Latest news with #Shoppers
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Fine Print Era: Rethinking Retail Finance
Consumers don't need fewer options, they need better information and independent guidance. That ... More means ditching jargon, simplifying the language, and embedding meaningful guidance at every step, not just in financial education courses, but in checkout flows, customer service chats, and everyday social content. We're entering what I call The Fine Print Era, a time when trust won't be won through slogans or slick UX, but through honesty, clarity, and respect. (Photo Illustration by) For a time, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) seemed like a rare win-win. Shoppers gained flexibility. Retailers saw conversion soar. Transactions became smoother, quicker and, for many, more emotionally gratifying. The promise was simple: split payments, no interest, no fuss. But that simplicity was never the full story. Now, a long-anticipated reckoning is underway. From June 2025, the UK government will formally bring BNPL providers under the watch of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The new regulations require affordability checks, clearer customer information, and proper complaint channels, placing BNPL closer to traditional credit in both responsibility and scrutiny. It's a seismic moment for a sector that has, until now, existed in a kind of cultural and legal twilight too new to regulate, too embedded to ignore. BNPL uptake exploded during that vacuum. Its use rose sharply during the cost-of-living crisis, especially among younger people and families managing everyday essentials. Recent figures suggest one in eight UK adults has used BNPL in the past year, often for groceries, school shoes, or household bills. 'We're acting to protect people from potentially unmanageable debt,' said Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Bim Afolami, in the official government statement. But for many, that debt isn't a future risk, it's already here, quietly embedded in monthly repayments and missed expectations. The power of BNPL was in its seamlessness. Unlike credit cards or loans, there was no paperwork, no friction, just a few taps and the purchase was yours. The message? No fees, no interest, no problem. Except, as we've learned, there can be problems. Behind the frictionless experience sat a wall of fine print, terms and consequences often buried or worded inaccessibly. Missed payments can lead to late fees, damage credit ratings, and trigger wider financial consequences. Many didn't realise until it was too late. Now the question isn't just about regulation. It's about responsibility. Retailers must acknowledge that every payment option they offer is part of the customer experience. This includes how financial choices are presented and understood or misunderstood. For many Gen Z shoppers raised in a digital-first world, frictionless payments are the norm, budgeting is a shared conversation, and credit isn't seen through the same stigma as in the past. What one person sees as flexibility, another may experience as financial stress. Some BNPL providers, Zilch, Klarna and Clear pay amongst them, have taken many steps toward greater transparency: clearer screens, affordability nudges, easier-to-understand repayment terms. But those improvements must become the standard, not the exception. Used responsibly, BNPL can be a really helpful budgeting tool and an enabler, offering breathing space and easing larger purchases. But that kind of responsible use requires something too often missing: informed choice. That's why education must now become the next big frontier in retail finance. Consumers don't need fewer options, they need better information and independent guidance. That means ditching jargon, simplifying the language, and embedding meaningful guidance at every step, not just in financial education courses, but in checkout flows, customer service chats, and everyday social content. We're entering what I call The Fine Print Era, a time when trust won't be won through slogans or slick UX, but through honesty, clarity, and respect. Today's shoppers are more value-driven, more cautious, and more questioning. They're not just asking 'Can I afford this?' but 'What will this cost me tomorrow?' For retailers, it's time to rethink the entire financial user experience, not to remove payment options, but to design them with transparency at the core. For regulators, it's a chance to collaborate meaningfully with industry, to shape a system that protects, without paralysing innovation. And for all of us, consumers, retailers, platforms, it's a reminder that financial literacy isn't a nice-to-have. It's essential. Credit is not the enemy. But confusion might be.
