Within such a short time, the two online stores Digitec and Galaxus have never gained so many customers as in the last twelve months since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic, according to the online retailer. From April 2020 to March 2021, a good 2.15 million private individuals and over 145,000 companies made purchases from the two online stores. A year earlier, there were still 1.4 million private individuals and 100,000 companies. This corresponds to growth of 54 and 45 percent respectively.

However, the more than 770,000 new customers do not explain the entire growth of the online retailer: its sales actually rose by 59 percent to CHF 1.83 billion in 2020. As a result, existing customers also shopped more frequently or more at Digitec and Galaxus. But is the Corona year a major exception, or have longstanding Digitec-Galaxus customers also been shopping in increasing numbers?

Packages by the piece

Sales figures from Digitec Galaxus show that the average customer buys more in the two online stores from year to year. For example, anyone who opened a customer account between January 1 and December 31, 2015 (2015 cohort) spent an average of 20 percent more after four years and 57 percent more after five years than in the first year.

"Due to the pandemic, online retail in Switzerland has leapfrogged the development of several years," Florian Teuteberg, CEO of Digitec Galaxus, is quoted as saying in the statement. "Quite a few consumers have discovered the benefits of online shopping for themselves in recent months, and many of them are likely to stick with it." Since 2015 and especially from 2018, Digitec Galaxus has also greatly expanded its range of products: Today, the online retailer carries more than 2.5 million products in its range.

Women are increasingly shopping online

The Corona jump is particularly clear among women: Typically, they spend less than half as much money at Digitec or Galaxus in their first year as a customer than the average customer. The obvious reason: men buy more gaming PCs, drones and other high-priced electronics. Women's spending also increases less than men's in subsequent years - except in the final year of the table below. This year covers at least part of the pandemic for many cohort members. Thus, with the pandemic, women's spending across all cohorts grows more than men's.

The growth in spending among women shows that they have recently been buying everyday items such as shampoo, pasta or coffee beans as well as less everyday products such as children's books, boxing gloves or gas grills much more frequently on the Internet. Lockdowns and social distancing recommendations are quickly identified as the cause. The sales of the online department store Galaxus then also grew more strongly than the sales of the IT and electronics specialist Digitec. "I assume that women will drive growth at Digitec Galaxus more strongly than men in the next few years," says Teuteberg.

In Teuteberg's view, Swiss online retailing still has huge potential: today, it has a Share of around 12 percent of total retail trade. If food is excluded, the figure is a few percent higher. "We expect more than half of our purchases in Switzerland to be made online in ten years, possibly sooner due to the pandemic," says Teuteberg. "We want to take the biggest slice of that and continue to be the leading shopping platforms in Switzerland."

But who is more important for Digitec Galaxus: the new customers or the existing ones? For Teuteberg, the case is clear: "Those who stay with us! If someone only buys from us once and then never again, we've done something wrong.

Christina Scheidegger earned a master's degree in social sciences from the University of Fribourg. She earned her radio spurs at Bern's local station Radio BE1 - now Energy Bern. In 2008, she moved to Radio SRF, where she has since held various positions - with a lengthy interruption. Most recently, she was deputy head of editorial and team leader moderation at SRF 4 News, where she hosted the morning show "Heute Morgen," among other things.

Christina Scheidegger is now taking over as moderator of "Echo der Zeit. She succeeds Nicoletta Cimmino, who is going freelance (Werbewoche.ch reported). Scheidegger will join the presenter team of Simone Hulliger, Roger Brändlin and Beat Soltermann as of June 2021. Christina Scheidegger's successor at Radio SRF 4 News and "Heute Morgen" has not yet been decided.

Apple is the first smartphone provider to give its customers a simple way to stop their behavior being tracked across different apps and websites. In the future, iPhone app providers will have to explicitly ask users for permission to do so. The analysis company App Annie assumes that 90 percent of users will reject this tracking.

"Privacy is a human right"

Against this background, the measures are meeting with resistance in the advertising world. Facebook has been warning for months that they would hit small and medium-sized businesses in particular, which rely on personalized advertising on the online network, especially during the Corona pandemic. On Monday, several German associations from the advertising and media industries accused Apple of unfair competition and filed a complaint with the Federal Cartel Office.

Apple, on the other hand, emphasizes, "We believe privacy is a fundamental human right." The data belongs to the users, "and they should be able to decide for themselves how their data is used and by whom." They've received support from government agencies and data privacy advocates for the feature, he said. Users' data on devices has become increasingly rich and personal, he said.

ATT in iOS update 14.5

The "App Tracking Transparency" (ATT) announced back in the summer of 2020 takes effect with the iPhone system version iOS 14.5, which was released on Monday.

In order for app providers to recognize a user for advertising personalization, Apple devices have a special identification number, the IDFA. In the future, app providers will have to explicitly ask users for permission if they want to access this ID. Users can also block all tracking requests with a single switch in the settings.

