Category Archives: Lifestyle

MTV VMAs 2024: Shoppable Live TV Takes Center Stage

Artificial Intelligence, Communications, Lifestyle, Millenials, Technology, , , ,

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) transformed the viewing experience with a growing  partnership between Paramount Global and Shopsense AI. This collaboration enabled real-time shopping of outfits and designer looks featured during the awards show, and marked a significant shift in content monetization for legacy media companies.

Shopsense’s AI-powered lens allowed viewers to snap photos of outfits during the show, browse similar items suggested by their product recognition algorithm, and make purchases directly from their phones. This seamless shopping experience was designed to enhance engagement and for users to “go through that shopping journey without pausing the content” according to Shopsense’s co-founder and president Bryan Quinn in an interview with CNBC.

In the age of streaming, as traditional TV advertising revenues decline, media companies like Paramount are looking for innovative solutions to boost profits. This new live shopping feature is expected to drive consumer engagement and conversion rates during high-profile events like the VMAs. As the AI continues to improve, it is predicted that this trend will proliferate with other media giants like Disney exploring similar shoppable ad formats.

Retailers including Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Urban Outfitters are leveraging this partnership to capture consumer interest at the moment they’re inspired by what they see on TV. The approach capitalizes on impulse buying, offering curated collections and lookalikes at various price points. As AI continues to transform the advertising and retail sectors, live shopping represents a growing trend that blends entertainment and commerce. This partnership could shape the future of shopping by turning live television into an interactive retail experience.

Will a “right to disconnect” reach the U.S.?

Companies, Lifestyle, Remote Work, , ,

Australia recently introduced a “right to disconnect” law, allowing workers to ignore after-hours communications from employers without fear of punishment. The law, which aims to restore work-life balance, lets employees choose whether to respond to calls or messages outside working hours unless their refusal is deemed unreasonable. This measure addresses the growing issue of unpaid overtime, with a 2023 survey finding Australians worked an average of 281 unpaid overtime hours annually.

The move is part of a global trend, with more than 20 countries, mainly in Europe and Latin America, implementing similar protections. Proponents argue that this law not only benefits employees but also helps businesses by reducing stress and burnout, leading to healthier, more productive workforces.

In the U.S., however, federal protections do not yet exist. American workers continue to face blurred boundaries between work and personal time, a challenge that has only grown with the rise of remote work since the pandemic. While some states are exploring legislation to address these issues, efforts like a bill proposed in California were put on hold earlier this year after pushback from business groups. As the U.S. grapples with increasing demands for a better work-life balance, concepts like a four-day workweek or the “right to disconnect” could become a key focus of future labor discussions.

Peter Arnell Gives the Fontainebleau a New Look

Art, Communications, Economy, Lifestyle

Peter Arnell, a renowned brand consultant and designer, has played a crucial role in redefining the brand identity of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.  As the Chief Brand and Design Officer for Fontainebleau Development, Arnell was tasked with modernizing the hotel’s brand identity as it approached its 70th anniversary. His work led to the creation of a new logo for Fontainebleau, which was inspired by the marble bowtie motif from the Fontainebleau Miami Beach lobby. This new design element is now integrated across various customer experiences at the resort.

To unveil this updated brand identity, Arnell and his team conceptualized a special event that coincided with the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square. Collaborating with Countdown Entertainment, they developed an animation that incorporated the new Fontainebleau logo, which was showcased during the midnight countdown. This strategy aimed to introduce the refreshed brand identity to a global audience, linking it with the historic and iconic event of Times Square.

The event featured performances by Paul Anka and Post Malone, representing the hotel’s historical and contemporary cultural relevance. These performances were part of the broader effort to highlight the opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas and the brand’s ongoing relevance. A special countdown after midnight focused on the Fontainebleau’s 70th anniversary, featuring the new brand identity animation on the Times Square ball, which will remain visible throughout the year.

Changes at the Self-Checkout

Companies, Consumerism, Lifestyle

Retail giant Target is experimenting with a new self-checkout policy. In select stores, Target is now limiting self-checkout to customers purchasing 10 items or fewer, redirecting those with more items to full-service lanes manned by cashiers. This change is hoping to address concerns that cashier-less technology alienates customers. John Mulligan, Target’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of customer relationships, noting, “Our guests tell us they enjoy interacting with our team.”

The change in the self-checkout system is aimed at understanding shoppers’ preferences and reducing wait times. Self-checkout lanes were designed to streamline processes and cut labor costs. But recently, Target has seen a 6% increase in customers utilizing full-service cashier lanes, since the self-checkout systems often breakdown and error out, causing them to be cumbersome and time consuming.

The impersonal and unreliable nature of self-scan machines has led many retailers, including Walmart, Costco, and Shoprite, to reevaluate their self-checkout strategies.

Additionally, research in the retail industry has revealed that self-checkout leads to higher losses due to theft and customer error. Target emphasized that while theft is an ongoing concern, it didn’t drive their new self-checkout policies.

Hershey Looks to Halloween to Boost Chocolate Sales

Companies, Consumerism, Economy, Lifestyle

Hershey, the maker of popular candies like Reese’s, Kit Kat, and Twizzlers, is gearing up for Halloween sales. This year, it appears that customers are shopping for trick-or-treat candy closer to the holiday. Last year, due to supply chain and availability concerns, many customers bought their Halloween candy early. Although it’s too early to predict this year’s outcome, so far, Halloween candy sales have been slower than last year.

As Halloween approaches, Hershey is hoping for a strong performance this weekend to meet its sales targets. In recent years, Halloween has become a critical period for the company, accounting for 25-30% of its annual business.

Hershey is experiencing difficulties on several fronts. Cocoa prices are on the rise, supply chain issues have plagued the cocoa industry, and many consumers are now facing budget constraints and are more sensitive to pricing.

To cater to budget-conscious consumers, Hershey is expanding its presence in dollar stores and discount outlets. They are also exploring the option of selling smaller-sized candies at more affordable prices.

But Hershey executives remain positive that Halloween will bring the candy buying boom that the company needs. Last week, CEO Michele Buck said, “With Halloween next Tuesday, we still have several important selling days to go”.