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Sun Hats and Cooling Towels: The Perfect Combo for the Summer

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YIWU, China, May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As summer arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, sun hats and cooling towels become a perfect match. Although the summer’s heat hasn’t reached its peak, the early arrival of spring in China has noticeably advanced the sales schedule for sun protection products. Numerous merchants in Yiwu have observed a spike in sales, particularly for items such as sun hats, hats, and face-kinis since February 2024. Additionally, with the growing awareness of “national fitness”, high-tech sport gear like “cooling towels” are seeing a surge in sales.

Sun Hats and Cooling Towels on the www.yiwugo.com.
Sun Hats and Cooling Towels on the www.yiwugo.com.

Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. According to big data from Yiwugo, from March 1, 2024, to May 12, 2024, the search volume rankings for keywords such as “hats” and “sun hats” has climbed from around the 40th place to around the 15th. During this period, the number of orders related to sun hats has remained nearly the same as in 2023, but the transaction value of these orders has increased by 1.65 times. Meanwhile, from April 1, 2024, to May 12, 2024, the number of orders related to cooling towels is 1.07 times that of 2023, with a year-on-year transaction value growth of 70%.

Mr. Zheng Xiongfeng, head of Yiwu Ruwei Clothing Co., Ltd., has been engaged in sports products such as towels and neck gaiters for many years. Seven years ago, he started producing cooling towels in response to customer demand. It was during this period that Disney buyers from Japan began cooperating with Ruwei, with the company exporting approximately 4 million cooling towels to Japan annually. This year, overseas orders came even earlier, with samples being prepared for clients as early as December 2023.

“Since 2022, the trend of sports fashion has been robust in China, and cooling towels have become popular in the domestic market,” Zheng said. By the end of April, there was a noticeable a surge in domestic orders for cooling towels. Anta, a well-known Chinese sports brand, chose Ruwei as its cooling towel supplier after a thorough selection process. The partnership has endured for over two years and continues to thrive.

In recent years, most of Ruwei’s new foreign orders have come from inquiries on the Yiwugo platform. As a leading manufacturer, Ruwei maintains a stockpile of 200 tons of raw materials for cooling towels in stock and oversees every step of the production process, from yarn procurement to fabric production and product cutting. This meticulous approach ensures control over every stage and fosters trust with clients, who often become long-term customers following sample evaluations and on-site inspections.

Hats remain a perennial industry in Yiwu, and this year’s sun protection season is no exception. Ms. Lou Shuhui and her Chengwen Hats Co., Ltd. have been in the business for nearly 20 years, primarily exporting baseball caps and bucket hats to over 30 countries, with an annual output value exceeding 50 million yuan. She noted an increase in orders from overseas brands this year. The company has been collaborating with Walmart for nearly six years, with annual transactions totaling around 2 million yuan. In 2021, they stood out among suppliers for Disney’s strict quality control on custom hats and have been working with them for three years, producing nearly 2,000 hats daily.

Another notable hat manufacturer, Fu Longnv, specializes in hats with UV protection materials. Her products, known for their SPF value, have a good reputation in the domestic market and the brand TUDROFI registered in the US has gained recognition in Europe and America. Since February, her company has been exporting outdoor sun hats with anti-slip buckles in black, white, navy, grey, and khaki. Customers frequently reorder every three days, and the company is busy with inquiries from foreign companies and buyers on the Yiwugo.

Haitao Hats Co., Ltd., a merchant in the Yiwugo industry belt, specializes in exporting fashionable yarn-dyed jacquard baseball caps. With an annual output of over 1 million caps, this 20-year professional hat manufacturer excels in fabric production, shaping machines, and the selection of lining and sweatbands. Currently, they are fulfilling a custom order for nearly 20,000 hats from a client in Tehran, Iran. In addition, they are discussing future cooperation after completing a trial order of hat brims customized by a procurement group from Guangzhou.

Amidst the scorching summer sun, sun protection products and cooling towels are in full swing for the peak season. Yiwugo stands out as the optimal platform for buyers seeking a wide array of best-selling products and reliable suppliers.

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Chemist Warehouse to lose discounted price of prescription medicine after Albanese government caves to pharmacy pressure

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The price of prescription medicine is set to rise after the influential Pharmacy Guild won a bid to strip Chemist Warehouse of its ability to offer customers $1 off medicines.

The federal government made the decision after negotiations with the pharmacy Guild came to a head.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Government caves to pharmacy pressure to end a $1 script discount.

Often offering the lowest prices, Chemist Warehouse had previously used a policy allowing them to knock $1 off government-set prices on the cost of scripts to create competition — a policy that other pharmacies did not use.

The discount policy was first introduced by former health minister Sussan Ley in 2016, but now, the Albanese government has bowed to pressure from the Pharmacy Guild to end the days of discount scripts.

After the intense scrutiny of this year’s budget due to the rise in the cost of living, the Pharmacy Guild welcomed the decision — saying it will help Australians “struggling with the cost of healthcare”.

The lobby group fought for the change to the discounted scripts, saying it would keep costs down in the long run and “restore universality” to prescription prices but result in the binning of the $1 discount.

“The freezing of maximum medicine co-payments via the staged application of the discretionary $1 discount will help Australians struggling with the cost of healthcare and will restore universality to the PBS,” The Pharmacy Guild’s President Trent Twomey said.

The Pharmacy Guild said the measure will provide “much-needed relief” for those struggling to afford their essential medicines amid inflationary pressures and a cost-of-living crisis.

“Freezing indexation of co-payment means patients won’t have to foot more of the overall cost for their medicines come 1 January each year,” Twomey said.

“On behalf of our members, the Guild has a strong track record of fighting to bring down the cost of medicines — I’m pleased the Guild secured anti-inflationary relief for patients by phasing in the universal application of the $1 discount as part of our 8CPA negotiations.”

Chemist Warehouse has been contacted for comment.

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Hilton Properties Nationwide Unveils Month-Long National Wedding Sale

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Exclusive 20% discounts, lucky draw prizes and memorable perks await couples

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hilton properties across Malaysia are pleased to announce the Weddings at Hilton. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lavish affair, let Hilton properties in Malaysia make your special day truly unforgettable.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Hilton Kuala Lumpur

The festivities commence with an exclusive 20% discount on selected wedding packages, Hilton Honor bonus points as well as additional perks from selected wedding partners. For convenience and easy bookings, the online wedding sale was launched on 6th May and will commence till 30th May 2024. Guests are encouraged to take the opportunity to enjoy great savings on this limited time offer via visiting weddingsathilton.com 

DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort
DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort

For those looking for customized packages and arrangements, the much-anticipated KLPJ Wedding Fair awaits from May 17th to May 19th, Booth B85, Hall 3 at Mid-Valley Exhibition Center. From start to finish, Hilton wedding specialists ensure a stress-free stroll down the aisle. Furthermore, booking made during the wedding fair comes inclusive of perks such as a complimentary stay in the Bridal Suite, customizable menus and food tasting just to name a few. Couples will also earn double Hilton Honors Points, which can be used to redeem a honeymoon at any Hilton hotel worldwide.

DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur
DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Hilton Kuching
Hilton Kuching

Attendees at the fair will have the chance to win lucky draw prizes from exclusive vendors which include complimentary pre-wedding cinematography by Motion In Style Production, a 2-hour 360 video booth service by TagBooth Photobooth, or a studio photoshoot by Precious. Additionally, all participants, regardless of their deposit amount, will receive a goodie bag with edible gift favors, cash vouchers, promotional materials, and a chance to win a 2-tier wedding cake by Sylvia Alexa Artistry.

Participating Hilton Properties:

Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Hilton Petaling Jaya
Hilton Kuching
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Doubletree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside
Doubletree by Hilton Melaka
Doubletree by Hilton Johor Bahru
Doubletree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City
Doubletree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort
Doubletree Resort by Hilton Penang
Hilton Garden Inn Puchong

Wedding Partners:

Arifah Hot Oven
Sylvia Alexa Artistry
Armadale Weddings
Precious Wedding & The Gown Atelier
Mohan’s Executives Tailors
Momento Wedding
Motion In Style
TagBooth Photobooth
Posterlite
Merry Ice Cream

Book your wedding package during this month-long celebration of love and embark on a journey that will leave cherished memories for a lifetime. For more information, visit weddingsathilton.com.

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EHA 2024 | Results from Five Studies of Ascentage Pharma’s Key Drug Candidates Selected for Presentations at 2024 European Hematology Association Hybrid Congress

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SUZHOU, China and ROCKVILLE, Md., May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancer, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, announced today that the latest results from five studies have been selected for Poster Presentations at the 2024 European Hematology Association Hybrid Congress (EHA 2024). These posters will feature olverembatinib (HQP1351), the first and only China-approved third-generation BCL-ABL1 inhibitor; investigational lisaftoclax (APG-2575), a Bcl-2 selective inhibitor; and investigational APG-5918, an EED selective inhibitor.

The European Hematology Association (EHA) Hybrid Congress is the largest gathering of the hematology field in Europe. It showcases the most cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art innovative therapies, attracting over 10,000 clinical experts and researchers from more than 100 countries every year. This year, the EHA Hybrid Congress will take place on June 13 – 16, 2024, in Madrid, Spain.

“I am delighted to showcase the strength and progress of Ascentage Pharma in hematology at this year’s congress, especially the therapeutic potential and clinical value of its drug candidates in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), multiple myeloma (MM), immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, and anemia diseases,” said Dr. Yifan Zhai, Chief Medical Officer of Ascentage Pharma. “We look forward to sharing the detailed results at the congress. In the future, we will continue to advance those development programs in efforts to bring more treatment options to patients around the world.”

The five studies to be presented at EHA 2024 are as follows:

  • Olverembatinib

Olverembatinib Overcomes Ponatinib and Asciminib Resistance in Patients (Pts) with Heavily Pretreated Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph ALL)

•    Abstract#: P722
•    Presentation Type: Poster presentation
•    Topic: Chronic myeloid leukemia – Clinical
•    Date & Time: Friday June 14, 2024, 18:00 – 19:00 CEST
•    Presenting Author: Dr. Elias Jabbour, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Combination of Third Generation TKI Olverembatinib and Chemotherapy or Blinatumomab for New Diagnosed Adult Ph+ ALL Patients

•    Abstract#: P427
•    Presentation Type: Poster presentation
•    Topic: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia – Clinical
•    Date & Time: Friday June 14, 2024, 18:00 – 19:00 CEST
•    Presenting Author: Junjie Chen, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University

Patient Reported Outcomes in Adults with TKI-Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Olverembatinib-Therapy

•    Abstract#: P1862
•    Presentation Type: e-Poster presentation
•    Topic: Chronic myeloid leukemia – Clinical
•    Date & Time: Friday June 14, 2024, 18:00 – 19:00 CEST
•    Presenting Author: Lu Yu, Peking University People’s Hospital

  • Lisaftoclax

Lisaftoclax (APG-2575) Combined with Novel Therapeutic Regimens in Patients (Pts) with Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) Multiple Myeloma (MM) or Immunoglobulin Light-Chain (AL) Amyloidosis

•    Abstract#: P917
•    Presentation Type: Poster presentation
•    Topic: Myeloma and other monoclonal gammopathies – Clinical
•    Date & Time: Friday June 14, 2024, 18:00 – 19:00 CEST
•    Presenting Author: Dr. Sikander Ailawadhi, Mayo Clinic Florida

Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) Inhibitor APG-5918 Improves Chronic Kidney Disease- (CKD)-Induced Hemoglobin (HB) Insufficiency in Preclinical Models of Anemia

•    Abstract#: P1550
•    Presentation Type: Poster presentation
•    Topic: Enzymopathies, membranopathies and other anemias
•    Date & Time: Friday June 14, 2024, 18:00 – 19:00 CEST
•    Presenting Author: Dr. Eric Liang, Ascentage Pharma Group Inc.

About Ascentage Pharma

Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK) is a globally focused biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, chronic hepatitis B, and age-related diseases. On October 28, 2019, Ascentage Pharma was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code 6855.HK.

Ascentage Pharma focuses on developing therapeutics that inhibit protein-protein interactions to restore apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The company has built a pipeline of 9 clinical drug candidates, including novel, highly potent Bcl-2, and dual Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitors, as well as candidates aimed at IAP and MDM2-p53 pathways, and next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Ascentage Pharma is also the only company in the world with active clinical programs targeting all three known classes of key apoptosis regulators. The company is conducting more than 40 Phase I/II clinical trials, including 5 global registrational phase III studies, in the US, Australia, Europe, and China. Ascentage Pharma has been designated for multiple Major National R&D Projects, including five Major New Drug Projects, one New Drug Incubator status, four Innovative Drug Programs, and one Major Project for the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases.

Olverembatinib, the company’s core drug candidate developed for the treatment of drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and the company’s first approved product, has been granted Priority Review Designations and Breakthrough Therapy Designations by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). To date, the drug had been included into the China 2022 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). Furthermore, olverembatinib has been granted an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and a Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the US FDA, and an Orphan Designation by the EMA of the EU. To date, Ascentage Pharma has obtained a total of 16 ODDs from the US FDA and 1 Orphan Designation from the EMA of the EU for 4 of the company’s investigational drug candidates.

Leveraging its robust R&D capabilities, Ascentage Pharma has built a portfolio of global intellectual property rights and entered into global partnerships with numerous renowned biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and research institutes such as UNITY Biotechnology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MSD, and AstraZeneca. The company has built a talented team with global experience in the discovery and development of innovative drugs and is setting up its world-class commercial manufacturing and Sales & Marketing teams. One pivotal aim of Ascentage Pharma is to continuously strengthen its R&D capabilities and accelerate its clinical development programs, in order to fulfil its mission of addressing unmet clinical needs in China and around the world for the benefit of more patients.

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, Ascentage Pharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development.

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Stanley who? I’m a shopping editor who hates drinking water — unless it’s from an Owala bottle

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I have a confession: I’m not a big fan of water. To my doctor’s chagrin, I prefer coffee, tea and various sugary drinks. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I hit the recommended hydration goal (which, according to the National Academy of Medicine, is nine cups of water per day for women over 19). That said, I also enjoy going to the gym, and the plastic water bottles I kept buying for $2 to $5 a pop were adding up — and not very good for the planet, either. So, I put on my deal-hunter hat, determined to find the best reusable water bottle. Reader, I found it: Say hello to the Owala FreeSip.

Amazon

This sleek bottle comes in four sizes (16, 24, 32 and 40 ounces), and the 24-ounce is narrow enough to fit in most car’s cup holders. 

$25 at Amazon

It’s weird to describe a water bottle this way, but I’ll say it: The Owala FreeSip is gorgeous. It was hard to pick just one hue — all 20 colors are equally stunning — but I chose Iced Breeze. First impressions aside, it’s not too different from most other quality chuggers: It has the same stainless steel body, powder-coat exterior and carry loop for easy transport.

It’s easy to dismiss the FreeSip as a bottle that prioritizes form over function, but don’t let looks deceive you. To experience its magic, you have to pop open the lid. It’s called the FreeSip for a reason. The dual-purpose spout allows you to sip or chug your drink without having to switch lids or remove the top. Want to take a swig? You got it, thanks to the wide mouth opening. Prefer to take it slow? Use the built-in straw. Can’t make up your mind? You can technically use both, but I would advise against it (unless you want to get water all over your face and shirt). I’d even argue that having two ways to get your daily water makes it more fun to hit those intake goals — it works for me, anyway.

White Owala water bottle on a bench.

See? Told you the Owala is gorgeous. (Izabella Zaydenberg/Yahoo)

It’s safe to say that I’ve put this water bottle through its paces. It’s been flipped upside down in my gym bag and knocked off the kitchen counter by my cat. It’s even rolled around the back seat of a car during hours-long drives. I’ve never seen a drop of water escape it. I have the bottle’s thoughtfully designed locking cap to thank for that: It has a push-button opening that feels more secure than a traditional twist lid. Once I hear that click, I know spills won’t destroy my bag or floor. Take that, Stanley. Speaking of…

The Owala FreeSip and the Stanley Quencher are both veritable social media catnip, but they’re not interchangeable.

For starters, there’s a price difference. The 40-ounce Owala FreeSip rings in at $38, while the Stanley Quencher is $45 for the same size. The discrepancy holds true for smaller sizes as well — the 32-ounce Owala is $33 while the Stanley is $35. The 24-ounce Owala is $28, Stanley’s 20-ounce tumbler is $30. Owala’s bottles also frequently go on sale.

The Owala and the Stanley are fairly similar in terms of aesthetics: Both are stainless steel, have a matte finish and come in a ton of cute colors. And when it comes to temperature retention, they both keep your water cold for up to 24 hours.

The biggest difference is spill resistance. The FreeSip can be flipped upside down without leaking. If you do that with the Quencher, its contents will pour out of the straw. If you’re still undecided, our Commerce Manager has waxed poetic about the Stanley. We’ll leave the decision up to you.

Owala FreeSip water bottles in colors Denim, Camo Cool and Dreamy Field.

PSA to my partner: For my birthday, get me an Owala in every color. (Amazon)

I’ve remained faithful to my Owala FreeSip for the last few months, and I really can’t see myself going back to any of the other bottles I’ve tried. It’s stood up to a reasonable amount of wear and tear, but it still looks brand-new. Most importantly, I find myself reaching for my water bottle over bad-for-me drinks more often. And hey, anything that can make water a little less boring is a win in my book.

I’m far from the FreeSip’s only fan. Aside from its massive TikTok fanbase, the bottle has amassed a huge following among Amazon shoppers; in fact, it’s the retailer’s No. 1 bestselling insulated water bottle, with more than 36,000 reviewers having given it a perfect five-star rating.

One fellow fan (who called the Owala “the hottest on the market”) wrote: “I would argue these are better than Stanley’s or anything out there. I prefer to have a mouthpiece that doesn’t require a straw sticking out. The big 40-ounce bottle is perfect for working out.”

I totally agree with this reviewer’s claim that the bottle’s straw design is “… pure genius. I usually sip mindlessly while working or driving, and not having to crane my neck for every gulp is a game changer. … This bottle also takes ‘hydration hero’ seriously. My water stays refreshingly chilly for hours, even on scorching days. No more lukewarm disappointments — just consistent, cool sips of satisfaction.”

This final reviewer may have put it best, if a little sadly: “My girlfriend is a nurse, and she loves this bottle more than she loves me. I think the promise [of] further Owala bottles is the only reason she’s sticking around at this point.”

