketer revealed reasons and innovations behind e-commerce growth and declared emergence of Alibaba as the leading reason among others. Inspired by Alibaba, JD.com, also added into the country’s revenue. The smartphone empowered culture and advanced digital payment methods, including Alipay and WeChat helped e-commerce function effectively. Plus, the low-cost delivery services prompted consumers to shop from online channels, instead of non-customer-centric shopping outlets. Currently, WeChat mini-programs, live commerce, and Pinduoduo are driving the progress of e-commerce in China. Read more from Emarketer

L’Oreal sales excelled over 17% in North Asia

L’Oreal reportedly claimed that the firm’s sales in North Asia excelled by 17.6% in December 2021. The organization experienced twofold digit development in 2021, specifically, in central China as the brand’s quality-driven products allured Chinese consumers. Other regions, including The South Asia Pacific, Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa saw a growth of 13.9%. The company’s sales in Southeast Asia returned to the pre-Covid level in the final quarter of 2021 due to its remarkable performance in Vietnam and rise in e-commerce. Pacific countries, including Pakistan and India, and the Gulf region also delivered profitable performance. Read more from Retailasia

South Africa’s SPAR sales proliferated across its international (Irish, polish and Swiss) operations

SPAR Group, South Africa’s largest retailer, has experienced an increase of 5.8% in sales across its international chains, including the Irish BWG Foods (6.9%), Switzerland-based stores (1.9%), and Polish stores (11.8%).  The reliable and resilient strategies enabled the retailer to hit a €2.67 billion valuation. Due to the increased demand and sales of liquor, South Africa’s SPAR enjoyed a wholesale growth of 8.2%. While at the Switzerland-based operations, the turnover rate increased up to 15.9%. Read more from Esmmagazine