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Photoroom integrates OpenAI's gpt-image-1 into its next-generation AI tools, transforming product photography for e-commerce.

THEPhotoroom, the world's most popular AI photo editor, is announcing the launch of three new tools with artificial intelligence technology:Product Beautifier, Product Staging, and Virtual ModelThese tools use OpenAI's latest image generation technology, thegpt-image-1Among the first companies in the sector—and in Europe—to integrate OpenAI's powerful image API, Photoroom reaffirms its role as an innovator in generative AI, expanding its portfolio of proprietary tools for background removal and photo editing with AI, which are already leaders in efficiency and effectiveness in the market.

These new tools were developed to provide sellers of all sizes with access to professional-quality visuals, without the need for expensive equipment, photoshoots, or editing skills — making it faster and easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses to create content with high conversion potential at scale, leveling the playing field for both startups and established companies.

"THEgpt-image-1It opens a new level of creativity and accessibility in image editing. We are happy to be one of the first companies in the world to bring this technology to our global community of over 200 million users," saidMatt RouifCEO and co-founder of Photoroom. Our mission is to make high-quality visual power accessible to every entrepreneur, and with this integration, we are once again transforming cutting-edge AI into practical tools for product photography and e-commerce.

The new features include

  • Product BeautifierAutomatically improves lighting, pose, and angles to deliver studio-quality product visuals with a single click.
  • Product StagingUse AI to analyze your product and generate a realistic, context-rich scene, repositioning and adding elements and backgrounds that fit perfectly into real-world usage situations.
  • Virtual Modelapplies clothes and accessories to a selected library of virtual models, offering a realistic preview of fit and adjustment, allowing customers to view the products on different body types and styles.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Photoroom reinforces its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and e-commerce sellers of all types by providing greater access to the best in AI technology. Whether for a solo entrepreneur starting their business or for a growing brand, Photoroom's tools aim to bridge the gap between emerging companies and enterprise-level solutions.

The tools will start being released on the Photoroom web app from April 23, with updates for iOS and Android coming soon.

With 68%, social media dominates Easter offers; Southeast accounts for 46% in research

Changes in consumer behavior are accelerating, and holidays like Easter are an important barometer of these transformations. A survey by Shopping Brasil (https://w0.shoppingbrasil.com.br/), the leading company in offer research in the country, which monitors daily the main national and regional retailers based on advertisements published on social media, TV campaigns, and physical and digital inserts, indicates that this year 68% of Easter-themed offers were published on social media platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook — a 3% increase compared to 2024.

This trend has already been established: communicating with consumers via mobile phone has become essential to generate foot traffic in physical stores, which remain the main point of sale, highlights Renata Ribeiro Gonzalez, Commercial and Marketing Director and partner of Shopping Brasil. The average price of products, such as eggs and chocolate rabbits, increased by 29% compared to the previous year.

Growth outside the SoutheastThe CEO of Shopping Brasil, Minoru Wakabayashi, argues that although he still leads with 46% of the offers, the Southeast region lost 2% in market share. The highlight was the South (growth of 4%), driven by networks such as Condor, Rede Top, and Muffato. Central-West and North also grew, driven by Super Tatico, and Carrefour and Irmãos Gonçalves, respectively.

The so-called "ads share," which shows the brands' presence in the offers, revealed significant changes. The brands Garoto (Nestlé) and Arcor/Tortuguita (each with 4% growth) and Kinder (Ferrero, with 1% growth) gained space.

More personalized promotionsPromotional mechanics have also evolved. Offers with exclusive prices for loyalty customers, via apps and cards, accounted for 61% of the total, an 8% increase in one year. Progressive discounts — for those who buy more units — ranked second, with a 15% share.

As Wakabayashi and Renata say, Easter 2025 revealed a new consumption landscape: more digital offers, a more competitive market with attentive, selective, and price-sensitive consumers. "To stand out, industry and retail increasingly need to combine data intelligence, promotional creativity, and targeted communication," argue the executives.

Retail Media gains strength as a bet to boost sales and retain customers on Mother's Day

Considered one of the most important dates on the retail calendar, Mother's Day moves millions in physical and digital commerce. In 2024, the sector had already recorded significant growth: 15.8% in e-commerce and 4.5% in physical stores, according to data fromUnlimitail, joint venture between Carrefour Group and Publicis Group. For 2025, the expectation is of an even more robust performance — andRetail Mediastands out as one of the main allies of brands in converting seasonal opportunities into lasting results.

