Social commerce stories

Gen Z is turning away from polished ads and backing creators, forcing brands to pivot towards social commerce and community-led influence.

Patchworks data operations jumped over 320% year on year as retailers stretched BFCM 2025 into a longer, more complex multichannel peak.

Gen Z’s ‘Returniture’ habit of sending back bulky furniture bought online is soaring, leaving UK retailers to shoulder rising costs and complexity.

UK shoppers want AI for real-time delivery tracking and returns but demand transparency and human support for trust and control over choices.

UK eCommerce sales surged 27% during Black Friday as social media platforms like TikTok fueled a 152% global rise in social shopping transactions.

By 2026, AI, social commerce and immersive physical retail experiences will transform how consumers interact with brands both online and in stores.

Etaily secures over USD $24 million in SMBC-led funding to boost social commerce growth and regional expansion across Southeast Asia.

UK shoppers favour AI for delivery tracking and returns but insist it should support, not replace, human customer service roles in retail.

Fanclip launches in Southeast Asia to unify the region's USD $55 billion creator market with a platform for creators, brands, agencies, and buyers.

Q4 says that as AI reshapes CFO roles, finance chiefs are facing detailed questions on AI strategies, capital allocation, and future compliance costs.

In 2026, logistics will pivot towards proven robotics, practical AI, cloud resilience, and enhanced visibility to tackle rising complexity and costs.

AI, social media, and flexible payments like BNPL will shape festive shopping as 69% of consumers trust AI to assist their Black Friday and holiday purchases.

UK consumers increasingly prioritise trust and speed in digital purchases, with 77.6% researching online before buying amid booming eCommerce growth.

Ghost stock is costing UK retailers profits and efficiency, with rising returns and inventory errors impacting operations and customer loyalty, says Manhattan Associates.

UK shoppers now trust luxury brand websites and AI agents like ChatGPT for product research, prioritising detailed info over traditional retail sources.

UK shoppers trust luxury brand websites and AI assistants like Chat GPT for reliable product info, with 68% favouring luxury sites and 67% AI tools.

UK shoppers increasingly accept AI for delivery updates and returns, but nearly half still prefer human support when issues arise, new research finds.

SOTI upgrades its ONE Platform with AI and enhanced security to boost retail efficiency, meet consumer data protection demands and streamline device control.

While 38% of UK shoppers use AI in retail, 72% want control and 94% demand transparency in how AI handles their data and choices.

Gen Z demands instant replies within 15 minutes and prefers social shopping on apps like Instagram and TikTok, pushing retailers to adopt AI and automation.