We make it easy for you to keep up to date with what's happening in the world of retail. Check out what we are reading this month and why.
McDonald’s USA releases Szechuan Sauce as mobile exclusive
The clever clogs at McDonald’s USA is leveraging the cult-like mystique behind its Szechuan Sauce to drive downloads of its app. The sauce “drop” will only be available as an exclusive for mobile orders. McDonald’s has only sold Szechuan Sauce three times previously, around a "Rick & Morty" episode in 2017 that resulted in supply shortages and outraged fans.
2022 Top 50 Global Retailers
The National Retail Federation released its annual list of the Top 50 Global Retailers. Conducted with Kantar, the 2022 Top 50 Global Retailers list is a compilation of the 50 most impactful international retailers based on their operations at the start of 2021.
HN NFT Vault - Retail concept space selling NFTs
Harvey Nichols has introduced the world’s first blue-chip non-fungible tokens (NFT) retail concept space in its Hong Kong store. It aims to make NFTs more accessible to a broader audience by featuring a range of NFTs from some of the most successful projects globally available for in-store exploration and purchase.
Nikeland in the metaverse
Nike claims that nearly 7 million people from around the world have visited Nikeland, its metaverse store, since it opened five months ago. Nikeland, built in Roblox, allows users to try on virtual products in addition to playing to the strengths of Roblox as a platform with games such as dodgeball.
Exclusive Adidas IRL via NFT drops in metaverse
The Adidas NFT collection, Into The Metaverse, also comes with exclusive access to physical streetwear drops and apparel products which will be released to NFT owners in phases.
H&M trials third-party marketplace offering in Europe
H&M is launching a new online platform in Sweden and Germany called the "H&M with friends" marketplace, where shoppers will also find brands such as Lee, Fila, Superdry and Crocs. More than one third of H&M's sales already comes from e-commerce, and the retailer is hoping to tap into this growth by drawing more consumers with an expanded product platform offering.
A unique way to engage a younger car buyer
Honda’s new lifestyle-focused Twitch channel is a first for any automaker. Called Honda DreamLab, the channel has content centred around three themes; collaboration, conversation and competition. The goal of the automaker is to connect with a broader audience of young car buyers. Content current includes a crafting challenge, a series focused on pop culture discussions, and a live DJ competition.
The battle between chatbots and humans
Chatbots were first seen as a solution to customer service challenges, including reducing wait time, improving self-service, and driving cost optimisation. However, businesses are beginning to reconsider their automation strategies following shifts in consumer demands.
Big Night refining brick and mortar
Incredible concept - Brooklyn-based “dinner-party store” Big Night has been designed like an eclectic NYC apartment. Just under 300 square feet, with a big window, stocked with colourful wine glasses, linen, tableware, tinned fish, cheese, bread, dried flowers.
What we are reading