Connected Economy/page/2 news and trends

Three-Quarters of Young Consumers Favor Click-and-Mortar™ Grocery Shopping
Retail // May 17, 2024

Millennials and Generation Z consumers are not satisfied choosing between digital and physical channels to do their grocery shopping — they want it all. By the Numbers The PYMNTS Intelligence study “ConnectedEconomy™ Monthly Report: The Urban-Rural Health Divide Edition” drew from a survey of nearly 2,500 U.S....

Uber Integrates Social Commerce Into Marketplace as Shoppers Seek Peer Recommendations
Social Commerce // May 17, 2024

As consumers increasingly look for guidance from trusted friends and content creators to inform their shopping, Uber is integrating a social element into its Eats platform. On Wednesday (May 17) the mobility and delivery company announced a range of new features at its GO-GET 2024...

From AI to Mobile Devices: Technology Reimagines Debit and Credit Cards
Mobile Wallets // May 16, 2024

The modern credit card’s history stretches back to just after World War II, when the Charg-It card came out of Brooklyn, tied to a single bank. Account holders could use the cards at a few local merchants, and the bank paid the merchants and billed the cardholders....

Walmart’s Q1 Earnings Show Caution on Consumer Spending
Earnings // May 16, 2024

Walmart reported better than expected Q1 earnings Thursday (May 16) but that’s not the most important story. The earnings announcement and subsequent analyst call showed a price-driven retailer making adjustments to its core business model in the interest of driving long-term revenue growth in the...

Interviews & Exclusives
Open-Loop Payments Help Advance Smart City Innovation

May 14, 2024
The concept of the connected commuter is gaining momentum, driven by the increasing reliance on digital solutions for travel and commuting needs. PYMNTS Intelligence research highlighted this trend, revealing an increase in the prevalence of apps and platforms to streamline everyday commuting journeys. This growing shift has led to an influx of traffic into urban centers, prompting […]

Sezzle’s Surge Leads 1.7% Gain for CE 100 Index

May 13, 2024
The CE 100 Index was up 1.7% through the past week, and earnings were the dominant theme across all pillars.  Pay and Be Paid Pillar Leads the Pack  Pillar by...

CE 100 Index Rises 0.7% as Earnings Drive Lifestyle Categories

May 06, 2024
The CE 100 Index gained 0.7%, buoyed by continued earnings reports that boosted the fortunes of the Shop and Live pillars. Shares of Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Philips) were 27.6% higher,...

Young Consumers Make Next-Level Purchases From In-Video-Game Stores

April 30, 2024
Many gamers are open to making purchases while they explore their favorite virtual worlds, and retailers are seizing on the opportunity. Most recently, Walmart launched a store within the world of Roblox Monday (April 29) where...

Quick Reads
How Businesses Can Navigate the AI Search Shake-Up

May 17, 2024
Google’s latest unveiling of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search tools has sent ripples through the business world, prompting leaders to rethink their digital strategies. The tech giant’s new features promise to disrupt online information retrieval, leaving companies scrambling to understand and adapt. With Google’s AI search tools set to redefine how users access information, business experts are […]

Trimble Acquires Flashtract to Expand Connected Construction Technology Ecosystem

May 08, 2024
Trimble has acquired Flashtract to add construction payment, compliance and lien waiver capabilities to its connected construction technology ecosystem. Flashtract’s technology streamlines the flow of payment and compliance information between construction general contractors and subcontractors,...

Sheeva.AI Powers In-Vehicle Payments for Citroën in India

April 16, 2024
Sheeva.AI has announced that its in-vehicle payment technology is now available in Citroën vehicles in India. The solution powered by the company’s SheevaConnect product suite is available in Citroën C3 Aircross SUV AT vehicles...

Guesty Raises $130 Million to Expand Short-Term Rental, Hospitality Platform

April 10, 2024
Guesty raised $130 million in a Series F funding round to expand the capabilities and global footprint of its property management software platform for the short-term rental (STR) and hospitality industry....