Mother's Day is the great opportunity of the first semester for retail. It is essential for brands to anticipate in order to attract and retain their customers before the date, since, according to the survey, consumers start looking for gift ideas 15 days in advance, highlights Fátima Leal, Key Accounts Director at Unlimitail.

According to a study by the National Confederation of Directors and Shopkeepers (CNDL), Serasa, and Offerwise, the date is expected to generate R$40 billion this year. And according to data from a new Globo survey, 82% intend to gift their 'mothers', with an average ticket of R$300. The ranking of souvenirs is composed of perfumes and cosmetics (34%), clothing, chocolates, and sweets (15%), footwear (12%), accessories (11%), flowers (10%), and household items (6%).

In this context,Retail Mediais increasingly gaining space in brand marketing strategies. The proposal is simple but powerful: to use the digital channels of major retailers — such as websites, apps, and social media — as media platforms to reach consumers at the moment they are most likely to make a purchase. An example of the power of strategy is the people reached by Carrefour's media (31 million/month), Sam's Club (2 million/month), and Atacadão (35 million/month).

"The key advantage of Retail Media lies in the combination of reach and precision. By advertising in environments where the consumer is already browsing with purchase intent, it is possible to significantly increase conversion chances," explains Fátima. Personalization is also a strong point: based on browsing data and purchase history, it is possible to target more relevant and accurate campaigns.

But the impact of Retail Media goes beyond just immediate sales. The strategy also proves to be effective in building customer relationships. "Commemorative dates are the gateway to new consumers, but brands need to think beyond immediacy. Retaining these customers means ensuring future purchases and also benefiting from spontaneous recommendations based on a good experience," concludes the executive.

With advanced planning and intelligent use of data, Retail Media consolidates itself as a powerful strategy not only to boost sales on Mother's Day but also to generate value throughout the entire year.

Bling launches campaign to promote solutions that boost SMEs in RS

In order to strengthen its position as a comprehensive management platform for micro and small entrepreneurs, Bling, owned by LWSA, has just launched the campaign "It's in Bling!".  Check out the campaign video here.

The piece airs between May and October on digital media, such as social media, search platforms, Spotify, and TikTok, as well as on open TV, radio, OOH (Out of Home), and events, mainly in strategic regions like Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia, and Ceará.

In addition to repositioning ourselves, with this campaign we highlight the main pillars of Bling as an ERP, integration hub, and intelligence-based solutions to boost sales and reduce concerns about managing small and medium-sized enterprises, or in other words, we want to show that what the entrepreneur needs "Is in Bling," emphasizes Marcelo Navarini, Bling's director.

Divided into two phases, the campaign features two 30-second films. The first video presents the new brand positioning – "Smart management to sell more and worry less, with Bling" – and sets the tone for what will be explored next.

The second phase highlights specific functionalities offered by the platform, such as financial management, including a digital corporate account and credit offerings like loans and receivables anticipation, and logistics management, which position Bling as an even more relevant business partner.   

Furthermore, integrations with various market solutions are highlighted, going beyond sales (platforms, marketplaces, and dropshipping), such as customer relationship solutions via email (CRM), warehouse management solutions ("WMS"), and various AI solutions that enable greater automation in many daily processes.

Furthermore, the campaign highlights one of the main innovations of the year: My Business, an intelligent dashboard that allows you to view the company's performance on the platform or directly through WhatsApp. "The dashboard is an important tool because through the data, the entrepreneur can make strategic decisions for their business," says Navarini.

The campaign's storytelling is even more powerful with the participation of entrepreneur and Bling client Letícia Vaz, founder of LV Store, a women's fashion store, highlighting how the platform assists her in managing her business. The communication strategy will be enhanced through the company's network of partners.

Want to work with automation? See what you need to learn

Automation has ceased to be a backstage technology and has become a strategic element within companies. From micro-entrepreneurs to large corporations, the demand for professionals who can organize processes and implement digital tools with a focus on efficiency is growing.

But in the end, what do you need to know to enter this market? Automation specialist Luciana Papini, who has trained over 5,700 professionals in the field, lists the main skills for those who wish to work in automation, whether as an internal employee or service provider.