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
The unexpected Temple & Webster buy that's earned 3,500 five-star reviews - as interior pros spill the three trends skyrocketing in Australia
A set of humble outdoor lights have captured the hearts (and homes) of thousands of Aussies over the past few years - and it's not hard to see why. Officially boasting the highest unit sales ever on Temple & Webster, the Outdoor Festoon Lights have received more than 3,500 five-star reviews from shoppers who praised the 'flawless quality' and 'perfect shade'. Priced at either $64.99 for 10 metres or $99.99 for 20 metres, the retro lighting is an easy way to spruce up an alfresco hideaway. The spacing between the bulbs and the water-proofing ensures they work anywhere and separate sets can be joined together for additional length. For those worried about power, there's a generous 125cm of cord from the first bulb to the plug. There is no solar-powered option with these but that hasn't stopped Aussies from raving about them. 'We bought these for our yard four years ago and ended up buying eight more sets to light our wedding last year, love the warm glow and the fact that you can link them up together,' one gushed. 'These are so great - much better than those double the price from lighting stores. And I love how you can replace the bulbs individually,' another added. 'Have had these for more than two years I think. They haven't had any issues, I have moved house and they still work,' one more wrote. A set of humble outdoor lights have captured the hearts (and homes) of thousands of Aussies over the past few years - and it's not hard to see why The most popular items ever sold on Temple & Webster In addition to the festoon lights, there are two other items that have been flying off shelves since launching... The Metal Arched Full Mirror, $279.99 This is the website's most purchased decor item. 'It was one of the first products that showed we were starting a love affair with curves in our interiors,' Lucy Sutherland, Director of Insights and Trends, told FEMAIL. 'The mirror strikes the perfect balance between structure and personality with its sculptural shape adding drama and dimension, while the curved line breaks up hard edges. It brings a playful yet polished edge to interiors.' This is the most purchased seating item ever sold on the site. 'This remains an all time favourite with our customers, and it's easy to see why,' Lucy said. 'As wellness continues to influence how we live at home, comfort has become the ultimate luxury. Montauk perfectly captures the "sanctuary" trend with its sink-in cushions, tactile fabric and relaxed shape, inviting rest and calm with a casual style. 'Its timeless shape and removable slipcover make it as practical as it is beautiful, earning its place as a true family favourite.' Lucy Sutherland, the Director of Insights and Trends at Temple & Webster, said it's no surprise these lights are so popular as they 'bring instant atmosphere'. 'They make any outdoor space feel warm, welcoming and ready to host and as at home entertaining becomes more relaxed and spontaneous, festoon lighting offers an effortless way to set the mood,' she told FEMAIL. '[They] turn backyards, courtyards or balconies into inviting extensions of the home.' And while the lights, sofa and mirror may have stood the test of time so far, there is an entirely new wave of trends coming through that may see them de-throned... The interior trends about to sweep Australia in a HUGE way - and the fastest-rising styles buyers and designers adore Temple & Webster has analysed thousands of local shopping trends and customer preferences to highlight three key style shifts as part of its eagerly anticipated Trend Report - Spaces Reimagined. The trio leading the way? Mix & Max, Past Forward and Sumptuous Sanctuaries. Mix & Match Mix & Match is all about colour and personality - think maximalist prints, colour clashes, nostalgia, broken rules, self-expression and story-telling. Trends emerging in this space revolve around pattern - from checkerboards and florals to surrealist squiggles and bold, arty textures and shapes. Described by the team as one for the 'unapologetic individualist', this style is fantastic for those wishing to make a statement through their home. Dreamy curves: The site has seen a 286% jump in 'boucle bed' searches, particularly those with cosy curves and arches. Patterned homewares: Striped and checkered furniture sales have jumped by 23% this year as patterns takeover from minimalism as a preference for thousands. Ripples: Wavy furniture sales have increased by 29%. It's likely you've spotted plenty of mirrors and light stands with this design over the past few months - particularly in a 'soft' bedroom environment. Past Forward This trend is just as it sounds - it's all about creating a space that feels warm, familiar and joyful. Cosy nostalgia and a touch of retro flair are the goals here. This is done with hints to past favourites, shapes and colours from the '70s and '80s - think deep, saturated tones, sunfaded hues, plush textures, sunken lounges, old school bar carts and an all-round moody (yet charming) vibe. Red resurgence: Sales of homewares in the shade 'merlot' have risen by 32%, highlighting the skyrocketing popularity of deep burgundy and garnets right now. Rich walnuts: Searches for 'walnut coffee table' have risen by 115% this year, with Aussies keen to bring a little vintage charm to their space. Searches are also up 95% for 'retro chocolate timber'. Sumptuous Sanctuaries While it may not be an entirely new trend, this one is proof that more people than ever value the importance of a home that allows for wellness, resetting and reflection. An aura of calm is what sets this interior style apart - think sheer curtains, natural materials, sunlight nooks, quiet luxury, curved timbers and oversized, nurturing seating. When it comes to comfort factors in a 'restorative space', a survey of 1,000 Aussies between 18-74 ranked a cosy sofa as most important, followed by natural lighting, soft, calming colours, zero clutter and a cosy armchair. The latter is a priority for empty nesters. All about marble: There has been a significant 25% increase in sales of homewares made from marble and travertine (a form of limestone) since January, indicating a preference for materials that are more grounding. Swivel armchairs: Aussies cannot get enough of these soothing pieces, with searches up by a whopping 185% since January 1. As the experts say, 'swivelling is the new rocking' - and it's totally re-shaping how many relax.
