Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming e-commerce. According to data from Adobe Analytics, traffic to retail sites generated by chatbots and virtual assistants grew an impressive 1,200% between July 2024 and February 2025, only in the United States.More than numbers, this advance marks the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between brands and consumers, in which automation plays an increasingly important strategic role.
In addition to the significant increase in access volume, audience quality has also improved: visitors coming from automated interactions tend to view 12% more pages, display 8% more engagement and record a 23% lower bounce rate compared to users coming from traditional sources such as paid search or social networks. The data indicates that these tools not only attract more audience, but qualify traffic, increasing the chances of conversion and strengthening the purchase journey.
A survey of 5,000 consumers reinforces the growing influence of AI-based solutions. According to Adobe, 39% of respondents have already used automatic generation tools to make online purchases, and more than half (53%) intends to adopt this practice in 2025. Among the most sought-after features are the search for products (55%), item recommendations (47%), promotions (43%), ideas for gifts (35%) and creation of shopping lists (3%), which was important in the decision making.
Certain categories, such as electronics and jewelry, have benefited even more sharply from this transformation. Products that require a greater degree of analysis and comparison have higher conversion rates when the first customer interaction is mediated by intelligent features. This behavior points to a consumption trend more oriented by personalized recommendations and more sophisticated shopping experiences.
In view of this scenario, Rebecca Fischer, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of Divibank“The integration of advanced chatbots, machine learning-based recommendation engines and personalized interactive platforms has become essential for competitiveness.Although challenges such as data security and ethics in the use of technology are still on the agenda, the growth in traffic, engagement and conversions makes clear: computational intelligence is paving the way for the future of online sales”, he says.
Culture moves fast and those who want to lead need to follow. Thinking about it, the Winnin, platform that uses proprietary AI to map cultural trends from the consumption of videos on the internet, presents the Industry Watch: Cultural Hubs powered by Winnin, a platform that brings together the main studies on where people's attention really is when it comes to the subject Beauty & Personal Care, Retail, Finance, Food and Drinks.
According to Gian Martinez, co-founder and CEO of Winnin, “In the era of attention, there are winners and losers. And who is winning this game are the brands that understand how to be relevant to their audiences, continuously building communities engaged around them”. And it is precisely to support these brands that Industry Watch was created.
Each hub acts as a landing page filled with data and strategic insights that help understand cultural behavior within each category. All based on what people are actually watching, liking and sharing, that is, real data captured directly from the source: the videos.
Within hubs, marketers and insights will find:
Share of Attention by brands: who is dominating the cultural space of the category and how does your brand position itself?
Video engagement: which themes, formats and approaches generate more connection with the public
Warmest formats of the moment: Shorts? ASMR? Lives? Vlogs? Find out what else works in your market
Portrait of the hearing: what does this audience love to consume? What are their interests and behaviors?
Actionable insights: practical information to apply directly in the strategy DO of the creative briefing to the performance of the brand.
“With Industry Watch: Cultural Hubs powered by Winnin, we are offering a powerful lens for brands to navigate this landscape with real data, clarity and agility.It is the future of cultural marketing, now accessible and actionable”, adds Leonor Militao, Content Marketing Coordinator at Winnin.
Industry Watch: Cultural Hubs powered by Winnin was created to help Marketing Directors and Insights Professionals understandwhat people actually do, not just what they say they do ''enabling the development of more effective and culturally relevant strategies to connect brands to what matters today.
Determining a starting point of the game’ on any change in behavior that is associated with the internet and new forms of communication is a little assertive task. Because the digital universe is vast, with several layers and peculiarities, and there will always be room for “this was already done before”, even though this ̄ until then was little known. But we can say that, at least from 2010, the consolidation of the concept of memes and viralization on digital platforms changed the way large companies develop marketing strategies to attract the attention of young people. At that time, a good part of the so-called Z 9th Generation was usually between 1 and 19 was born in this phase 1.
