The top shopping apps are…

Amazon is the leading mobile shopping app globally, followed by Shopee, according to a recent report.

In its Digital 2023 report, global social media agency We Are Social and online media monitoring company Meltwater ranked mobile apps in the shopping category based on global active users between January and December 2022.

Making up the Top 10 most used apps are Flipkart, AliExpress, Lazada, Mercadolibre, Shein, Meesho, eBay, and Myntra.

The report also found that consumer spending is the highest in the fashion category with an estimated USD871.2b in 2022, down by 2.4% year-on-year.

This is followed by electronic products (USD765.7b), toys, hobby, and DIY (USD601.7b), and furniture (USD387.7b). ─ Retail Asia

Watsons opens first green store

Watsons’ first sustainable green store is now open at The Troika, Bukit Jalil. Offering over 700 sustainable products containing only safe and non-toxic ingredients, the store uses renewable, reusable and biodegradable materials for the floor, walls and decorations.

It also features reused modular furniture, eco-friendly air-conditioning and lighting systems, and a self-checkout counter.

To kickstart its green retailing experience, Customers who bring in Watsons brand packaging will receive a RM5 voucher.

Shoppymore eyes RM100m sales

Live commerce shopping platform Shoppymore is set to strengthen its position in live shopping and targets RM100m in sales this year.

It has launched the Shoppymore mobile app and its live commerce platform Watch Scan & Pay, which is aimed at helping sellers promote their products.

Launched in June 2021, Shoppymore is an innovative live shopping network accessible across online and mobile platforms. ─ NST

Walmart shuts down US ecommerce-only stores

Walmart plans to shut down its stores in Bentonville, Arkansas, and Lincolnwood, Illinois, this week that only offer pick-up and delivery services, according to a company spokesperson.

Walmart is opting to stop operating stores focused solely on fulfilling online orders for now even as other businesses are investing in the concept. The No.1 US retailer recently launched Walmart Business, an e-commerce site tailored to small and medium business customers.

Last year, Walmart operated more than 11,000 stores worldwide. ─ USA Today

Source: Kenanga Research - 22 Feb 2023