Owala

Flip it, twist it, shake it: No matter how rough you are on your Owala, it won’t leak.

$28 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

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Artmarket.com: 2024 Q1 revenue growth… AI with the Intuitive Artmarket® in Artprice databases… New high value-added services and subscriptions

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PARIS, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Artificial Intelligence sweeps across the planet like a tsunami, Artprice is pleased to announce new services and a new subscription (€990/year) that uses AI Intuitive Artmarket®. This service will be available for 2024/2025.

Up until now Artprice subscriptions (including subscriptions with paid advertising fully integrated into our databases and services in Q4 2023 and Q1 2024) did not include Artprice’s Intuitive Artmarket® AI, which is currently being rolled out.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now reached into all sectors of our daily lives, whether economic, scientific, professional or administrative, and the speed of its global spread has prompted Artprice to offer, as of May 2024, new tools that deploy Artprice’s own proprietary AI baptized “Intuitive Artmarket®”. This offer is now available to our paying advertisers, but can also be subscribed to independently.

This decision, leading to a slight delay of the targets in our business plan with regard to our new paying advertisers (a strategy we fully endorse), was carefully considered by Artmarket.com’s Board of Directors in the light of the exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence in the global economy. Indeed, for Artprice by Artmarket it was a natural choice to inject Intuitive Artmarket® into all of our products and services in order to be consistent with its AI service to its customers.

Our Advertising Department has been strengthened by the arrival of new expert consultants who are already operational in Q2 2024, and we have now deployed our Intuitive Artmarket® with new elements of AI languages formatted in UX Design (User Experience Design) and UI Design (User Interface Design) that allow Intuitive Artmarket® paying advertisers a different approach to advertising.

According to Les Échos/Solutions citing DOMO Inc., there is an important index in the service sector today that scores the ability of a company to integrate AI into its processes by counting how much data is processed per second by its employees.

The average is currently 1.7 MB of data per second.

After an IT audit by Mazars, Artprice by Artmarket was able to see for itself that each of its employees generates 35 MB/second, or 21 times more than the European average, which is perfectly consistent with Artprice’s core business as a major global publisher of professional databases and proprietary algorithms, and world leader in art market information.

Indeed, for 27 years now, Artprice by Artmarket has been designing and operating more than 180 proprietary vector metadata banks with more than 38 million indices and auction results covering more than 845,000 artists and 180 million images/engravings of artworks from 1700 to the present day. This work is of course fuelled by its extraordinary physical archive of sales catalogs and manuscripts (unique in the world) and its several billion user behavior logs from its 9.3 million customers and members, all anonymized in strict compliance with European (GDPR) and American PDP legislation.

With its Intuitive Artmarket®, Artprice can increase its search and results capacity tenfold over the coming years, taking it to a level that the art market has never seen before. Its  customers and members will have access to new services and products which, in turn, will generate more sophisticated subscriptions for Artprice by Artmarket, with an increase in our annual recurring revenue (ARR).

In 2024, Artprice’s mastery of Artificial Intelligence is so advanced that it will be deploying a first subscription with extra-high added-value: thebasic’ Intuitive Artmarket® subscription at the price of €990/year (€82.50/month). Additional options are planned as our AI grows and develops.

Artprice’s vector databases play a vital role in numerous AI applications.

They allow the storage, indexing and, above all, efficient search of complex art history and art market data in the form of vectors. They can be used for researching art market information, recommending content, recognising images of artworks as well as in other systems. We are for example, currently developing a tool that will be a powerful assistant in the appraisal of paintings and sculptures for valuation and insurance companies (Artprice Signatures &  Monograms vector databank).

Vector databases like ours have become an indispensable element of the AI ecosystem, facilitating the development of efficient and effective AI models like Artprice’s Intuitive Artmarket®.

According to AI analysts, for a company that is already highly computerized, the implementation of standardization and vectorization of all of its data flows requires a minimum timeframe of 3 years and a very substantial budget; and that is before it can hope to tackle the development of its own proprietary AI, which would take an additional 2 years minimum. In total, it therefore takes an average time of 5 years for an IT department (with external consultants) to develop its own AI.

For Artprice by Artmarket, this entire process was, along with the corresponding investment, completed in full more than a decade ago. In 2024, Artprice has an irrevocable lead in its sector and it represents one of the most interesting AI investment opportunities in Europe.

To meet the needs of vector and algorithmic calculations on its latest generation servers with high volume capacities (via SAN/NAS as well as Cloud storage), Artprice owns all its Data Centers in full. This allows us to get closer to our customers in more than 80 countries.

As part of our eco-responsible approach (see our Annual CSR Report) since 2011, Artprice by Artmarket has developed processes to optimize the use of its servers, by adapting the necessary power and reducing energy consumption of its data centers by 40%. This has been achieved by using the principle of micro-grids which allow better exploitation of production units, the use of multiple technologies, with a preponderant use of renewable energies.

The annual objective is to raise our overall IT power by around 300%, in particular through AI, which is primarily ultra-secure data storage (SAN/NAS) but with an annual drop of 3% to 5% in energy consumption.

Intuitive Artmarket® will offer Artmarket.com shareholders and the financial markets spectacular growth for this decade, starting from this year.

Artprice’s headstart in Europe in terms of AI and it overall advance as regards the global art market, is such that the act of management, for Artprice by Artmarket, is to produce end-user subscriptions this year that will allow its customers and members to easily write ‘prompts’ (instructions given to an AI) that are simple and specific to the art market. Again, this facility is being developed using optimal UX and UI Design.

As a reminder, Artprice by Artmarket has twice consecutively obtained the state label “Innovative Company”, awarded by the Public Investment Bank (BPI), and it is pursuing its ambitions in this direction.

To understand how our Intelligence Art Market® application can be used to create a digital campaign for paying advertisers let’s look at an example simulating the “Regards d’Orient art moderne & contemporain” sale on 27 October 2023 hosted by the Parisian auctioneer Cornette de Saint Cyr. The sale contained 100 lots signed by 54 artists.

Artprice, at the request of its advertising client, will therefore produce, in a few minutes using AI mode, 54 paid campaigns by ‘extracting’, from its 9.3 million clients and members, 54 profiles corresponding to each artist, with auto-generation of their artistic portfolios, thereby forming the final sale of 100 lots. This technique generates the closest possible pairing of supply and demand and is the most successful digital campaign on the art market by including Artprice’s AI Intelligence Art Market®.