I repeat: it was! But incredible as it may seem, many people, including communication professionals and, more specifically, marketing, still do not understand that this generation has grown and become adults zoomers, as they are also known, is already in the 28 years, many with children, professional responsibilities and, in some cases, it is possible to say that even with a certain financial stability.
Despite this, we can still observe campaigns and actions that insist on treating Generation Z as teenagers “TikTokers”, hip and rebellious. We witness, then, a myopia in communication plans that insist on reducing an entire generation, composed of millions and millions of people, to a single profile. It is no wonder that this generation has changed its consumer relationship with traditional brands.
Here, I would like to propose to marketing teams and advertising agencies a more efficient way of working: escape the caricature and stereotype. The real consumer of your brand is on the streets, outside the office bubble. He is inside the bus towards work, standing in the queues of festivals, running in the park, paying tickets at home, walking through the malls, drinking beer in the pub. The true connection of a brand comes from the true connection with your customer. Forget the idea of connecting with an entire generation, look for subgroups and their needs.
The “instagramable” needs to make room for true connection.The forced emoji and artificial slang of brands that still talk to the fictional profile of Generation Z are the reflection of their lack of depth and authenticity. In 2025, the marketing that will work is one that does not suppose, but rather seeks to understand in fact the human being on the other side of the screen. Someone flesh and blood, as well as you and I, who has problems, dreams, aspirations and desires.
This is the only way brands can go beyond clicks and likes, and start generating genuine interest in your products.
With increasingly sophisticated strategies and optimistic projections, Brazilian retail is preparing for one of the most important dates of the year: mother's Day.In 2025, the expectation is that the week of the celebration will move about R$14.2 billion, a growth of 6.5% compared to 2024, according to estimates by the National Confederation of Commerce (CNC).
To better understand the scenario, Daniela Dornellas, creator and curator of Fashion Meeting, a pioneering platform in Brazil focused on promoting events focused on entrepreneurship in the fashion market, shares actionable insights, about consumer behavior, marketing strategies and the new requirements to stand out in current retail.According to her, Mother's Day follows as the second most relevant date of the retail calendar, behind only Christmas. But, more than selling, the mission of brands is to create memorable experiences. “Today's consumer seeks more than a gift, he wants to connect with the brand and live something authentic. The personalization of the experience and the humanization of communication are fundamental to generate this bond”, he says.
Driven by the post-pandemic and digital acceleration, the current consumer has different expectations.“Today, we are driven by narratives that value the sensory and emotional connection. Retail needs to be immersive and offer experiences that really impact”, highlights Daniela Dornellas.
With the intense movement that the date demands, retailers have bet on meticulous planning, based on data from the previous year.“A inventory management, logistics and staff need to be thought of in advance. The use of data is essential to avoid inventory disruptions, optimize routes and ensure an efficient service at the point of sale”, he points out. Data analysis and the use of CRM are also indispensable allies for sales success. “Based on data, the retailer can optimize the layout from the store, control inventory more accurately and create personalized offers that really make sense to the local public”, says Daniela.
Thematic campaigns, special collaborations and the use of artificial intelligence are already a reality in the sector.“Influence marketing, mobile advertising and actions that portray mothering in a real way have gained prominence.In addition, virtual tasters and capsule collections have been bets to connect innovation to the emotion”, points Daniela. Now, in the environment omnichannel, the shopping experience becomes seamless, fluid and integrated.“The customer can start the journey online and finish in the physical store or the other way around, without losing the customization. The consistency between channels is indispensable”, he explains.
The most sought after categories that continue to rise during the date are fashion, beauty and technology. In particular, Daniela highlights the rise of fashion wellness, which combines comfort, functionality and sustainability, reflecting the new values of the consumer. The future of retail is moving towards the consolidation of unique experiences, cutting-edge technology and social responsibility. “We are seeing artificial intelligence being used in campaigns, smart tasters and personalized actions. Technology does not replace the human, but enhances the” connection, he concludes.