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
I have just found the ultimate travel essential at Target for $40 - and it's perfect for long hauls
A newly launched travel outfit is sending Aussie shoppers into a spin, and surprisingly, it's not from a high-end designer, but straight off the shelves at Target. The budget retailer's new tracksuit combo has been hailed as the 'best travel set ever', with fans snapping up multiple pairs of the $40 pants after falling in love with the fit, comfort and surprisingly luxe feel. The popular activewear set, in a chic dusty purple-grey shade called Folkstone, has been branded the ultimate airport essential. 'These are by far the best travel pants ever,' one commented. It's not just hype either, the Active Studio Soft Travel Pants are ticking more than a few boxes. The buttery-soft fabric blend offers maximum comfort, light stretch and wrinkle resistance, making them perfect for travel days or lounging in style. Shoppers are especially loving the flattering tapered fit, elastic waistband, and pockets, with many saying the pants 'don't crease or knee,' and 'wash beautifully'. 'I now have four pairs,' one customer wrote. 'Flew to Europe in them, so comfy. Highly recommend.' 'These pants are incredibly comfortable, just the right length, are soft and look flattering,' added another. 'I've worn them to work, out for dinner, and on the weekend. They'll be worn on my next flight now!' Both the Active Ribbed Hooded Jumper and Studio Soft Travel Pants are available in sizes four to 20, with the pants especially being praised for their inclusive fit and versatility. Many women saying they're the rare find that 'don't need hemming', even for shorter frames. 'Great fit, true to size,' a 158cm shopper wrote. 'Perfect length for me, I bought them in black and navy.' Another stylish new release from Target Australia is the talk of fashion forums this month after eagle-eyed customers spotted it is a dead ringer for a much pricier alternative. The Target Trench Coat in shade Neutral, now on sale for $56, has been hailed as a near-perfect copy of the Witchery popular Snap Front Trench Coat, which retails for a staggering $399. Noticing the striking similarities between the two pieces is their structured tailoring and neutral tones, to the soft-yet-sturdy fabric that drapes just right. 'Love this comparison!' wrote one on the Kmartinsider Instagram page that shares similar bargain buys and budget designer 'dupes'. So, what is the difference exactly? On the surface, not much. Both coats feature a mid-length silhouette, sleek lapels, a belted waist, and minimalist snap closures which are a modern spin on the traditional trench that's flattering on literally everyone. Witchery's version is crafted from a lyocell-viscose blend, designed to have a slightly weightier drape and a more tailored feel. It's polished, elegant, and undeniably luxe feeling, but with a near $400 price tag, it's a serious investment for most. Target's trench, meanwhile, is made from a soft polyester-viscose blend with a hint of elastane, which gives it flexibility and ease and it still manages to hang just as beautifully. As for sizing inclusivity, both run as small as an Australian size 4 and run to size 16, with Target even stocking size 20 options. If a tan hue isn't your usual style either, both come in a winter-perfect dark olive tone too. For those looking to channel timeless 'quiet luxury' vibes without blowing the budget, Target's trench is a no-fuss, low-cost entry into effortless style.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I tried all the supermarket cloudy lemonades – refreshing 90p winner is perfect drink for a summery day
WHEN it comes to refreshing summer sips, nothing quite hits the spot like traditional cloudy lemonade. But shoppers at Tesco have had to find a substitute after the store removed it from its soft drinks range. Lovers of the fizz have been pleading online for it to be reinstated. Meanwhile, which other own-brand bottles of pop can they turn to? Laura Stott samples a selection and gives her verdict. Diet Lemonade with Lemon Juice, 330ml, 55p, Tesco WITH Tesco's traditional-style cloudy lemonade being withdrawn, what I found left on the shelves instead was this lemonade made with 2 per cent lemon juice. So it's easy to see why shoppers who usually buy the 'old-fashioned' style drink are not happy. While there is nothing wrong with this version, the flavour is just not the same. It is described as sherbet- tasting, but it's more like a plain lemonade and the disappointing fruit flavour is very wishy-washy. There also is no yellowy colour, which that