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Consumer Month: 7 Smart e-commerce strategies to turn customers into fans

Consumer Day, celebrated on March 15th, has established itself as one of the most important dates on the retail calendar, alongside Black Friday. Online sales during the 2024 Consumer Week grew by 13.9% compared to the previous year, with total revenue increasing by 11%, according tosurveyfrom Linx.

However, more than an opportunity to attract new customers, the date should be seen as a strategic moment to strengthen relationships with those who have already purchased and to ensure repeat business. To train retailers in this challenge, Loja Integrada, a reference in automation and data intelligence for e-commerce, presents smart loyalty strategies that can be applied throughout Consumer Month.

According to Lucas Bacic, Chief Product Officer (CPO) of Loja Integrada, "customer loyalty goes far beyond occasional discounts. It involves the strategic use of data to create personalized experiences, encourage repeat purchases, and strengthen the bond between brand and consumer. Companies that master this process ensure sustainable growth and a loyal customer base."

Repurchase in e-commerce

Buyback is one of the pillars for the sustainability and growth of an online business. As illustrated by Philip Kotler, considered the Father of Marketing, "winning a new customer costs 5 to 7 times more than retaining an existing one. Additionally, repeat customers tend to spend more and recommend the brand, creating a cycle of organic and predictable growth," explains Bacic.

Customer loyalty and repeat purchases go hand in hand: consumers who trust the brand, have had a good experience, and feel valued are more likely to return and buy again. But what are the best strategies to encourage this behavior?

Smart loyalty strategies for e-commerce

The CPO of Loja Integrada gathered the best practices for retailers who want to turn customers into fans and increase their repurchase rates

  1. Collectible and exclusive giveaways
    Small personalized and collectible gifts encourage repeat purchases because they create a sense of exclusivity and belonging to the brand. "A recent example we developed was Neymar's collectible cards for the launch of the Next10 store," says Bacic.
  2. Progressive discounts
    Offering tiered discounts based on purchase volume encourages larger orders and fosters customer loyalty. Exemplo: 5% para compras acima de R$ 100, 10% acima de R$ 200 e 15% acima de R$ 300.
  3. Customized retargeting campaigns
    Using enriched data to segment customers and offer deals based on previous purchases increases the chances of conversion. This can be done through email marketing, targeted ads, and personalized notifications.
  4. Loyalty and cashback programs
    Creating a points program that can be exchanged for discounts or exclusive benefits increases customer engagement and encourages new purchases.
  5. Exclusive discounts for recurring customers
    Creating personalized offers for those who have already purchased, such as "VIP Discount for loyal customers" or "Exclusive offer for those who have made two purchases," strengthens the bond with the brand.
  6. Post-sale emails and messages
    A simple thank-you email following a purchase, accompanied by a special offer or relevant content, can significantly increase repeat purchase rates.
  7. Personalized experience on the website
    Using data intelligence to suggest products based on the customer's purchase history improves the experience and increases the chances of conversion.

The potential of data enrichment in customer loyalty

Data enrichment is a competitive advantage for online stores. This process involves combining the company's internal data with external and behavioral customer information, generating valuable insights to personalize offers and improve communication.

"Brands that use enriched data are able to better understand their customers and offer more relevant experiences. This not only drives repeat purchases but also builds a relationship of trust and closeness with the consumer," concludes Lucas Bacic.

Specialist in payment methods and digital products, Mateus Prestes takes over as CEO of NXTBNK

Matthew Prestestakes over as the new CEO ofNXTBNK,payment method fintechcrossbordertechnology-basedblockchain.With solid experience in payment methods and launching digital and financial products,ReadyBring a strategic vision to lead the company in its next phase of growth and innovation. Graduated in International Relations, he started his career at a cryptocurrency startup and worked at companies ofsupply chainand health, in addition to working in an association in the health sectorblockchain.

“Taking on the position of CEO ofNXTBNKIt is an honor and a responsibility that I embrace with enthusiasm. We are positioned to deliver technology and payment methodscrossborder, offering innovative and secure solutions, meeting the needs of companies, individuals, and regulators in an increasingly digital world. With a platform 100% based on technologyblockchain, a NXTBNKProvides transactions in multiple currencies and payment methods, ensuring efficiency and security for our clients. "I see a promising future, where we will continue to expand our services and lead digital transformation in the financial sector," highlights the executive.

