Singapore’s e-commerce booms during COVID-19, according to new research

According to research by data and analytics firm GlobalData, online shopping in Singapore has boomed in the wake of the global pandemic, as reported by Insideretail.

Compared to the annual growth of e-commerce in 2015-2019, the market is expected to double this year, bringing its reach to US$9.5 billion in contrast to US$6.2 billion.

GlobalData’s banking and payments senior analyst Sowmya Kulkarni feels that the pandemic has played a big role in shifting consumer behaviour.

“Shopping centres are now being avoided, and consumers are choosing online platforms for their day-to-day purchases,” she said.

“There is a strong likelihood that the shift will persist into phase one of the post-Circuit Breaker period and beyond, as movement restrictions and consumers cautions remain,” added Lee Joon Seong, MD at Accenture.

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AnyMind launches programme to help influencers kickstart their brand

Singaporean technology solutions company AnyMind Group has announced the launch of a new initiative where it will cover startup costs for social media influencers to help them create their own branded merchandise, according to a press statement.

However, not all influencers who sign up for the initiative will be picked. The company will screen influencers based on their brand potential and audience value in return for some revenue.

On selection, AnyMind will cover costs involved in the process of ideation, planning, sourcing and procurement of suppliers through AnyFactory, along with the production of samples and the setting up of e-commerce capabilities.

Kosuke Sogo, co-founder of AnyMind Group, said, “The ways in which individuals and businesses can express themselves and their originality is evolving. With AnyMindD2C, we’re looking to become a growth partner for influencers across Asia and make it easier for anyone to create their brand and products.”

Singaporean mobile listings app Carousell launches new car category

Singapore-based mobile listing service Carousell announced the official launch of its new car category.

This category will help users view and access all brand new cars in one marketplace, utilising its latest digital showroom feature that comes with an interactive experience.

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“Social distancing and movement restrictions have completely changed the car-buying journey for consumers. This is the moment for the autos industry to adapt and evolve, so we’ve accelerated the launch of our New Cars category and digital showroom experience as an impetus for the ecosystem,” explained Sanjay Shivkumar, Head of Autos, Carousell.

Some of its car partners include Toyota, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Citroen, Jeep and more.

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Image Credit: Jezael Melgoza

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