The success story of fintechs in Latin America is entering a new phase. After five years of explosive growth, the ecosystem has expanded more than 340% in the last six years, according to the Inter-American Development Bank & Inter-American Development, a new factor can now level the game and drive not only more growth, but also more opportunities for startups. AI agents are transforming the way financial services startups connect with customers, extend inclusion and reduce costs.
Empowering customer engagement through AI agents
AI agents are revolutionizing customer interactions in financial startups by taking the front line of 24/7 service, as well as dealing with more complex tasks such as financial advice.Finextra reports that financial institutions using custom agents have seen a 30% improvement in customer satisfaction and a 20% increase in conversion rates.
Some of the biggest players in the region are already reaping the rewards. MercadoLivre, for example, has integrated AI and machine learning to offer personalized financial services & IT, a move that has helped raise its market value to more than 100 billion dollars, according to Reuters.
Now, with the rise of cloud computing in Latin America (growing at an annual compound rate of 15%) and falling processing costs, what was once the privilege of tech giants is becoming affordable for a new generation of startups. This shift in supply is allowing growing companies to build AI solutions in-house or adopt the AI as a Service (IAaaS) model to optimize their operations. Recently, a major Mexican retailer has utilized IAaaS to digitize its consumer credit approval process by reducing the waiting time from a week to just 15 to 20 minutes, the customer experience significantly improves.
Advancing financial inclusion
With the growth of the fintech ecosystem in Latin America, financial inclusion has also advanced, albeit unevenly and limitedly. According to a 2023 Mastercard study, 21% of Latin Americans remain outside the formal financial system.And although 79% have debit card and/or bank account, only three in ten have access to more advanced services such as credit, loans and insurance.
AI agents are becoming an essential tool to accelerate progress in financial inclusion, enabling financial services startups to take a central role in this expansion.The World Economic Forum states that the use of AI agents can trigger a technological “hop effect through AI” in developing economies such as Latin America, allowing financial services to reach underserved populations directly, without relying on traditional infrastructure.
CGAP reports that AI agents contribute to inclusion by processing complex transactions and operations while keeping customer interactions simple. For example, while an AI agent can analyze diverse datasets to create custom financial products, it can communicate all transaction steps via WhatsApp, understand customer voice commands, or offer simplified decision flows & make inclusion easier even in rural areas with low education.
In addition, by intelligently processing more varied datasets, AI agents are also able to calculate fairer borrowing costs and increase approval rates for people with little or no financial history.A Brazilian financial services company that used AI to analyze alternative credit data for underbanked customers has achieved a 25% increase in credit approvals while maintaining low default rates.
Optimizing operations and reducing costs
The benefits of AI agents are not limited to customer experience and financial inclusion - startups looking to keep their operating costs low are also finding efficiency.Fintech Galileo reported that their AI agent reduced calls to the rear (back-office) by 70%.
At Gupshup, it is observed that financial institutions that have implemented AI agents have experienced a reduction from 40% to 50% in operating costs related to customer service and loan processing. These efficiency gains come from automation in document handling, reduction of manual intervention in routine tasks, and optimized workflow management.
Given these three factors 'enhanced customer engagement, increased inclusion and reduced costs ' AI agents are becoming an essential tool for the next generation of financial services startups.More than that: several venture capital funds in Latin America are already preparing to increase investments in startups offering credit and artificial intelligence products.This means that fintechs that adopt AI agents will become even more attractive investment options.
In short, AI agents are not just the future of financial services in Latin America - they are already the smartest bet of the present.
SHEIN performs on April 29, at 20h, a special live to present its new Mother's Day collection in partnership with Giovanna Ewbank and her daughter, Titi. The broadcast takes place in the brand's application and will bring details about the looks and inspirations behind the collab.
