USA & Brazil
Magic mirror ▪ Amazon will give shoppers the option to see how clothes would look on them by filing a patent for a virtual mirror technology that allows users to create “blended” images of themselves wearing virtual outfits. The online steamroller claimed an estimated 44% of all US e-commerce sales in 2017.
Aggressive push ▪ Sprouts Farmers Market is set to expand to the fast-growing Charlotte market in April, followed by its first South Carolina location in June. Later in 2018, the Phoenix-based supermarket chain plans store debuts in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Highlighting freshness ▪ Brazilian supermarket chain Pão de Açúcar has launched a new store concept in five of its outlets. Fruits, vegetables and organic products are grouped together in a 'Fresh' section at the entrance. The concept also includes a café as well as several options for healthy meals.
What to watch
Great expectations ▪ The Consumer Electronics Show, the first major global event of the year, is about to kick off in Las Vegas with preview events in advance. Expect voice assistants, robots and cars galore. News portal Quartz has compiled everything you need to know about the CES.
More predictions ▪ Seven trends will most likely reshape retail this year. Some of them rather unexpected, like a new interest in brick-and-mortar stores, others less surprising, like a growing number of acquisitions. Check out what will disrupt and define our industry in 2018.
|