Skills that make a difference

  • Process overview:Before applying any tool, it is necessary to understand what the company does, where the bottlenecks are, and how automation can address these issues.
  • Organizational skills:Automation requires logic and clarity. The professional needs to know how to set up stages, structure workflows, and document what has been done.
  • Knowledge of digital tools:It is important to master marketing automation platforms, customer service, sales, and system integration.
  • Data interpretation:Automation generates metrics. Knowing how to analyze this data helps identify what works and what needs to change.
  • Communication with various areas:The automation manager communicates with the sales, marketing, customer service, and even finance teams. Speaking everyone's language is a differentiator.

Who is this profession for?

According to Luciana, the area attracts everything from technology professionals to people seeking career transitions.

Automation requires more logical reasoning than code. That's why many people outside IT adapt well.explains.

How to get started?

Luciana recommends starting with free courses and practical application.The ideal is to test the tools with real problems. Automating a simple process already helps to understand how everything works., affirms.

With companies increasingly dependent on digital processes, the market for those who master automation is only expected to grow, according to the specialist.There are no shortage of tools. There are people who know how to use it missing., he concludes.

From the curriculum to the shelves, a specialist explains how to turn your story into authority

Publishing a book has ceased to be just a personal project and has become a concrete strategy for positioning and strengthening personal branding. More and more, doctors, lawyers, consultants, and coaches are recognizing the potential to transform their careers and knowledge into non-fiction works that expand their presence in the market and generate new business opportunities. The publication establishes itself as an effective way to open doors to speeches, mentoring, courses, and specialized consulting.

According to a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV), professionals who invest in building their own brand experience up to a 25% increase in recognition of their skills, which directly impacts the generation of new professional opportunities and the expansion of authority in the market.

Book as a marketing tool

Although many specialists accumulate extensive experience in their fields, the difficulty in structuring this knowledge into a solid editorial format remains a common obstacle. Lack of time, insecurity in writing, and absence of a clear methodology lead many to postpone the project of publishing a book. To overcome these barriers, partnering with a ghostwriter allows the author to focus on sharing their knowledge while a specialized professional transforms this information into a cohesive and engaging narrative.

"Most specialists have a lot to share, but do not necessarily master the techniques of writing and storytelling. The ghostwriter enters this process as a facilitator, organizing the author's ideas, respecting their essence, and ensuring that the content is presented in a strategic and professional manner," explainsJulyanne Guimarães Amadeu, founder of theAlma Publishing.

In addition to structuring the content, publishing a book creates an effect of expanding the expert's personal brand. "With a published work, the professional begins to be seen as a reference in their field of expertise, which translates into new invitations for lectures, participation in events, consulting, and other opportunities that value their established expertise," he declares.

Build a legacy and expand market reach

The publishing experience goes beyond immediate exposure. The book becomes a long-term asset, capable of strengthening the professional trajectory and generating strategic connections. According to Julyanne Amadeu, the impact of a book on a career can be so significant that many clients report a substantial change in market perception after the release of their works. "Publishing a book is not just sharing what you know. It's leaving your mark, becoming a reference, and opening doors that didn't exist before," he/she/they points out.

The writing journey, however, requires commitment and strategic vision. It is necessary to extract the right stories, connect experiences in a way that build authority, and structure the content with a focus on the positioning desired by the expert.

"This is a process that must be conducted in a personalized manner, respecting each author's journey and aiming to maximize the impact of the work. Our job is to transform experiences into a narrative that has purpose, relevance, and truly connects with the audience they wish to reach," concludes the specialist.

Use of AI in digital marketing becomes popular, eliminating differentiators for companies

There is no denying that artificial intelligence has arrived in full force in digital marketing. There are posts, photos, and even logos being developed 100% by the new tool, and the question that remains is: is this good or bad for companies?

In the design section, KAKOI Comunicação's Art Director, Dieiniffer Busch, draws attention to the repercussions of using the tool. In addition to ethical issues, such as the recent trend that used the creation of Studio Ghibli, there are also practical issues:

“Quando se apoia completamente o design em IA, há muitas coisas que precisam ser levadas em conta. No caso de marcas, há a questão do registro; o INPI tem fortes restrições com relação ao uso de elementos prontos para registro. Não é impossível, mas bem difícil. Outro ponto é o resultado em si. Quando todos fazem a mesma coisa, o diferencial some”, explica Busch.