It should be noted that for over 70 years, the standard economic model of auction houses allocates 34% of overall costs to advertising (announcing detailed public auction sales) regardless of the country or the size of the auction operator.

In order to ensure the success of its sale, maintain or enhance its reputation and keep its registered sellers happy, the auction house is ready to deploy in a few hours ultra-targeted digital campaigns that only Artprice can produce thanks to the new deployment in 2024 of its Intuitive Artmarket® AI. With its data centers, its exceptional data engineering skills and its highly sophisticated processes, Artprice can effectively respond to these types of requests 24 hours a day anywhere in the world.

It is not a coincidence that the global volume of art market auction turnover (a totally opaque market until the 1990s) has grown by +3,600% in 22 years since 2000, the reference year. By delivering  information akin to the financial markets – Artprice, the historic pioneer of Art Market standardization (with more than 450 indices, traceability of artwork IDs, econometric analysis, floating, % country, auction turnover ID Artists, calculation of price evolutions using the ‘repeated sales method’, artists’ biographies, signatures and monograms etc.) –  has transformed the art market from an opaque entity into one that grows steadily and exponentially, according to economists.

Taken together, the global primary and secondary art markets are today worth over $70 billion compared with $5 billion in 1997.

Intuitive Artmarket® AI and its impact on annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth from Artprice by Artmarket subscriptions and sales of products and services.

Drawing on the experience of its parent company Groupe Serveur – an Internet pioneer since 1987 – Artprice by Artmarket.com, has, over the decades, developed thousands of increasingly powerful and relevant proprietary algorithms with more of 180 meta-banks of vector data which allow the implementation of its own AI (Artificial Intelligence), in strict compliance with the different applicable legislations, notably regarding personal data protection and intellectual property rights.

The three cornerstones of Artificial Intelligence are data, computing power and algorithms. The quality and scale of data, particularly standardized Big Data, significantly influence the effectiveness of AI models in learning and evolving, thus enhancing their “intelligence.” This  aligns precisely with the fundamental DNA of Artprice by Artmarket which masters both IT programming and the induction computing which defines AI.

This was only possible through the targeted acquisition by Groupe Serveur as of 1999, then by Artprice, of innovative companies like Xylologie, a Swiss company composed of prestigious scientists (from CERN, WHO, etc.) who were considerably ahead of their time and who already prefigured the birth and development of Artificial Intelligence (see our reference document).

In the world of major global publishers of professional databases, it is vital for the long-term development of industries to integrate proprietary AI into their core businesses. This is why Artprice by Armarket has taken a very significant lead since 1999 and made 2024/2025 the key period for the commercial launch of its proprietary algorithmic AI, Intuitive Artmarket®.

This ‘cultural revolution’ brings new elements of language, but the AI processes and tools were already scientifically at the heart of Artprice by Artmarket. Using the new semantics, Artprice’s clients and partners discover the unexplored riches of Artprice, namely data of a magnitude they couldn’t even imagine, perfectly aligned with their needs.

It should also be noted that investors are looking for serious projects with a solid background in Artificial Intelligence on both sides of the Atlantic.

Our algorithms harness billions of anonymized proprietary logs, text data, and tens of millions of artworks from Artprice’s databases to identify new semantics encapsulating an artist’s primary approach, their universe, inspirations, mediums, themes, forms, volumes, and more.

This invaluable data forms a synergy, enriching the understanding of over 845,000 referenced artists with their certified biographies and data. It goes beyond conventional visual criteria thanks to the neural networks of the Intuitive Artmarket® AI.

Intuitive Artmarket ® will notably calculate the values of artworks based on an analysis of past sales that is specific to Artprice; but it will also be able to anticipate future fluctuations, including for totally unique works. It will make it possible to identify highly complex transversal artistic trends which largely escape the academic and institutional worlds.

Of the many new service projects in 2024 for Artmarket’s clients, we plan to link Intuitive Artmarket® with our Standardized Marketplace® that was created in 2005 and offers over 77,000 artworks at a fixed or bidable price. We also plan to link our Intuitive Artmarket® to all Artprice by Artmarket’s databases.

Intuitive Artmarket® will constantly assist Artmarket clients – whether art enthusiasts or art market professionals or museum curators – to build and/or manage their collections.

With the analysis of billions of logs, 125 million collected and tokenized images of artworks, more than ten million auction results (word embedding), Intuitive Artmarket® will be able to provide extremely relevant solutions for customers wishing to start, or manage, an art collection.

To build the collection, Intuitive Artmarket® will provide suggestions for works to acquire based on criteria the client has provided such as the budget allocated over time, the artistic movement(s) the customer is interested in, the preferred medium(s), the favorite artist(s) or similar artists, the preferred dimensions of the works, the favorite acquisition location(s) (in full compliance with the different legislative frameworks on personal data security). It will also be able to identify from the behavioral analysis of the client’s searches certain preferences that neither the client nor an appointed expert might have been aware of.

It goes without saying that this analysis via Intuitive Artmarket® will be conducted with the consent of the client as part of his/her paid subscription (in accordance with the terms and conditions enumerated in the General Conditions of Sale attached to his or her subscription).

As regards collection-management, Intuitive Artmarket® will update the value of the collection in real time, not only taking into account the latest auction results but also by projecting trends with expected results, built on in-depth data analysis.

Intuitive Artmarket® will notify the collector and/or art market professional of sale and/or purchase opportunities, depending on the objectives identified by the collector or the professional over time. These may range from the desire to enhance the pecuniary value of a portfolio to the desire to enhance the artistic value of a  collection; everything will be possible via an intuitive configuration.

Contemporary artists will also be able to use this tool to offer their works for sale on our Standardized Marketplace® with higher probabilities of reaching buyers, particularly artists producing NFTs. Bearing in mind all the underlying parameters and data, Artprice is the only platform on the global market that can deal effectively with the certification of primary issues of Art NFTs in an environment of cryptocurrencies alongside the major international currencies.

With Intuitive Artmarket®, it has never been so easy and intuitive to discover the parallel worlds of ‘Online Art’ and ‘Auction House Art’ (we are directly linked to 7,200 auction operators around the world).

