Daily Signals 21.06.2021

Signals

H&M uses digital fashion to scale sustainability, Spotify introduces inclusive text-based podcasts and gender stereotypes are pervasive in UK workforces.

H&M highlights funding barriers for eco-innovators

Billion Dollar Collection by H&M

Global – Apparel retailer H&M is highlighting the funding gap for sustainable innovators through a virtual fashion collection.

Building on its annual Global Change Award, led by its non-profit Foundation, the collection provides a creative format for quantifying the investment needed to scale up entrepreneurial innovations within the sustainable fashion space. Dubbed the Billion Dollar Collection, this digital garment range represents 10 start-ups – all previous winners of the award who were selected based on their breakthrough material innovations.

Each item in the collection comes with a price tag ranging from £43,000–£86.2m ($60,000–$120m, €50,000–€100m), reflecting the estimated funding that H&M believes is needed to scale up the various technologies – which range from algae-based thread to textiles made from stinging nettles. ‘We have worked with innovators for many years now and their biggest hurdle to realis[ing] their ideas is funding and support to build scalable technology solutions,’ says Diana Amini, global manager of the H&M Foundation. ‘They also need collaboration partners like fashion brands and suppliers.’

H&M is highlighting the importance of funding and partnerships in the sustainability sector. To discover more actions shaping the future of sustainability, explore our dedicated vertical.

Netflix’s merch store targets digital fandoms

Netflix Shop Netflix Shop
Netflix Shop Netflix Shop

US – The tv and film streaming platform is tapping into the rise of fan culture through the launch of an online merchandise store.

Tapping into the powerful fanbase of its various shows, the Netflix.shop sells limited-edition apparel, lifestyle merchandise and collectibles. Products available at its launch include streetwear and action figures based on anime series Yasuke and Eden, alongside clothing and decorative items inspired by the French crime thriller Lupin.

This new e-commerce venture allows Netflix to expand its product line through partners such as Target and Walmart, diversifying its revenue streams beyond its classic monthly subscription fee. By connecting with fans through the booming merchandise industry, it also allows Netflix to tap into the market for hype.

By making a foray into the e-commerce space, Netflix is prepared for the Multimedia Storefronts we predict will infiltrate the retail landscape in the coming years. Read more about this trend in our Feedback Frontiers report.

Spotify diversifies its podcast audience with transcripts

Spotify Spotify

Global – Streaming service Spotify is introducing automatic transcripts to podcasts, enabling wider audiences to access its audio-based content.

Launching in limited beta mode, the update will initially be available for its own Spotify Exclusive and Original shows, with the aim to eventually roll out the feature across all podcasts on the platform. Users then have the choice of engaging with the transcripts with or without sound. This feature will allow the brand to reach new listeners, including those who are D/deaf and partially deaf.

Tapping into wider inclusivity needs from a visual perspective, the new feature is accompanied by a larger typeface option and changes to the colour, format and size of buttons on Spotify. ‘We care deeply about creating an inclusive experience, which is why we’re working with people with disabilities to conduct user research and plan to evaluate and assess our ideas on an ongoing basis,’ reads a statement by Spotify.

Recognising the accessibility barriers in everyday technology, brands are responding to offer enhanced useability for those who are differently abled.

Stat: Gender bias prevails among UK workers

Cloud Housing by Lucia Tahan Cloud Housing by Lucia Tahan

Gender bias remains prominent in UK workplaces, according to research from Samsung, which reveals that many people still associate particular job roles and skills with either men or women.

The survey shows that nearly half (44%) of UK workers believe certain roles are either suited to men or women, finding that men are more than four times more likely than women to have perceived leadership skills (23% versus 5% for women), while women are associated with qualities such as empathy (45% versus 4% for men).

But the research notes that progress is being made, with over half (62%) of respondents believing the CEO role is gender-neutral. Charlotte Grant, head of inclusion and engagement at Samsung UK and Ireland, says: ‘Companies have an active role to play in tackling this, creating a culture where conscious inclusion is a part of everyone’s everyday and where actively challenging bias becomes the norm.’

As Jamie Holtum, strategy director at FutureBrand London, says, empowering women in their careers is intrinsically linked with economic growth, and brands must play a part in driving this change.

Previous Daily Signals Articles
Ulta Beauty opens UB Marketplace to 100 emerging brands

Daily Signals

Ulta Beauty opens UB Marketplace to 100 emerging brands

Ulta Beauty has launched UB Marketplace, a new online platform introducing more than 100 emerging beauty and wellness brands to its website and app...
Beauty : Retail : Ecommerce
Travel platform Curated Spaces is powered by trusted tastemakers

Daily Signals

Travel platform Curated Spaces is powered by trusted tastemakers

Travel start-up Curated Spaces has launched a booking platform that puts personal style, trusted recommendations and curated experiences at the hea...
Travel : Hospitality : Digital
Stat: Gen Z women are shaping a new liberal majority in the US

Daily Signals

Stat: Gen Z women are shaping a new liberal majority in the US

New polling highlights a sharp political gender gap within Gen Z, positioning young women as the most liberal demographic in the US, according to a...
Youth : Politics : Gen Z
Heineken transforms Seoul’s rooftops into social sanctuaries

Daily Signals

Heineken transforms Seoul’s rooftops into social sanctuaries

Heineken is transforming Seoul’s empty rooftops into vibrant social spaces as part of a new campaign combatting urban loneliness and removing barri...
Culture : Drink : Loneliness
Feeling introduces transdermal energy patch to combat daily fatigue

Daily Signals

Feeling introduces transdermal energy patch to combat daily fatigue

Manchester-based wellness brand Feeling has launched a transdermal energy patch designed to address persistent fatigue in individuals who maintain ...
Health : Wellness : Supplements
Stat: Gift cards become inflation-era solution for festive shoppers

Daily Signals

Stat: Gift cards become inflation-era solution for festive shoppers

As inflation continues to put pressure on spending, gift cards are set to dominate this year’s festive period in the US. According to Blackhaw...
Retail : Consumer Spending : Inflation
Yōjō harnesses vagus nerve technology for everyday wellbeing

Daily Signals

Yōjō harnesses vagus nerve technology for everyday wellbeing

Yōjō is a new wellness eco-system using non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS), biofeedback and human coaching to help people calm their bodie...
Health : Wellness : Technology
OpenAI launches agentic AI shopping system

Daily Signals

OpenAI launches agentic AI shopping system

ChatGPT users in America can now shop directly within conversations through OpenAI’s new Instant Checkout feature, available to Pro, Plus and Free ...
Technology : Retail : Agentic AI
Stat: The running boom is powering New York’s economy

Daily Signals

Stat: The running boom is powering New York’s economy

Running is proving to be big business for New York, according to the latest Economic Impact Study from New York Road Runners (NYRR).
Sport : Health : Running
Vacheron Constantin’s La Quête du Temps stars in Louvre exhibition

Daily Signals

Vacheron Constantin’s La Quête du Temps stars in Louvre exhibition

Luxury Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has unveiled La Quête du Temps at the Louvre, a monumental automaton clock to celebrate the brand’s 270...
Luxury : Watches : Retail
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN