1170 articles
The conventional view of 'smart stores' often focuses on customer-facing AI, but the real transformative potential for retailers is in behind-the-scenes operational efficiencies. Leveraging AI for inventory, staffing, and supply chain management creates a robust foundation for enhanced customer experiences.
The 'transaction moment' – the point of purchase – is increasingly recognised as a critical, yet often undervalued, opportunity for revenue growth and customer engagement. By strategically leveraging this final stage of the customer journey, businesses can unlock significant value beyond the initial sale. This insight offers a fresh perspective for New Zealand marketers to re-evaluate their retail strategies.
Customer loyalty is shifting from traditional points programs to seamless integration within the payment experience itself. This evolution leverages technology to offer instant rewards and personalised interactions at the point of transaction, fundamentally altering how brands build and maintain customer relationships.
The retail sector is evolving beyond basic omnichannel strategies towards unified commerce, where AI orchestrates seamless customer experiences across all touchpoints. This integration is crucial for New Zealand businesses aiming to compete effectively and meet rising consumer expectations.
NZME is reporting strong performance across its publishing portfolio, indicating sustained audience engagement and commercial viability in traditional media. This suggests a resilient local media landscape despite digital shifts, offering robust platforms for advertiser reach.
An outdated US privacy law, the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), is unexpectedly driving a surge of lawsuits against ad tech companies. This 1967 statute, originally targeting wiretapping, is being reinterpreted to challenge contemporary digital tracking practices, creating significant legal uncertainty for businesses.
Inland Revenue (IR) is actively pushing for tax compliance among New Zealand's crypto-asset investors, highlighting the growing scale and mainstream integration of digital assets. This move underscores the need for marketers to understand the evolving regulatory landscape and the demographic engaging with cryptocurrencies.
New developments in AI-powered 'agentic commerce' are enabling brands to gain a more comprehensive understanding of customer needs and preferences directly on their websites. These brand-trained agents move beyond basic chatbots to actively interpret user intent, offering tailored experiences and invaluable data for marketers.
Mondelez International is establishing a new global leadership role to navigate the rise of AI-driven shopping bots and agentic commerce. This strategic move acknowledges the imminent shift in how consumers discover and purchase products, necessitating a proactive brand response to maintain relevance in automated retail environments.
Scroll Media has secured exclusive rights to represent AccuWeather's advertising inventory across Australia and New Zealand. This agreement introduces a new source of premium, contextually relevant digital ad space for local advertisers, potentially enhancing targeting capabilities.
Australia is experiencing a surge in 'microdrama' content, with data indicating stronger performance compared to global markets. This vertical video format is gaining industry recognition, prompting discussions among platforms, broadcasters, and creators.
The current landscape for AI startups, particularly those offering niche solutions, is increasingly precarious. Large foundation models are rapidly integrating capabilities that previously defined these smaller players, signalling a period of intense competition and potential market consolidation. This shift demands strategic re-evaluation for marketers relying on or developing AI tools.