In today’s extraordinarily busy world, every minute counts and Intuitive Artmarket® will allow users to explore the Standardized Marketplace® and monitor the global art market with infinitely better results and much more quickly. Less time spent also means less energy spent, which is perfectly in line with Artmarket.com’s eco-responsible approach.

Artmarket’s AI (Intuitive Artmarket ®) is based exclusively on its massive proprietary content which is protected under intellectual property law, thereby allowing us to overcome these obstacles and potential prohibitions. In other words, our Intuitive Artmarket ® has no need to look elsewhere for data or for responses to very specific searches from art market amateurs or professionals.

It is therefore a guarantee of sustainability, but also of a considerable increase in performance for Artprice by Artmarket.com, with constant growth in turnover through high added-value subscriptions.

Over the last two decades Artprice has recorded, observed and induced hundreds of millions of human decisions in relation to the art market. This market is of course infinitely complex due to the heterogeneous and singular nature of art on the one hand, and the abstract notion of beauty at the limits of human emotion on the other.

This algorithmic learning has allowed Artprice to create AI models unique in the world, specific to the art market, which will constitute the 2024/2029 growth driver for Artprice by Artmarket.

For over 20 years, Artprice by Artmarket has gradually stabilized its ‘alignment problem’, a key issue for the successful genesis then construction of its AI (Intuitive Artmarket®).

For the Artprice group, the so-called ‘alignment problem’ means all of the scientific and ethical questions raised by the relationship of its artificial intelligence system (and its induced results) with the values, expectations and human sensitivities specific to the Artprice by Artmarket group, its clients and the intangible and centuries-old rules of the art market.

Artmarket’s AI (Intuitive Artmarket ®) will be supervised by ‘prompt engineers’, a new career that includes the programming and management of proprietary AI.

The possibilities offered by properly managed AI are therefore immense, which explains its popularity: Microsoft ® Bing Chat now attracts more than 100 million active users per day with a commitment to responsible AI that respects copyright and copyright-related rights. Microsoft has already started rolling out Bing Chat for Business and Microsoft Copilot in paid subscription mode. The same is true for the paid versions of ChatGPT, IBM Watson, Google Cloud AI Platform, Amazon Web Services and Midjourney.

95% of the S&P 500 groups are planning to base their future growth on Artificial Intelligence.

According to the best Anglo-Saxon financial analysts, who are one step ahead of Europe on this subject, the only economically viable model –  i.e. one that does not expose the economic entity (whatever its size) to incessant legal proceedings – is an AI based on an extremely well-defined economic segment.

The economic sector must have information which plays an absolutely vital role, full intellectual property of the entirety of Big Data (including Data Mining), of the copyright and related rights confirmed on all algorithms, databases, with machine learning (deep learning) and neural networks.

In short, the AIs that will triumph with very substantial economic gain and without major industrial or legal risk, are the economic entities which own, in full intellectual property, all of the different stages of the proprietary AI in a defined market segment where expensive high added-value information plays a vital role. And this is exactly the case of the Intuitive Artmarket ® AI developed by Artprice by Artmarket.com, World Leader in Art Market Information.

Artprice’s Intuitive Artmarket ® AI is entirely in line with this postulate.

Copyright 1987-2024 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com – www.artmarket.com

About Artmarket:

Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris, and Euroclear: 7478 – Bloomberg: PRC – Reuters: ARTF.

Discover Artmarket and its Artprice department on video: www.artprice.com/video

Artmarket and its Artprice department was founded in 1997 by its CEO, thierry Ehrmann. Artmarket and its Artprice department is controlled by Groupe Serveur, created in 1987.

See certified biography in Who’s who ©:

https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2024/02/2024_Biographie_thierry_Ehrmann_WhosWhoInFrance.pdf

Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information (the original documentary archives, codex manuscripts, annotated books and auction catalogs acquired over the years ) in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 850 000 artists.

Artprice by Artmarket, the world leader in information on the art market, has set itself the ambition through its Global Standardized Marketplace to be the world’s leading Fine Art NFT platform.

Artprice Images® allows unlimited access to the largest Art Market image bank in the world: no less than 181 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians.

Artmarket with its Artprice department accumulates data on a permanent basis from 7200 Auction Houses and produces key Art Market information for the main press and media agencies (7,200 publications). Its 9.3 million (‘members log in’+social media) users have access to ads posted by other members, a network that today represents the leading Global Standardized Marketplace® to buy and sell artworks at a fixed or bid price (auctions regulated by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article L 321.3 of France’s Commercial Code).

The Art Market’s future is now brighter than ever with Artprice’s Artmarket® Intuitive AI

Artmarket, with its Artprice department, has twice been awarded the State label “Innovative Company” by the Public Investment Bank (BPI), which has supported the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the art market.

Artprice by Artmarket’s Global Art Market Report, “The Art Market in 2023”, published in March 2024:
https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2023

Artprice by Artmarket publishes its 2023 Contemporary Art Market Report:
https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2023

Index of press releases posted by Artmarket with its Artprice department:
https://serveur.serveur.com/artmarket/press-release/en/

Follow all the Art Market news in real time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter:

www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (over 6.5 million followers)

twitter.com/artmarketdotcom

twitter.com/artpricedotcom

Discover the alchemy and universe of Artmarket and its artprice department https://www.artprice.com/video headquartered at the famous Organe Contemporary Art Museum “The Abode of Chaos” (dixit The New York Times): https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013

La Demeure du Chaos / Abode of Chaos
GESAMTKUNSTWERK & SINGULAR ARCHITECTURE 
Confidential bilingual work now public:
https://ftp1.serveur.com/abodeofchaos_singular_architecture.pdf

•  L’Obs – The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o

•  www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 (over 4.1 million followers)

•  https://vimeo.com/124643720

Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department – Contact: ir@artmarket.com

Logo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2260897/Artmarket_logo.jpg?p=medium600 

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Sino Jet Tops Fleet Size Rankings in Asia Pacific For The Fifth Year

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HONG KONG, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Asian Sky Group recently released its “2023 Asia-Pacific Business Aviation Fleet Report,” revealing that as of 2023, the region boasts a total of 1,154 business jets. Despite Greater China’s continued dominance in the market, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have seen a three-year decline, with a total reduction of 19 jets in 2023, reducing the total to 326 jets.

