NFTs: From Art to Utility

Responding to an already evolving NFT (non-fungible tokens, digital certificates of blockchain-registered ownership) landscape, American cosmetics giant Estée Lauder and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) showcased projects moving beyond crypto-collectible hype – offering utility by leveraging loyalty schemes and unlocking experiences. Meanwhile, US digital asset marketplace Blockparty detailed how it’s guiding brands into NFT retail territory.

AI-Evolved AR Beauty Try-Ons

Tapping into the conversion-boosting power of augmented reality (AR) – see Key Stats – technologists including PulpoAR and beauty tech company Perfect Corp (both US) showed virtual trialling concepts illustrating the genre’s AR-meets-AI evolution into tailored advice and shoppable product recommendations.

Retail Embraces Metaverse Momentum

Following the proliferation of branded metaverse-esque spaces in 2021 (see our 2022: Look Ahead) and supported by swelling consumer awareness (see Key Stats), the topic dominated CES. Speakers from Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Japanese tech giant Sony, among others, extolled the potential of immersive e-commerce and fan engagement.

Humanising AI-Enhanced Customer Service

Globally, 56% of consumers want AI-enhanced shopping experiences (Statista, 2020), valorising more empathetic, personable forms of AI assistance. Showcasing concepts for differing market sensibilities across e-tail, mobile commerce and in-store kiosks, start-ups Soul Machines (New Zealand) and DeepBrain AI (South Korea) exhibited hyperrealistic CGI assistants, while Swiss technologists Anamatico presented cartoonish avatars.

Last-Mile Solutions: Speed, Security & Eco-Localism

Attuning to the newly accentuated importance of delivery in creating satisfying shopping experiences, several exhibitors showcased innovations conceived to upgrade fulfilment. American big-box retailer Best Buy revealed how it’s advancing pandemic-popularised kerbside pickups, while French delivery app Welco taps into eco-sensitivities and side-hustle culture.