Those who follow the live in the SHEIN app will be able to see the pieces inspired by the unmistakable style boho chic hotel by Giovanna Ewbank, aligned with one of the main fashion trends of today, earthy tones, such as mocha mousse. And also the looks of Titi, which bring a cheerful and modern touch, following the fashion among the generation Z, with pink and earthy tones, which dialogue with the items selected for the collection of his mother.
Already available on the SHEIN website, the collection brings together 60 pieces inspired by the style of Giovanna Ewbank, and 40 items in the one of Titi.
With slogan “Style that connects generations”, the Mother's Day campaign is being exclusively publicized in the networks of the brand and actress and presenter Giovanna Ewbank. Celebrating the style and connection between mothers and children, the collection is one of the bets of SHEIN for the date.
The discount coupon SHEINGIO it is available for purchase of items from the collection with 10% or 20% OFF, with a total discount limited to R$200.00.
Live Mother's Day Special | SHEIN x Giovanna Ewbank and Titi
Celebrated 139 years ago, May 1 finds Brazilian workers involved in contradictory professional feelings in 2025, as recorded by Serasa. At the same time that unhappy with wages and low growth opportunities, respondents say they are satisfied with the position they occupy and optimistic about the future of their career. Amid the uncertainties generated by Artificial Intelligence, they are not so frightened by the replacement by machines or technology.
“A our research reinforces that there is a significant space for companies to invest in the development and appreciation of” employees, says Patricia Camillo, financial education specialist at Serasa. “That employer or leader that stimulates growth and strengthens employee engagement will be more successful in retaining” talent.
Future and retirement
Produced by the Opinion Box Institute, the survey shows that 59% of workers feel optimistic about their future professional in the next five years and 32% believe they will be able to retire with peace of mind, despite increasingly restrictive legislation. 33%, however, consider it difficult to retire with financial stability.
The survey also points out that 63% of respondents consider themselves satisfied or very satisfied with the position they currently occupy. However, remuneration is still a concern: 68% claim to be dissatisfied with the salary they receive.
For those seeking new opportunities in the market, the search for better salary (32%) and better quality of life (27%) are the main motivators for a relocation. Among the challenges faced in the current work environment, low pay and high workload stand out.
Financial education in the workplace
Also according to the study, 83% of respondents value the provision of financial education programs by companies as part of their professional development. In addition, 86% believe that attending courses on finance at work contributes to a more solid planning of the future, and 84% see this practice as essential to deal with unforeseen events.
“When workers have access to financial education, they gain more security to make important decisions about their lives and careers. The support of companies in this process is a differential that brings benefits to all, since more financially relaxed employees tend to be more engaged, productive and resilient in the face of the” challenges, says Patricia.
In an increasingly competitive scenario, marketplaces have been looking for new forms of monetization beyond traditional commissions. One of the most promising strategies is Retail Media, which turns the platform into a true media channel, allowing sellers to promote their products directly within the digital environment.
According to a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in partnership with Google, the global retail media market is expected to move approximately US$ 75 billion by 2026, with an average growth of 22% per year. And although this practice is already consolidated in markets such as the United States, especially with Amazon, which today dominates the segment with robust investments in paid advertising within the platform itself, in Brazil this movement is still gaining traction.
“O what we see in the United States is a maturity in the use of internal advertising, especially on Amazon, where investment within the marketplace already exceeds what is done on platforms such as Google”, explains Rodrigo Garcia, executive director of Petina Digital Solutions. “In Brazil, we are still starting this path, highlighting initiatives by Mercado Livre and Shopee, which have been expanding the use of internal ads and affiliate models.”
Rodrigo shares the following 4 key Retail Media strategies for marketplaces that want to accelerate their monetization:
1. Sponsored ads
This is the most direct way to generate revenue.By allowing sellers to pay to highlight their products, whether on the homepage, in search results, or in strategic areas of the site, the visibility of offers increases exponentially.
“It works like a digital billboard.Sellers can stand out among thousands of products, and the marketplace, in turn, generates revenue from the” exhibition, says Rodrigo.
