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New Sports Direct members scheme to boost customer experience

Sports brands treat loyalty as one of their key differentiators, logically sports retailers should take the same approach. The UK’s Sports Direct stores, a part of Frasers Group, launched a new benefit-based programme, called “Sports Direct Membership.” It rewards customers...

From Stansted to New York: Sally Alington builds a CX powerhouse

The year has barely begun and Ethos Farm, the CX consultancy founded by Sally Alington, has already opened an office in Mexico, upgraded its technology offering and closed a major deal in Saudi Arabia. But those who’ve met the ebullient CEO...

This week in CX: why are Americans delaying life goals?

Happy Friday! ‘This week in CX’ brings you the latest roundup of industry news.This week, we are exploring the future of feel-good marketing, the impact of inflation on Americans delaying life goals, and why younger employees are experiencing heightened workplace stress.We’re...

Survival mode: Online retailers scramble to dodge tariff fallout

A tidal wave of tariffs and regulatory shake-ups is sending shockwaves through the e-commerce world, with a staggering 83% of industry executives fearing for their companies’ survival. That’s the grim warning from Swap’s latest Tariff Turmoil Report, which paints a...

One-third of UK employers to cut pay rises in 2025 amid rising employment costs

A recent survey by Towers Watson reveals that a third of UK employers plan to scale back pay rises in 2025, citing rising employment costs following last year’s budget changes. The National Insurance Pulse Survey showed that salary budgets fell...

Deutsche Telekom and Google Cloud introduce AI-powered network management

Deutsche Telekom and Google Cloud have announced a partnership to develop an AI-driven agent for Radio Access Network (RAN) operations, aiming to enhance network reliability, reduce operational costs, and improve customer experience.  Abdu Mudesir, Group CTO, Deutsche Telekom, said: “Traditional...

Infobip and Bayobab join forces to simplify messaging across Africa

Infobip has signed a five-year strategic agreement with Bayobab, a leading African digital connectivity provider, to enhance messaging solutions and optimize SMS delivery across the continent. Through this collaboration, Bayobab will leverage Infobip’s Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS) for...

Shoppers say ‘hell no’ to AI buying for them

Retailers are rolling out AI shopping assistants, but many consumers aren’t ready to hand over control. A new Omnisend survey found that 66% of shoppers would not let AI make purchases for them, even if it meant getting a better...

AI spending soars, but only 21% of companies have fully integrated it

A new Qlik study highlights a major disconnect between AI investment and execution. While 94% of businesses are increasing spending on AI-related data readiness, just 21% have successfully embedded AI into their operations. The research shows a critical gap in...

Blockchain platform Raise grabs $63M to make gift cards smarter

Gift cards have long been a retail staple, but blockchain platform Raise is trying to make them something more than a plastic afterthought. The company has secured $63 million in new funding led by Haun Ventures. This brings Raise’s total...