Matthewhighlights contact with technology, always present in his life. Your father, a natural innovator, has been working with IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain since 2014, which sparked his interest in this universe. At 17, still in college, he entered the payments world by working at a crypto assets startup. a year later, he began working at an industry association, deepening his knowledge in this market. Then, the executive returned tosupply chain, joining one of the largest healthcare companies in the country.

Having already worked alongside Alby Azevedo, Mateus specialized incompliance, For over a year, Mateus developed this area and, with only 10 months at the company, he also took on operations. During this period, he further immersed himself in the world of payment methods, forming strategic partnerships and agreements in over five countries – including the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates – and coordinating operations and clients in more than 20 markets.

“Occupying the position of CEO ofNXTBNKmarks a new stage in my career, with the possibility of further expanding the solutions already offered. As a starting point, we will assess the existing operations, always ensuring the continuity of quality service to our clients, facilitating international transactions quickly, safely, and efficiently," adds Mateus.

The hunt for irregular Pix keys heats up the IT market focused on monitoring transactions

The decision made by the Central Bank in early March to periodically monitor the conduct of Pix participants to ensure they maintain only Pix keys in their databases in accordance with the names registered in the Federal Revenue's CPF and CNPJ databases raised a warning signal among financial and payment institutions regarding the need to enhance their transaction monitoring tools. The reason is that the regulatory agency is willing to penalize companies that do not exclude from their systems keys of individuals and companies with registration statuses such as "suspended," "canceled," "deceased holder," "null," "ineligible," "deregistered," and other similar statuses.

Alexandre Pegoraro, CEO of Kronoos, a platform that uses AI to conduct research across thousands of sources to verify the integrity of people and companies, states that the Central Bank's decision requires institutions to strengthen their technological structures for transaction monitoring.

According to him, adapting systems to new demands like these requires financial institutions to make profound adjustments to their structures. Each month, these companies review millions of alerts related to crimes or financial frauds, with nearly 95% of them being considered "not suspicious." Now, these programs will have to add new alerts regarding the compliance of the keys with the Revenue's databases. Hence the importance of having solutions that automate and facilitate this process, while at the same time ensuring it is carried out quickly and securely," he says.

By adopting these new requirements, the Central Bank argued that they aim to make it more difficult for scammers to maintain Pix keys with names different from those stored in the Federal Revenue databases. In this regard, the agency itself also promises to actively work to detect Pix keys with names different from those registered with the Revenue Service, to ensure that participants exclude or adjust these keys.

A notice published by the agency states that the Central Bank also prohibited the alteration of information linked to random keys and the claim of possession of email-type keys. People and companies that use random keys and wish to change any information linked to that key will no longer be able to do so. From now on, the random key should be excluded and another should be created with the new information.

Home e-commerce bets on AI and metaverse to double revenue and reach R$40 million in 2025

With a strategy aimed at enhancing the customer's shopping experience,Smart Space, steel frame ecosystem, forecasts revenue of over R$ 40 million solely from e-commerce in 2025. Double compared to last year. Growth will be driven by investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, technologies that promise to enhance the shopping experience and customization of digitally marketed projects.

Currently, business interactions and house transactions conducted through e-commerce account for about 6% of the company's revenue. It is precisely because of the lack of familiarity with the format that we invest so much in the experience on this channel. Our strategy has focused on offering the possibility to customize projects with just a few clicks, from choosing finishes to financing options, all in a fully digital way. We believe that this channel still has a lot of room for growth, he adds.

Thinking of ensuring a consistent experience in this sales format, the company relies on the use of AI for organic customer acquisition with SEO-optimized texts, as well as on automation and personalization of customer service through intelligent chatbots, responsible for optimizing the brand's digital operation by 45%.

Furthermore, technology has been used with a focus on adapting offers, recommendations, and content according to the user's profile and behavior. "Since our customer base is extensive, this measure is essential for assertive communication throughout the entire purchase journey," explains Fernando Scheffer, Marketing Director and founder of Espaço Smart.