2. Partnerships with brands and companies
In addition to the sellers that already operate on the platform, it is possible to attract major brands to exclusive actions.“These companies see in the marketplace a powerful showcase. Partnerships for banners, special campaigns and exclusive discounts create new sources of revenue and make the user experience richer”, points Rodrigo.
3. Affiliate and influencer programs
Inspired by successful models like Shopee, which allows influencers to promote products directly from the platform in exchange for commission, this strategy has been growing.“It is an efficient way to segment campaigns. You choose the creators most aligned with your audience and share the revenue with them”, explains Rodrigo.
With the arrival of the TikTok Shop, this trend tends to intensify, creating a network of microinfluencers connected directly to the marketplace.
4. Geolocalized advertising
For marketplaces that operate regionally, targeting ads by location is a powerful strategy.“A geolocation allows more relevant campaigns with higher conversion rate. This makes the experience more personalized and increases effectiveness for” sellers, he concludes.
The subscription market in Brazil has been consolidating itself as one of the most effective strategies to ensure financial predictability, customer loyalty and sustainable growth. But, even with all the positive signs, many e-commerce companies are still failing to take more advantage of this alternative sales and payment.
While the model is widely explored in digital services (such as streaming, telephony and the internet), physical products still have a lot of room to grow. Wine subscriptions, books and specialized clubs have gained strength, but still represent a small portion in the face of potential.
The great advantage of the recurring model in e-commerce is in three pillars:
Predictable and scalable revenue
Continuous relationship with the customer
Greater knowledge of consumer behavior
These points strengthen strategies such as upsell, cross-sell, average ticket increase and less dependence on seasonal sales.
“Offering a subscription goes beyond practicality. It is about building a relationship with the customer. Here, personalization and convenience are keywords. The consumer wants control: he needs to be able to edit his signature, pause deliveries, change payment method and, of course, be treated exclusively”, states Mariana Coltro's, Sales Manager at Lyra.
Platforms such as the Cyclopay they already work with this vision ¡n integrating flexible plans management, multiple payment methods (credit card / Pix / ticket), communication rule and unified reports. This not only facilitates the operation but also gives autonomy to the end customer.
“Signature is more than revenue: it is relationship. At Cyclopay, we believe that the subscription model is a bridge between financial efficiency and proximity to the customer. The market is ready, the consumer is already accustomed, and now e-commerce is lacking to adapt, invest in technology and turn this opportunity into a competitive advantage”, complements Mariana.
The advantages and functionalities of recurring payments can be seen at Bett Brasil, the largest innovation and technology event for education in Latin America, in the Cyclopay space (stand Q 170), which will be held from April 28 to May 1, at Expo Center Norte in Sao Paulo, with free admission.
Xiaomi Corporation (“Xiaomi” or the “Grupo”) today released its seventh Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Annual Report 2024, which again demonstrates its commitment to sustainability, driven by its core technologies.The report details Xiaomi's leadership in technological accessibility, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and recycling and reuse.
Leadership of Core Essential Technologies
Xiaomi presented its new strategy for sustainable development driven by its core technologies at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November 2024. It placed greater emphasis on inclusive products and technological equality and the “Human x Car x House” ecosystem strategy to provide consumers with a sustainable and intelligent lifestyle.
In 2024, Xiaomi's annual investment in R&D reached RMB 24.1 billion, and its globally registered patents exceeded 42,000. Its R&D team, with 21,190 employees, represented 48.5% of the total workforce.In the first five years of the 2020s to 2030, its cumulative R&D investment is expected to exceed RMB 100 billion.
Xiaomi Smart Factory and Xiaomi EV Factory went live last year.They use industrial internet and AI technologies to achieve efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable production.
The hardware and software developed by Xiaomi, along with other technologies, have enabled flexible production lines, automated logistics and device automation control in the cloud and on the edge of Xiaomi Smart Factory.As a result, the factory has an automation rate of 81% on its production lines, far exceeding the industry average.