Remarkably, amidst the general downturn of the Chinese business jet market, Sino Jet has demonstrated significant growth, standing out against the backdrop of a weak market. Data indicates that Sino Jet has secured the top spot in the Chinese business jet market for five consecutive years, being the sole Chinese entity among the top five business jet operators in the Asia-Pacific to achieve fleet expansion. Furthermore, the gap with its rivals is progressively widening, reinforcing its status as the industry’s foremost player.

Founded in 2011, Sino Jet has evolved into a premier provider of comprehensive business jet solutions, with its headquarters in Beijing. Its services encompass business jet management, charter services, business jet terminal operations, luxury travel, and ground support, offering clients a seamless business jet travel experience.

The Chinese business jet industry commenced in the late 20th century and experienced its initial acceleration in 2008, entering a rapid development phase by 2010, with the market exhibiting explosive growth. According to Asian Sky Group, the Greater China business jet market reached its zenith with a fleet size of 506 aircraft in 2017. Influenced by economic cycle adjustments and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market began to exhibit a downward trend starting in 2020.

Sino Jet distinguishes itself in the business jet industry, adeptly navigating through various development cycles while maintaining robust growth momentum. Since 2014, Sino Jet has achieved a comprehensive integration of the domestic and international markets and actively expanded its charter business, leading to a swift increase in its fleet size and ascension to industry prominence. Even during market downturns, Sino Jet has managed to sustain steady growth. Since 2019, its fleet size has been ranked first in the Asia-Pacific and has maintained this position to the present day.

Sino Jet’s success is inseparable from its distinctive market strategy, exceptional service quality, and precise understanding of industry trends. Safety is the cornerstone of its development, and Sino Jet is the first Chinese company to consistently achieve the highest international business jet safety operating standard, IS-BAO Level III certification, demonstrating leading safety management capabilities. As a national high-tech enterprise, Sino Jet is dedicated to using technological innovation to continuously enhance safety and quality. It has successfully established a digital management system that encompasses the entire aircraft operation process, which not only significantly improves aircraft operational efficiency but also fundamentally ensures the safety and asset value of aircraft throughout their lifecycle.

To address the varied and individualized needs of the business jet market, Sino Jet has consistently pursued its “Accompanying Strategy”, prioritizing the customer and proactively securing operational and maintenance certifications in pivotal global aviation centers. The company has set up offices in key markets such as China, Singapore, and Europe, and has strategically positioned operational bases in over 20 major cities across the globe, forging a comprehensive and efficient global service network. This strategic approach has also provided a powerful catalyst for the company’s global growth in addition to accelerating the speed and scope of service delivery.

Through over a decade of stable advancement, Sino Jet has achieved sustained fleet expansion through its robust market adaptability, earning the enduring trust of its clients and invigorating the Chinese business jet market. Sino Jet has declared its intention to further boost investments in technology and innovation, aiming to elevate safety standards and service excellence, thereby generating greater long-term value for its clientele. The company will also pursue an active international market expansion, collaborating with global partners to propel progress and development within the business jet industry.

For queries please contact:
Sino Jet Marketing Department
Telephone: (+86 10) 8416 2637 / (+852) 2588 7007
Email: marketing@sinojet.org.cn / marketing@sinojet.org
Website: http://www.sinojet.org/

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Botswana Butchery restaurants in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra close

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A high-end restaurant chain has shut its doors for good just a month after its parent company entered voluntary administration.

On Wednesday, Good Group Australia announced its steakhouse restaurant Botswana Butchery would cease trading, effective immediately.

The company, which is the Australian branch of Good Group New Zealand, said the decision was necessary but made with “deep regret”.

“While we are disappointed with this outcome, unfortunately we had exhausted every option,” it said.

“We would like to sincerely thank all our valued customers who have enjoyed our venues in Australia and supported us since we opened our first venue in Sydney in December 2021.

“Additionally we would like to thank our hardworking loyal staff who gave it their all.”

There were three Botswana Butchery restaurants in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

It offered a fine dining experience with one of the menu items, a 1.6kg wagyu tomahawk steak, costing almost $400.

Customers who had any bookings after May 14 have been cancelled and any prepaid bookings will be refunded.

Any pre-paid valid gift cards will also be refunded or can be converted and used for Good Group New Zealand venues.

Good Group Australia went into voluntary administration in April.

Duncan Clubb and Andrew Sallway of BDO Australia were appointed as administrators.

Botswana Butchery first opened in Sydney in December 2021. 
Botswana Butchery first opened in Sydney in December 2021.  Credit: Instagram

On Tuesday, BDO said Good Group’s shareholders had funded the trading costs of the group’s Australian operations during the voluntary administration process but could not continue to do so due to “significant cash losses”.

“The group’s shareholders are no longer able to fund the ongoing trading and restructuring costs,” BDO said.

“The group’s directors would like to express their gratitude to the group’s dedicated staff for their invaluable contribution to the business.

“The directors also thank the support and patronage of the restaurants’ customers.”

Good Group Australia also operated Asian restaurant White and Wongs, which was located in both Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Wong Baby on Chapel St, Melbourne.

These restaurants have already ceased trading.

Any venues operated by the New Zealand Good Group have not been affected.

Customers who wish to receive a refund for their pre-paid gift card should contact operations@goodgroup.co.nz.

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Fallout between the Maldives and India is ‘absolutely’ benefiting Sri Lanka, says tourism minister

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Calls for Indian travelers to boycott the Maldives is “absolutely” helping Sri Lanka’s travel industry, the country’s Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said Thursday.

“The Maldives issue is … helping us,” Fernando told CNBC, referencing a social media row in January that resulted in a sharp drop in Indian visitors to the Maldives this year.

India was the Maldives’ largest source market in 2023. But now it sits in 6th place, behind arrivals from China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany, according to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism.

By contrast, nearly 34,400 Indian travelers went to Sri Lanka in January, more than double the 13,759 that visited in January last year, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 outpaced the same time period in 2023, despite a dip in April caused by a visa controversy that saw Sri Lankan visa temporarily double in price.

Fernando also noted the tight relationship between Sri Lanka and India, both in business and tourism.