Investing in innovation for 2025

Another resource that will receive special attention throughout the year will be metaverse solutions. Based on the technology, the store offers a "village" on its sales platform, allowing customers to virtually browse house designs, view details, interact with the 3D environment, and even simulate customizations as if they were visiting the house itself. "Through this possibility, we expand engagement and provide a much richer and more interactive purchasing journey for the audience, an experience that is not very common within the construction sector," the executive points out.

According to Scheffer, the combination of the two technologies has been essential to increase the average ticket of the brand's online sales. This happens through two complementary pillars: personalized and intelligent recommendations and immersive investment experiences. "By analyzing customer preferences and behavior, AI suggests complementary products or versions that the consumer would not have considered. Through the metaverse, it is possible to make this possibility interactive, increasing the customer's interest," it adds.

In addition to investments in AI and the metaverse, the company is planning other innovations focused on e-commerce. Among the efforts are the digitization of B2B operations into a fully customized platform for enterprise clients, including space for quotations, negotiations, and delivery management for large projects and constructions. Another new feature is the launch of a platform exclusively for architects to submit projects and refer clients to build with Light Steel Frame.

“With e-commerce for homes, we bring to the market a completely different way of buying a property. Each new step is designed to make this experience even more interesting and attractive to the public,” concludes Scheffer.

Battle of the Giants: OpenAI vs. DeepSeek vs. Qwen 2.5 – Who Will Dominate AI?

In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential advance in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, driven by companies such as OpenAI, DeepSeek, and Alibaba. According to a survey byMcKinseyIn 2024, 72% of companies have already adopted AI, a significant increase compared to 55% in 2023. The research also reveals that generative AI went from 33% to 65% adoption in one year, but ultimately, what can we expect from these numerous creations and solutions?

In this article, we explore the current panorama of these technologies, comparing their characteristics and future projections, in addition to analyzing how these innovations impact people's daily lives.

Is it possible to reduce costs with these new accessibility scenarios?

The fierce competition among giants like OpenAI, Alibaba, and DeepSeek is resulting in a significant reduction in the costs of AI-based solutions. This makes technology more accessible to startups, small businesses, and end consumers. With AI becoming cheaper, we can see and witness a democratization of technology, allowing more sectors of society to integrate AI into their daily operations.

Furthermore, the variety of AI options available on the market allows companies to choose the solution that best fits their specific needs. This diversity promotes innovation, as each provider seeks to differentiate itself with exclusive features. The result is a more personalized and efficient offer, directly benefiting the end users.

It is important to remember that competition among these companies also encourages continuous investment in research and development, accelerating the evolution of AI technologies. Therefore, we can translate this into more efficient, safer, and more accessible solutions. And it is a fact: companies like OpenAI, DeepSeek, and Alibaba are constantly improving their models to deliver superior performance in natural language processing tasks.

Another point to consider is that the reduction in the cost of AI technology allows more sectors of society to integrate these solutions into their operations, promoting digital inclusion and large-scale professional training. This democratization of AI technology has the potential to transform various sectors, from education to healthcare, positively impacting people's lives.

Model Comparison: OpenAI O1, DeepSeek R1 and Qwen 2.5-Max

OpenAI O1: Model developed by OpenAI, recognized for its high-level natural language processing capabilities.

Strengths – Excellent text comprehension and generation; flexibility for different applications.

Weaknesses – High operational cost; dependence on robust computing infrastructure.

DeepSeek R1: Developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek, designed to deliver competitive performance without requiring cutting-edge hardware.

Strengths – Affordable price; efficiency in relevant benchmarks.

Weaknesses – Little global acceptance; less recognition in Western markets.

Qwen 2.5-Max (Alibaba): Alibaba promises that this model outperforms major competitors, including GPT-4 and DeepSeek-V3.

Strengths – Improved performance in comparative tests; efficiency in text generation and semantic understanding.

Weaknesses – Little global acceptance; less recognition in Western markets; possible internal competitive pressure in China led to accelerated launch.

Thinking long-term, what is the impact on daily life?

As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect an even greater impact on people's daily lives. More affordable and efficient AI solutions have the potential to transform everything from routine tasks, such as automated customer service, to critical areas like AI-assisted medical diagnostics.