Technology Accessibility
Xiaomi is committed to creating an equal and inclusive digital experience for all users, including people with special needs.In 2024, it continued to enhance its comprehensive accessibility support.Focusing on key user groups such as people with visual, hearing and physical disabilities, it introduced text extraction, real-time captions and gesture-based controls.
For example, Xiaomi has enhanced its TalkBack feature, a voice assistance feature designed for blind and visually impaired people, and simplified its operation by leveraging the optical character recognition (OCR) feature of the Xiaomi HyperOS AI subsystem.This has enabled accurate recognition and real-time narration of text in images, providing users with a fluid“reading experience.
Xiaomi HyperOS 2, the latest version of Xiaomi HyperOS, has seamlessly integrated the real-time subtitle function of the AI Assistant with the Xiaomi Sound Recognition Function.The result: a high transcription accuracy rate of 93%.
Xiaomi is also creating technologies friendly to the elderly.In 2024, it partnered with several institutions to launch the program “Showing Health and Safety Care for the Elderly” and “Promoting Elderly Friendly Retrofitting”, which aims to develop standards, products, applications and designs that improve the safety of the elderly.
Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
In addition to setting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for Xiaomi operations, the company requires its smartphone supply chain partners to set GHG reduction targets and renewable energy use plans. By 2030, smartphone industry suppliers must achieve an average annual carbon reduction of at least 5% (with 2024 as a base year) and a renewable electricity use rate of at least 25%. By 2050, Xiaomi smartphone industry suppliers must achieve 100% of renewable electricity use.
Xiaomi has completed life cycle carbon footprint measurements of 18 representative products (13 smartphones and tablets, 1 wearable device and 4 smart home appliances) by the end of 2024. The company has also collaborated with independent GHG certification and accounting organizations to establish a carbon footprint assessment process for its smartphone products.
Climate response measures have been implemented across all business operations, covering office work, production and manufacturing, logistics and transportation, store and supply chain operations.Last year, Xiaomi's business operations within its operating limits have achieved ISO 50001 certification for the Energy Management System and passed the annual monitoring audit.
Xiaomi also promoted shipping and rail as alternatives to air freight.In 2024, this effort reduced the Group's carbon emissions by 3,378 tons.
Recycling and Reuse
Xiaomi conducts e-waste recycling programs around the world and has implemented a layered recycling approach that includes exchanges, reconditioning, device and spare parts disposal, as well as internal prototype purchase. The company plans to recycle a total of 38,000 tons of e-waste in five years (from 2022 to 2026) and has reached 95,94% of this target by the end of 2024.
More than 1.3 million used devices were recycled in the Mainland China exchange program. Exchange programs were established in nine countries and regions abroad; in these countries, 23,353 exchange requests were processed. The Group expanded its refurbishment business to include laptops, projectors and monitors.Last year, it restored more than 130,000 devices, an increase of 4.7% compared to 2023.
Xiaomi also integrates recycled materials into the design and production of smartphones, smart electric vehicles and smart home appliances. For example, the rear cover of the Xiaomi 14T incorporates a bio-based material derived from lemon waste, with half of its polyurethane coming from bio-based raw materials.Recycled aluminum is incorporated into the cast intermediate structure of the Xiaomi 14T, and recycled aluminum, gold and copper are used to produce its acoustic components.
Xiaomi Smart Factory has established a zero waste management system for landfills, which integrates efficient recycling and disposal to minimize the use of landfills.In 2024, the plant achieved a waste diversion rate (WDR) of 99.35% and received the TUV Rheinland Zero Waste Management System Certificate for Landfills, with the maximum global three-star rating.
Xiaomi maintains its commitment to innovation and accelerated development, seeking to build a better future through sustainable practices.
The above only serve as highlights of the 2024 ESG report. To see the full version, please click here..