“Sri Lanka is a big market for [Indian travelers],” he said. “Sri Lanka has more to offer … Sri Lanka has more value when it comes to India.”

He referenced the country’s beaches, casinos, shopping and the Ramayana Trail, a series of sites that are referenced in the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic.   

'Absolutely yes' — Indian travelers' boycott of the Maldives is helping Sri Lanka, says tourism minister

Plus, the two countries are highly connected, he said.

“Connectivity — that is the trigger factor,” he said. “Sri Lankan Airlines alone flies 80 times a week into Indian airports.”

India’s growing travel power

Indian travelers are set to become the world’s fourth-largest travel spenders by 2030, a prediction which “absolutely” bodes well for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, said Fernando.

“I think the fastest-growing economy is India, and Sri Lanka is definitely benefiting out of it,” said Fernando, adding that Indian companies have made substantial investments on the island.

ITC, the big hotel chain, opened their first hotel out of India in Sri Lanka. We just opened it about a few weeks back, and it’s a beautiful property … in Galle Face,” he said, referencing the ocean-side area in the country’s capital city of Colombo. “It’s one of the best things that I’ve seen in my life.”

A Maldives concept in Sri Lanka

Fernando said he hopes to see more investments from global brands coming to Sri Lanka — investments that eluded the “Teardrop Island” as it waged a 25-year civil war, which ended in 2009.

“We’ve invited a lot of investment from abroad,” he said. “We’re doing some water bungalows in our new area — like a Maldives concept as well — because we are surrounded by the beach.”

Fernando also outlined plans to add adventure activities to appeal to younger travelers, from hot air balloons to skydiving and diving to explore more than 100 nearby shipwrecks dating to World War II, he said.  

With concert economics causing a tourism boom, Sri Lanka plans to bring in musical acts to attract tourists too, said Fernando.

 “We are launching Sri Lanka as an entertainment hub,” he said. “We have a lot of big names coming in to perform.”

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One in four shoppers avoid buying from international retailers due to concerns around returns, new ESW and Asendia survey reveals

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  • About half of shoppers are willing to purchase products even if there is a nominal charge to make a return
  • Gen Z shoppers are nearly twice as likely as Baby Boomers to accept a returns fee.
  • A quarter of consumers would be more likely to shop cross-border if all import charges, taxes and duties were disclosed.
  • 40% of shoppers are willing to wait up to a week for their international purchases to be delivered.

HONG KONG, SINGAPORE and SYDNEY, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Asendia, a global leader in ecommerce and mail solutions, and ESW, leading global direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecommerce company, share the latest insights from Shipping and Returns: Leveraging Logistics to Unlock Global Loyalty.

Key findings based on data from more than 18,000 respondents in 18 countries show customer expectations regarding the post-purchase journey–particularly regarding cross-border returns–are both high and varied.

The report highlights a number of key concerns customers have related to shipping and returns, and helps global brands and merchants understand how to meet consumer expectations.  

The report offers insights into consumer sentiment regarding transparency around fees and return policies, charging a returns or restocking fee, and free returns in exchange for a subscription membership.

To download the “Global Voices Report – Shipping and Returns”, click here

Show me the money  

Returns logistics can be challenging and expensive, therefore many retailers have begun implementing return fees in order to claw back costs and deter shoppers from making excessive purchases with the intention of returning most of them.   

Overall, nearly half of consumers said they are willing to make purchases even if there was a nominal returns charge. However, Gen Z was more than 1.7 times more likely to accept a fee than Baby Boomers. Of the countries surveyed, India, UAE, and South Korea were most willing to accept return charges.

Joining the club

27% of respondents said they are inclined to pay for a membership if it means they can return their purchases for free, another 27% would pay return shipping charges. More than four in 10 shoppers in India, China and Mexico would pay a membership fee that includes free returns yet only 15% of UK, German, and Swiss shoppers would pay a membership fee. They would, however, pay for return shipping.

“In today’s global marketplace, a robust cross-border returns strategy isn’t just another box to tick, it’s a strategic imperative. Prioritising a seamless, customer-centric return process enhances satisfaction, builds trust, and ultimately fuels long-term success. Each market is a unique ecosystem, with distinct customer behaviours and preferences”, comments Helen Scurfield, CEO Global Returns, Asendia. 

By removing the friction from cross-border returns brands can open routes to higher spend and new customers.  But global reverse logistics are complex and managing them requires considerable expertise. By partnering with ESW and Asendia, brands and retailers have access to our industry leading solutions allowing them to enter new markets in a matter of weeks and create exceptional customer experiences that foster brand loyalty and deliver revenue growth”, explains Nick Cranney, Global Logistics & Returns, ESW. 

To have more information and obtain a full copy of the report, please visit here.

Notes to editors:

Methodology:

Responses were gathered from an online panel of adults 18+, representative of national quotas for key demographics in 18 countries. Survey questions and responses were translated into each country’s native language and currencies were converted to local currencies before being converted back to $US for comparison purposes. 18,679 surveys were completed between October 31st and November 14th 2023. Overall margin of error is approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level, varying by country population size.

About Asendia: 

Asendia is one of the world’s leaders in international e-commerce and mail, delivering packages, parcels and documents to more than 200 destinations across the globe. Combining the experience and expertise of our founding companies, La Poste and Swiss Post, Asendia brings together a wealth of international and local know-how. Asendia’s expertise is broad reaching encompassing different aspects of e-commerce, from webshop software and marketplace management to international logistics. Asendia is committed to sustainability, being 100% carbon neutral through offsetting. Asendia employs over 1,500 people in Europe, UK, Asia Pacific and the USA – a global network blended with a local presence. www.asendia.hk 

About ESW: 

ESW is the leading global and domestic direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce company, empowering the world’s best-loved brands and retailers to expand their DTC channel. ESW acquired Scalefast in June 2022, and the combined organisation offers brands and retailers a complete portfolio of technology and services that cost-effectively support any stage of a company’s development. From compliance, data security, fraud protection, taxes and tariffs to demand generation, checkout, delivery, returns and customer service, our powerful combination of technology and human ingenuity covers the entire shopper journey across 200 markets, with 100% carbon neutral shipping to consumers. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, ESW has global offices in the US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. ESW is an Asendia Group company, a joint venture between La Poste and Swiss Post. www.esw.com

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