In the near future, this technology is expected to play a central role in improving quality of life, simplifying processes, and promoting innovation across various sectors. The combination of cost reduction, greater choice diversity, and continuous technological advancement points to a scenario where it not only complements but significantly transforms the way we live and work.

Therefore, we can conclude that with the rapid evolution and increasing accessibility of AI technologies, we are only at the beginning of an era where artificial intelligence will profoundly shape our future. Let us closely monitor these innovations and take advantage of the opportunities they offer us to create a more connected and efficient world.

StreamShop brings movement and interactivity to e-commerce with generative videos

After going viral on social media with the videoInfluencers from Brazil, with historical Brazilian personalities created by AI, theStreamshop, interactive video platform, took another step towards innovation with a focus on online retail.

With technologyVideo Commerce StreamShopretailers can incorporate interactive videos directly into e-commerce pages in various formats.“The central idea is to put e-commerce in motion, allowing brands to insert video content on their own website, not just presenting it on social media,” explains Marcio Machado..

According to the startup's founder, the use of technology shows a 120% increase in sales of products with associated videos.The great diferencial of Video Commerce is that it integrates videos directly into the shopping journey, allowing consumers to interact with products in a more interactive and engaging way. Brands are already producing content for social media, but these materials are not always being used strategically within the sales funnel.”, the executive points out.

The next step is the development of generative AI for large-scale video production from existing static photos of the products. The new artificial intelligence technology developed byStreamShopcreates realistic videos in just a few minutes, simulating different angles, movements and even variations in light and scenarios.

In the attention era, a product video is worth more than many images, and with this innovation, we can simplify the content development process and reduce production costs, enabling scale and speed for brands.

In fashion retail, for example, a simple photo of a model gains movement, simulating an authentic video. The AI creates the movement, as if the professional were in a real studio rehearsal, and further enhances the piece on display. The result is a dynamic and engaging visual experience that brings the consumer closer to the reality of the product.

The video "The greatest influencers in Brazil," which pays tribute to historical personalities, surpassed 5 million organic views on Instagram alone. For the executive, this is a demonstration of the engagement power of the tool.StreamShop it has.

Financial automation is not a reality in 98% of Brazilian companies, says study

Almost all large and medium-sized Brazilian companies (98%) still do not use automation in the financial sector, according to a survey released by LeverPro at the end of 2024. This means that they perform their operations manually, often using spreadsheets. This dynamic stands out from the current competitive context, where companies need to manage their resources strategically, make assertive decisions, and reduce the margin for errors.

“The number is alarming, because automating financial operations stopped being a competitive advantage many years ago. Today, it is a necessity for any company that wants to guarantee reliability in its data, analyses and decisions”, analyzes Wilder Gouveia, Financial Director ofYou are welcome., distributor of technological solutions for the B2B market.

A recent study conducted by McKinsey & Company revealed that companies implementing financial automation reduce operational costs by up to 25% and increase report accuracy by over 30%. This can be done through specialized systems, ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) a RPAs (Robotic Process Automation), who execute, monitor, and manage the operations. The idea is to promote information security and enable professionals in the field to prioritize other activities.

In addition to analyzing large volumes of data and generating accurate reports, these tools can perform specific tasks in different areas of the finance department. In the accounts payable sector, they enable payment scheduling, automatic document verification, and control and analysis of recurring expenses; in accounts receivable, they facilitate sending invoices, real-time monitoring of receipts, and the preparation of revenue reports.

In invoice management, automation allows for validating XMLs, issuing electronic invoices, and handling returns and adjustments. Regarding supplier management, the tools continuously update registration data, ensure fiscal and regulatory compliance, and perform integrated contract management. Finally, in the context of reports, they provide real-time analysis, consolidation and integration of financial data, as well as scenario forecasting.

Thus, the finance department can evolve to become a strategic center — so much so that, according to the Global Digital Operations Study report, carried out by PwC, 72% of companies that automate financial operations observe significant improvements in their ability to respond to market demands.

Sebrae shows that companies that automate financial processes reduce the time spent on these tasks by up to 70%, demonstrating that automation not only solves current challenges, but can also be part of a long-term growth tactic, when well implemented.