is part of the enjoyment of the traditional drink. It's artificial tasting and lacking in zing. Hardly comparable to a delicious chilled glass of the original cloudy fizz. An unsatisfying substitute. Rating: 2/5 Cloudy Lemonade, 750ml £3.50, M&S THIS yummy real lemonade in its fancy glass bottle is rammed with the taste of juicy Italian fruits – and is the posh bottle to buy if you want to treat yourself or you are having people over. Made with 4 per cent Sicilian lemon juice and an additional 4 per cent puree on top, this double whammy really elevates the juiciness. Combined with carbonated water, it's incredibly moreish and hits the perfect spot between sweet and sharp. There is no escaping the fact this is a costlier option, and 750ml won't go that far. I'd suggest this is one best kept for the grown-ups to enjoy as a nice alcohol-free offering, or to have at a summer barbecue or garden party. It is expensive but if you are buying as a booze-free alternative, it isn't bad value. Would be a good mixer for summer cocktails. Rating: 3/5 Vive Lemon Zero Sugar, 85p, 2 litres, Aldi ALDI'S lemon sparkling drink is a good price, but the two-litre bottle was no better value than most of the other own-brand options. It also contains a slightly lower amount of lemon juice from concentrate than many of the other supermarket offerings. They predominantly contain 4 per cent fruit juice, whereas this one is lower at just 3 per cent . That said, the flavour is a little different, perhaps closer to one of the big-brand fizzy lemon drinks, rather than a traditional summertime 'cloudy' lemonade recipe. I found it sweeter, too, which was not to my taste. But that can be a matter of personal preference. It reminded me of a lemon drink you might buy on holiday to slurp as a change from a cola by the swimming pool. Rating: 2/5 Cloudy Lemonade, 6 x 330ml cans, Sainsbury's, £2.05 BUYING fizzy drinks as individual cans is a great way to make sure pop does not end up being wasted and poured down the sink when it goes flat. And while this multi-pack is a little pricier at the till, the price per can is not too painful. A super way to quench your thirst on a hot day. There's plenty of the lemon flavour that you want in these sunny sippers, which can be enjoyed nice and chilled. The bright and bold citrus flavour certainly refreshes your palate and perks you up. The downside of drinking it this way is you don't get to enjoy the 'cloudy' colour, unless you pour it into a glass. On the plus side, it's perfect for picnics or for drinking on the go. A very good glug. 4/5 Diet Cloudy Lemonade, 2 litres, 90p, Co-op A VERY stylish big bottle of pop from the Co-op, with a fun label that adults won't be embarrassed to have in the fridge. It has a gorgeous vibrant yellow colour too! A bit more citrus flavour than some of the other supermarket options, thanks to a combination of lemon juices that provide this one with a lovely balance point between tart and sweet. A little less gassy than some other options. It seems a bit softer and gentler to sip, which I rather enjoyed. But if you prefer the bubbles-up-your-nose sensation of a fizzy drink, you might want one with a bit more 'pop'. It also means it is likely to go flat faster. Very refreshing and tasty though, and packed with traditional and comforting fruity flavour. Delicious, and a perfect drink on a summery day. Rating: 5/5 Cloudy Lemonade, 2 litres, 80p, Morrisons THIS no-added-sugar fizz from Morrisons has a delicious cloudy hue that had the strongest citrus colour of all the bottles of pop I slurped. Made with 4 per cent concentrated lemon, it gives you all the soft tang of the fruit but it has been made more palatable with the addition of some sweetness. Very bubbly and fizzy, so a chilled glass of this on a warm day really hits the spot for refreshing you and quenching your thirst. I did find it had a slightly artificial aftertaste, but that's not uncommon with any carbonated drinks that have sucralose added to them. A lovely warm-weather sip that will be a great fridge standby at this time of year. Very good value, too. Rating: 4/5 Diet Cloudy Lemonade, 2 litres, 82p, Asda LOADS of lemon bubbles for your bucks in Asda's own citrus fizz, which is tangy and tasty. While not as sharp or tingly on the tongue as some others, it is still packed with the flavours of the fruit. A very pale yellow-green cloudy colour which, when chilled, looks delicious. You'll be pleased to pour out a glass of this to quench your thirst on a hot day, and it's even better over ice. It is made with 4 per cent concentrated juice and is another supermarket slurper to come as a diet option. If you fancy a change from a plain lemonade, the fruit flavour really does elevate this to a more enjoyable drink. It would make a super mixer with spirits such as vodka or gin.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brand called out for ‘deceptive' move