From the designer's perspective, although they are distinct from each other, AIs like GPT, Gemini, Firefly, and others feed on the same foundations, that is, previous creations. So, the trend is that, in the long term, publications will become increasingly dependent on ads to reach the target audience:

"The question is not whether to use it or not. The tool exists, it makes the work easier, and it will definitely be used. The discussion is: to what extent is it worth abandoning human creation entirely in the name of an economy? The cheap option can become very costly very quickly," he concludes.

According to the specialist, the rational use of AIs can increase the work of designers and enable smaller companies to access media that was previously restricted to large accounts due to budget constraints.

Recently, a private school in Curitiba became the subject of controversy and memes on the internet for using AI to create the image of a child on a billboard. With disproportionate hands, the backlash caused more problems than school enrollments and can serve as a lesson for other companies.

Pinterest announces new edition of the Inclusion Fund to support new creators

Pinterest is announcing another edition of its Inclusion Fund, celebrating five years of supporting new content creators, small brands, and retailers on their journey to growth and connecting with new audiences. This year, the program expands its global reach and begins to include a new group of participants in strategic markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.

Pinterest Inclusion Fund is an incubation program created to support new content creators, brands, and retailers in sectors such as beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, who create content and products aligned with Pinterest's inclusive features, such as search filters for skin tones, body types, and hair types. Selected participants will have access to specialized training, strategic tools, educational sessions, and financial support through scholarships or credits for advertising.

In Brazil, Pinterest is expanding this initiative through a strategic partnership with mLabs, a Brazilian social media management platform leading in Latin America. The collaboration includes one year of free access to the platform's full plan, which offers an educational area with specialized courses in social media. The selected participants will have unrestricted access to all resources, including the possibility of obtaining certification.

Being part of a project like Pinterest's Inclusion Fund is a valuable opportunity for mLabs, which has the success of brands on social media at its core. All selected participants will have access to mLabs to schedule content on Pinterest and ensure posting consistency, as well as take advantage of numerous other features offered by the platform.Celebrate Caio Rigoldi, CEO of mLabs.

The Inclusion Fund results demonstrate its impact: users who interact with inclusive features on Pinterest save 75% more Pins. Since its launch in 2021, over 350 participants have received global support, many of whom have achieved continuous growth. For example, Krioula Boutique, a pioneering brand of turbans and Afro jewelry in Brazil, has seen a 200% increase in outbound clicks and platform engagement since joining Pinterest's Inclusion Fund. The brand's visibility has increased significantly, connecting even more people to Afro-Brazilian fashion.

Participating in Pinterest's Inclusion Fund was a turning point for Krioula Boutique. As a brand that celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture, having this support and visibility allowed us to reach a larger audience and strengthen our digital presence. Pinterest not only boosted our sales but also helped tell our story in an authentic and powerful way. Seeing our pieces reach the world is exciting and proves that representation matters!indicated Michelle Fernandes, co-founder of the brand.

We believe in the power of inspiration as a driver of change. When new content creators, brands, and retailers from all backgrounds have the tools to grow, new ideas flourish, as do new connections and opportunities. Pinterest's Inclusion Fund exists to make this a reality.Agustín Caso Jacobs, Director of Content Strategies for Pinterest in Latin America.

Registrations are already open and will run until May 15, 2025, at 11:00 PM (Brasília time), for content creators in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. For brands and retailers in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, the deadline has been extended to May 30, 2025.

Since its creation, Pinterest has invested over $3.9 million in this program, reinforcing its commitment to providing concrete tools to help people of all profiles strengthen their presence and relevance on the platform.

Influencers, rewards, and gamification: the new formula for brands to win over customers and community in 2025

Digital influence and shopping apps are shaping a new model of loyalty and engagement among brands, content creators, and consumers. Forget the old loyalty programs: the new era blends commissioning, gamification, and genuine community connection. While brands like Oscar Calçados and Linus invest in ambassador programs to boost sales and strengthen ties with their customers, content creation specialists like the agency LOI Global and retail technology companies like Kobe Apps are adapting to show that building lasting relationships with consumers involves a new logic.