“Choosing the right system is a challenge, but it exists. To make an assertive decision, you need to think about technology from a strategic point of view, evaluating your company’s needs and choosing the solution that is most compatible with your business profile,” concludes Gouveia.

Retirement from a new perspective: what is Generation Z doing differently?

Generation Z, individuals born approximately between 1997 and 2012, is revolutionizing the way we approach professional life and retirement. Unlike previous generations who followed linear trajectories until traditional retirement, today's young people are adopting the concept of "micro-retirement" — planned pauses during their careers to experience new things and focus on well-being and personal growth.

In addition to digital immersion, Generation Z grew up amidst global economic crises, political instability, and rapid changes in the labor market. These factors shaped a more cautious and pragmatic view of the future, driving the pursuit of flexibility and decentralized financial security. This context explains, in part, the preference for multiple sources of income and the focus on micro retirements throughout life.

According to Carla Pinheiro, Head of Operations at Quanta Previdência, these young people prefer not to wait decades to enjoy life, choosing breaks between jobs to rest and explore new opportunities.

“They prioritize mental health, personal growth and meaningful experiences, rather than focusing solely on longevity and career progression. This trend reflects a paradigm shift, where quality of life and personal satisfaction are gaining prominence,” highlights the expert.

This new concept of micro retirement also challenges companies and employers to rethink their benefits and talent retention policies. Traditional pension programs and linear career plans may become less attractive to these young people, requiring more flexible formats that adapt to their expectations of strategic breaks and varied experiences throughout their professional lives.

Connected and flexible

With the traditional career model being questioned, Generation Z is opting for digital entrepreneurship, freelancing, and temporary jobs to achieve greater flexibility and income diversification. "Financial security for this generation is no longer associated with a single permanent job, but rather with the ability to generate income through different means," highlights Carla.

Made up of young people at the beginning of their careers or recently graduated from university, this group has a level of interest and knowledge above average.Technology also plays a central role in this new behavior, functioning as a direct ally in financial planning.

According to data presented by Anbima (Brazilian Association of Financial and Capital Market Entities) in the seventh edition ofInvestor X-Ray, 66% of these young people have accounts in digital banks and avoid face-to-face service, preferring intuitive and accessible platforms.

Apps allow you to monitor investments in real time, set personalized goals, and even schedule variable contributions, adapting the plan according to periods of higher or lower income. This combination of technology and personalization makes financial planning more accessible and connected to the reality of those seeking both freedom and security.

According to data from the Brazilian Investor X-ray, in the investment field, the traditional savings account is losing ground to new options. While savings remain the main choice for most investors aged 28 and older, Generation Z is seeking more dynamic alternatives. Only 3% invest in cryptocurrencies, 6% choose investment funds, and 10% turn to digital influencers for financial guidance.

Despite the strong digital presence, these young people are demonstrating a more proactive approach to financial planning, valuing advice from family members and close acquaintances. "There is a balance between the pursuit of information on digital platforms and trust in traditional opinions. They are learning from previous generations and making better use of available options to save and achieve their retirement goals," explains Valter Macena, investment analyst at Quanta.

Market solutions and trends

To support this new retirement perspective, institutions such as Quanta Previdência offer solutions aligned with the needs of Generation Z. “It is essential that young people have access to flexible and accessible tools to plan their micro-retirements, ensuring financial security without giving up the freedom they desire,” says Carla.

As an alternative in the market, the Cooprev plan emerges as an innovative option, allowing personalized contributions and easier management through digital platforms. This enables young people to plan their strategic breaks without compromising their financial stability.

With a more pragmatic view of finances, careers and consumption, Generation Z is shaping a dynamic economic future, in which technology and knowledge are essential tools for financial management.

Online sales of luxury goods grow by more than 200% in Brazil

The luxury market in Brazil is growing, especially in the digital universe. According to data from the Luxury Lab Global 2024 report by Euromonitor International, between 2019 and 2024, online sales of personal luxury items in Brazil registered a growth of 261%, highlighting the rapid adoption of e-commerce in the high-end segment.

