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A spotlight on the top innovations that will fuel some of the key business trends in 2020.
In this special feature, we focus on the top innovations that will fuel some of the key trends in 2020 and offer plenty of opportunities for businesses across sectors. From smarter supply chains and eco-friendly investments to selling via mobile games and hyper-advanced chatbots, these innovations aim to inspire you and support you in your mission to drive product and business transformation.
1. STARTUP TURNS YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT INTO A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT
US-based startup Project Wren has a subscription-based service allowing people to invest in projects that offset carbon footprints. It was created by college students who wanted to make it easier for investors wanting to address climate change. Read more.
2. CONCEPT STORE REDUCES WASTE BY USING DIGITAL PACKAGING
Lush’s new, all-naked concept store in Shinjuku, Japan, has replaced all signage, ingredient lists and price tags with digital packaging. Shoppers use the Lush Labs app to access the icons and videos that are used in place of the traditional elements. As well as preventing waste, digital packaging is especially useful for its capacity and flexibility. In the Lush store, it is the perfect space to provide bonus material, such as makeup tutorials. Read more.
3. ADIDAS SELLS SHOES VIA SNAPCHAT GAME
Adidas and Snapchat have launched a new game that allows fans to purchase limited-edition baseball cleats directly. The game offers a new platform for retail sales. Read more.
4. CHATBOT LEARNS CONVERSATIONAL CONTEXT
US-based startup Drift has launched a chatbot platform that uses AI to understand the context of a conversation. That translates into better online, AI-driven service for customers, the company says. Read more.
5. SMART GROCERY CART DOUBLES AS A PERSONAL SHOPPER
Startup Veeve is building a shopping cart that will handle grocery store checkouts automatically. The company was founded by former Amazon and Google employees who wanted to bring the Amazon Go concept to the level of the shopping cart. Read more.
6. AI-PLATFORM FINDS CLOTHES THAT TRULY FIT TO REDUCE FABRIC WASTE
When it comes to online shopping for clothes, getting the right fit can be a guessing game. Many people solve the quandary by ordering the same item in multiple sizes and then returning the ones that don’t fit. Read more.
7. AI SYSTEM HELPS STORES CURATE THEIR COLLECTIONS
Symphony RetailAI is a set of AI-enabled tools offering insights and analysis for retailers. Symphony’s products include an AI “decision coach” that can process billions of customer transactions to quickly uncover insights and recommend intelligent actions. The company has also just released a new product, called Shelf Intelligence, which helps retailers design more profitable store layouts. Read more.
8. INVESTMENT APP TARGETS MILLENNIALS WITH SHARES IN TRENDING ITEMS
American cultural investment app Otis is offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to co-own trendy art pieces and other pricey items that appeal particularly to the millennial generation. Read more.
9. AUSTRALIA’S FIRST BULK ECO-REFILL STATION
Australian-based Flora&Fauna is creating an interactive marketplace for zero-waste goods and services. Customers will be able to recycle and learn about eco-friendly lifestyles through workshops and pop-ups. Read more.
10. RETAIL PLATFORM MATCHES SECOND-HAND SHOPS WITH CUSTOMERS
UK startup Upright Labs helps second-hand shops market their products to potential customers on a variety of online marketplaces. Read more.