Shoppers have voiced outrage after a popular e-commerce retailer advertised AI-generated models and product images on its platform, labelling the move 'deceptive'. An Australian woman called out Atoir, a Melbourne-based label, for using AI-generated images of a model and clothing, available for purchase on The Iconic. 'Saw this on The Iconic,' she wrote on Reddit. 'The brand ATOIR is using AI models for their clothing. Feels so deceptive.' The website features two images of a brunette woman wearing a white dress, taken from the front and back. At the very bottom of the item's product description, the brand said the model's measurements 'represents a size S/8 and is standing at 5'10' but disclosed neither the clothing, nor the model, were real. 'Please note that this eCommerce imagery has been crated (sic) using artificial intelligence technology and does not feature a real model,' the product description read. 'These AI generated visuals are designed to represent our products accurately and creatively.' The same AI model displays other Atoir items on the website without any mention of AI-generated imagery. Online, Australian customers voiced their frustration with the AI-generated models, arguing it did not accurately represent the item they wanted to buy. '(A) $400 dress and you can only see an image generated version of it before you buy it,' a comment read. Others argued the AI-generated image failed to represent the fit of the clothing on a human body and other angles of the clothing. 'AI cannot replicate the way a garment sits on the body, or the way different types of fabric drape,' a person wrote. 'They might as well just take a flat lay photo of the garment, that would actually be more useful.' Another said the move was 'so wildly unappealing' and discouraged them from making a purchase. 'It's just a realistic looking line drawing at this point,' they wrote. 'I can't say I'm prepared to shell out hundreds of dollars online when I don't even get to see an actual garment.' Interlunar Media director Krishna Chandak said AI visuals could 'often miss the mark' if used for advertising retail, skincare and fitness products compared with 'commoditised sectors' and could 'definitely affect consumer trust and brand credibility'. 'In categories like skincare, fashion, or wellness, where authenticity and emotional connection matter, AI visuals often miss the mark,' he told NewsWire. He said 'real content consistently outperforms' AI-generated content, which may '(raise) questions around transparency and ethics'. 'Whether it's user-generated content, branded shoots, or genuine storytelling, the return on investment is almost always stronger with authentic visuals,' he said. The Ad Firm chief executive Kevin Heimlich said retailers using AI were walking on an 'ethical tightrope' that could discourage shoppers from trusting a brand. He said while AI may 'create a technically perfect image', it may also 'lack the soul and relatability that genuinely resonate with a target audience and encourage them to convert'. 'AI can whip up these incredibly slick, almost perfect images. They look amazing, truly aspirational,' he told NewsWire. 'If that image does not exactly match the real item a customer receives, you have a problem.'Mr Heimlich said shoppers may be disappointed when the item arrived at their doorstep. 'When a customer opens their package and sees something that does not quite align with what they saw online, it is a direct path to disappointment, frustration, and often, a return,' he said. Mr Heimlich said there was a risk of 'breeding distrust' if retailers relied on AI-generated product images, leading customers to wonder if the brand is 'intentionally trying to mislead them'. 'Such damage to a brand's reputation and consumer trust can take a considerable amount of time to repair, and it undoubtedly impacts future sales,' he said. Mr Heimlich urged retailers to consider relying on traditional photography and models to negate the lack of 'emotional connection and storytelling' that came with AJ-generated imagery. 'A skilled photographer, or a model who embodies the essence of your brand, does so much more than show the product,' he told NewsWire. 'AI, in its current form, often struggles to replicate that nuanced human artistry and emotional depth.' The Iconic and Atoir did not immediately respond to NewsWire's questions.