In this scenario, renowned brands such as Hermès and Hugo Boss expanded their online operations, strengthening digital communication with customers. Hugo Boss, for example, launched its own virtual platform in 2023, developed in partnership with Infracommerce, and in 2024 launched a new loyalty program called HUGO BOSS XP, which combines traditional features with new blockchain-supported elements, allowing program members to collect BOSS XP and HUGO XP tokens (NFTs) with their purchases, unlocking exclusive benefits and services in the digital world.

Hermès has also strengthened its digital presence in the country by offering its collections through an official online store. Brazilian customers can purchase a variety of products, from fashion accessories to perfumes and jewelry, directly through the brand's website, which also communicates with customers via newsletters that are truly works of art. Just like in fashion, Hermès emails offer interactive experiences with animated images that take the consumer on a true sensory journey of the brand.

According to information fromVogue Business IndexLuxury brands are adopting digital tools to strengthen the connection with consumers, including the use of WhatsApp and AI-powered chatbots for more personalized service. The study also indicates that Latin America, especially Brazil, has become a focus of physical and digital investments by major brands, reinforcing the importance of omnichannel in the sector. These initiatives highlight agrowing trend among luxury brands to invest in digital channels and improve online communication with customers, meeting the demands of an increasingly connected Brazilian market.

Withvirtual consumersMore demanding and conscious, personalization in communication has been essential for the success of e-commerce. The shoe brandSarah Chofakiancombined WhatsApp and email marketingedroneto promote a cashback campaign, reaching 228 clients via mobile and over 7,000 by email. The result was an open rate of 58% on WhatsApp and a 9% conversion rate on email, generating over R$ 17,000.00 in sales with a single campaign.

“We know that our customers are contemporary women who live in a fast-paced world and need comfort, utility, lightness, practicality and style. This is how we designed our shoes, and now we seek to take this mission to communication with consumers, facilitating purchases, which can be made from anywhere, in just a few clicks, with advantages for loyal consumers”, explains Luiz Benine Netto, Operations Director and partner at Sarah Chofakian.

From taboo to trend: how the male beauty market is becoming a billion-dollar market

For a long time, taking care of appearance was seen as something exclusive to the female universe. But this scenario has changed a lot. Today, men not only cut their hair and shave, but also invest in aesthetic treatments and specific products to enhance self-esteem. The old prejudice that vanity was a woman's thing is behind us, and the men's beauty sector has never been so thriving.

According to a survey by Kings Research, the global cosmetics market, including the men's segment, is expected to reach $473.67 billion by 2031, with an annual growth rate of 6.16% between 2024 and 2031. The beauty industry is expected to reach $124.7 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual rate of 9.8%, according to Grand View Research. The increase in the supply of products aimed at this audience, the influence of social media, and the deconstruction of standards regarding masculinity drive this progress.

The growth of specialized networks

With this high demand, businesses exclusively targeting the male audience emerge. One of the highlights is Homenz, the first network of clinics specialized in men's aesthetics and health in Brazil. With a portfolio focused on the main needs of this audience, such as hair transplants, LED hair removal, and body procedures, the brand quickly established itself in the market.

For Luis Fernando Carvalho, CEO of the network, Homenz's success is the result of a bold vision. "I was a visionary six years ago when I invested in a business that had no reference. I knew the industry had enormous potential, but it was seen as something distant. Today, I see that we not only filled a gap but also created a trend," he says.

Founded in 2019 in Uberaba, a city in the interior of Minas Gerais, the company not only overcame the challenges during the pandemic but also continued with rapid expansion. To give an idea, there are already 82 clinics in operation and more than 150 in the implementation phase. The network's revenue reflects this success, jumping from R$ 27 million in 2023 to R$ 100 million in 2024.

The future of male aesthetics

In addition to the established methods, new trends are gaining strength and promise to further boost this universe. Solutions focused on men's intimate health are beginning to stand out. Another innovation is the development of equipment and technologies designed exclusively to address the particularities of the male body, making them more efficient. "Men want to take care of themselves, but without giving up practicality. They seek effective treatments, an environment designed for them, and qualified service. Male beauty has ceased to be a niche to become a huge market, and we are prepared to lead this revolution," he concludes.

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