WeChat users send 1bn virtual red envelopes for Chinese New Year
WeChat users exchanged over 1 billion virtual hongbao (red envelopes containing cash gifts) on New Year’s Eve.
E-commerce
YouTube ad-free subscription service ‘coming in months’
In a high-profile test of the paid content versus ad-funded business models, Google is preparing a YouTube subscription service that lets people pay to watch videos without adverts.
Burger King test free home delivery in the UK
Burger King is trialing a UK delivery service for the first time, although initially only in a limited number of postcodes.
Sainsbury’s tests self-updating e-ink price labels
Sainsbury’s is trialing a new digital pricing display system that uses e-Ink technology rather than traditional paper to produce self-updating pricing tickets.
Ecommerce tool eSellerPro rebrands as Volo
eSellerPro, an ecommerce ERP solution, today announced it is rebranding as Volo following a period of growth.
Facebook debuts ‘Product Ads’ for retailers
In yet another assault on Google’s search ad business, Facebook has launched ‘Product Ads’, offering a new way for retailers to upload and advertise their product listings on the social network
Amazon drones hit by US regulations
Amazon’s plans for drone deliveries have suffered a setback after new federal rules will not allow Prime Air to operate in the US.
Most Brits change shopping habits due to promotions
Retailer promotions are directly impacting the buying habits of 60% of UK consumers, according to new research.
Valentine’s Day shopping habits: Mobile users search for luxury gifts
More people are shopping for gifts on-the-go for Valentine’s Day, as they turn to mobile devices for their shopping, according to new data.
China ecommerce trends: Alibaba tests drone deliveries
Alibaba is testing delivering online orders via drones for its Taobao service with a one-off, three day campaign in China.