Consumer expectations stories

Australian online florist LVLY is shortlisted in three customer service and online retail categories at the 2026 Inside Retail awards.

Zendesk warns APAC brands that rising CX expectations demand transparent, context-rich AI that resolves issues instantly or risks churn.

Hisense debuts AI-powered ConnectLife overhaul at CES 2026, unifying smart fridges, dishwashers and climate control for ANZ homes.

AI, geopolitics and safety rules will force manufacturers to rethink factories, robotaxis and in-car screens by 2026, says Forrester.

Nearly half of New Zealand’s small businesses lack a website, despite 74% of consumers valuing websites over social media for engaging with organisations.

Retailers face rising digital and cyber threats this Black Friday, with only 22% of sites optimised for mobile user experience amid surging online traffic.

Australia’s booming eCommerce sector faces tougher compliance with new advisory services helping retailers navigate complex financial and regulatory demands through 2026.

UK professionals aged 36-50 face the highest digital overload, with over 2,200 unread emails and growing pressure to stay constantly online, research finds.

A study of 400 European brands reveals that emotional connections, not just discounts, are crucial for loyalty in an era of membership fatigue.

SOTI upgrades its ONE Platform to enhance device security, speed, and operational visibility, helping retailers boost efficiency and meet rising consumer expectations.

Holiday shoppers demand quick, eco-friendly delivery but resist paying extra, with UK consumers showing low confidence in on-time arrivals, survey reveals.

Customer experience excellence hinges on robust data management, as Australian firms invest in AI and analytics to meet soaring consumer expectations.

Australian consumers are growing impatient with automated customer service, favouring human agents over AI-powered chatbots and voice menus, a new report finds.

L'Oréal-backed AI beauty platform Noli partners with Akeneo to enhance personalised product recommendations via enriched product data management.

Shippit launches AI platform across Australia and New Zealand to help retailers close the AUD $18 billion delivery gap and boost online sales.

Over half of UK shoppers find retail communications too generic, with 60% calling them irrelevant, highlighting a need for personalised experiences across channels.

Australian consumer loyalty relies heavily on trust and high-quality service, with 86% likely to abandon brands after poor customer support experiences.

As AI reshapes customer experience, brands must build trust with seamless, personal digital interactions or risk losing consumers amid rising expectations.

Canadian brands focus on authentic storytelling and earned media to build lasting visibility amid tariffs and rising costs. Short-term campaigns no longer suffice.

Australia Post and Shopify have teamed up to simplify shipping, benefiting thousands of businesses amid Australia's booming AUD $19.2bn online market.