At Oscar Calçados, the programHaus Creators Oscaralready brings together nearly 100 partner influencers in less than a year. Creators with at least 10,000 followers on TikTok (or 5,000 on Instagram) are commissioned according to the follower category — the higher the number of followers, the higher the voucher value. Sales tracking is done through the coupons promoted by each influencer, which are applied on the website before completing the purchase. Upon reaching the minimum sales threshold, the influencer is entitled to withdraw their commission. Additionally, the group has daily updates on promotions and performance, and also participates in challenges with bonuses, such as travel packages, festival tickets, among others, with the aim of keeping the influencer community engaged.

"The program, less than a year old, has already received over a thousand applications across Brazil and includes a thorough analysis of profiles to select those that best align with the brand's purpose," says Renan Constantino, partner and director of Grupo Oscar Calçados.

But the bond goes beyond money. It's about affinity, community, and belonging — as shown by Linus, a sustainable footwear brand that structured its Ambassador Program with a focus on relationship. According to a survey conducted by the brand itself, 43% of consumers learned about Linus through friends or family, and 46% relied on recommendations at the time of purchase. "From the beginning, we have bet on this type of communication where the greatest strength comes from the community – and how it interacts naturally and genuinely with the brand," says Olívia Araújo, Brand Manager of Linus.

LOI, a global agency specializing in influence and performance, emphasizes that this model only works when there is authenticity in the narrative. Brands don't just want numbers. They seek well-told stories,creators"with strategy, connection, and clarity in the data," affirms Felipe Colaneri, founder of LOI. For those who want to stand out in these programs, the tip is to master your audience, present good metrics, invest in purposeful content, and cultivate the relationship with the brand even outside of commercial actions.

This logic of rewards, loyalty, and engagement also extends to shopping apps, which gained new features and prominence in 2025. "Apps have evolved to become centers of the consumer journey, integrating gamification, personalized missions, cashback, and interactions that strengthen the bond with the brand," explains Bruno Bulso, COO of Kobe Apps, a platform that develops retail applications. In practice, the company already has cases of retailers with over 250,000 active users in apps with point systems exchangeable for products, while others bet on proportional cashback based on the average ticket to encourage repurchase, even in low-turnover categories.

According to Bulso, "loyalty is no longer a differentiator: it is a requirement for brands that want to remain relevant. Consumers want to be recognized — and well-structured apps are now the most efficient channel for that."

OfcreatorsTo clients, the new consumer expects more than a good offer: they seek purposeful experiences, tangible benefits, and authentic relationships. The brands that understand this logic — and know how to activate it in the right places, with the right people — have a great chance of leading the influence game in 2025.

Payface expands its presence in Rio Grande do Sul in partnership with Grupo Grazziotin

APayface, a pioneer company in facial recognition payment solutions, establishes a strategic partnership with Grupo Grazziotin, one of the largest retail chains in southern Brazil. The initial implementation covered 13 stores of the retail chain in Passo Fundo, with expansion already carried out to an additional 34 units in the southern region of the country. The initiative aims to eliminate operational bottlenecks, optimize the payment process, and provide customers with a safer and more agile journey.

With the implementation of Payface, credit and personal loan transactions, which were previously formalized through printing and physical signatures on paper accompanied by the presentation of an official photo ID of the consumer, have become entirely digital, authorized by Payface's facial recognition transaction solution.

Payface's advanced facial biometrics solution not only simplifies the financial transaction process but also adds a robust layer of security. The closed payment arrangement model adopted by Grazziotin allows financial products, such as credit and personal loans, to be operated internally without the intervention of an external market processor.

"At Grazziotin, we found the ideal setting to demonstrate the versatility of our solution. Operating in a credit and personal loan model, not exactly a private label card, and not involving an external market processor, requires robust technology, and that is exactly what Payface offers: complete integration, high security, and a seamless experience for both the retailer and their customer," says Victor Braz, Payface's Closed Arrangement Director.

Payface, born in Santa Catarina, sees the Southern region of Brazil as a fundamental part of its growth and expansion. Focusing on 2025 and geared towards operations with proprietary payment methods, the company plans to intensify its presence in the region, expanding its network of partners and consolidating its position as a leader in facial recognition payment solutions in the retail sector.

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