Criticism of implementation

The associations criticize the company for "effectively excluding all competitors from processing commercially relevant data in the Apple ecosystem". At the same time, however, Apple is excluding its own services from the planned changes and is collecting significant amounts of user data itself. Apple's user privacy manager Erik Neuenschwander countered, "ATT applies equally to all developers worldwide - and that includes Apple."

There are also ways to place advertising more efficiently and measure its effect without following individual users, Neuenschwander emphasized. At the same time, app developers can still process data from their own application with the users' consent.

Users must give consent

After the update to the iPhone software iOS 14.5, the system checks the privacy setting of an app as soon as the application is opened for the first time or after an update. Users are then asked via an interface controlled by Apple whether tracking is actually desired. The app providers can briefly justify in the query box why they want consent for tracking and what benefits this will bring for consumers.

Apple is not only introducing the ATT process on the iPhone, but also on the tablet (iPadOS 14) and Apple TV (tvOS 14). Apple's Macintosh computers are left out, because software can also be installed there freely, outside of Apple's app store. At the same time, Neuenschwander also held out the prospect of improvements in privacy protection on the Mac in the future, without providing any concrete details.

The introduction of app tracking protection is part of a comprehensive privacy initiative by Apple. Since the beginning of December, app providers have also had to publish a so-called privacy label when submitting or updating their app for the first time. Similar to the ingredient lists for food, all data types that an app wants to collect from the user are listed there, for example location data, browser history or contact data. Apple relies on the information provided by the developers for these privacy labels. (AWP/DPA)

The Hamburg-based publisher's titles are expected to open up attractive environments for advertisers in the food, travel, design & living and luxury sectors, Goldbach Publishing said in a statement. The portfolio includes the brands AW Architecture & Living, The gourmet, Foodie, The Lafer Magazine, The Cornelia Poletto Magazine, the travel magazines Merian, Merian Scout as well as the German edition of Robb Report.

The titles would offer attractive environments in the four competence areas of Food, Travel, Design & Living and Luxury, and are aimed at a diverse audience, according to the release.

"Indulgence, time, passion: the premium brands are a perfect fit for us. We are delighted to be able to give our customers in Switzerland and Liechtenstein access to an exclusive target group and to further develop the offerings together with Jahreszeiten Verlag," says Eva Favre, Head of International Media Goldbach Publishing, summing up the collaboration with Jahreszeiten Verlag.

A functioning CX strategy is crucial for business success, but most companies are currently still stuck in the early stages of implementation, as Mapp's study shows. While 89 percent of respondents think a CX strategy is important or very important to their own success, only nearly half (47 %) review and evaluate their CX strategy annually or even less frequently. That said, 88 percent agree that it is important to understand changing customer needs using customer analytics to improve CX. Yet, so far, only about half (55 %) of CX and marketing decision makers plan to implement customer analytics in 2021.

Those companies that are looking to implement the tool expect it to give them better customer insights (75 %), give them a better understanding of customer intent (55 %), and improve their ability to update their CX strategy (55 %) in an agile manner. A full 80 percent of marketers expect improved personalization.

Despite the clear benefits, companies in many places face major hurdles when it comes to updating their CX strategy. Respondents cite difficulty linking business results to actual customer needs (83 %), inadequate technology platforms (77 %), and a lack of vision and alignment among leaders, teams, and employees (72 %).

Lack of insights as the biggest challenge

In addition, 53 percent of marketers say they are not able to identify customers on the website, even though this is the basis for gaining insights and driving CX. This is where first-party data - in light of Google's announcement that it will no longer support third-party cookies in the future - takes on an even more important role, as valid data collection and identifying the right insights are more important than ever. For example, the lack of customer insights is by far the biggest challenge for 54 percent of respondents when it comes to enabling better brand experiences. The biggest obstacle to achieving a better customer experience: 57 percent of marketers surveyed cite a lack of qualified personnel.

At the same time, however, only 25 percent attribute their success in recent years to the further qualification of employees. This proves that while hiring and promoting qualified staff is important, using the right tools for insight-driven marketing offers the greatest economic success. 65 percent of respondents expect new technology to lead to greater customer insight.

More know-how and sales through customer insights

To better understand their customers' needs, companies are already investing in their MarTech stacks. For improved customer understanding, the marketers surveyed cite customer analytics (56 %), customer data management (52 %) and marketing automation (49 %) as top investments in the last two years.

In addition, 51 percent of decision makers have also already achieved better performance through customer insights. Companies that have implemented AI or ML tools also report an improved ability to update their strategy (62 %), a better understanding of customer intent (58 %), and improved customer insights (57 %).

Grow faster than the competition through a CX strategy

The results prove that actionable customer insights lead to a better understanding of the customer - and thus to an improved customer experience. A strategy based on the right insights is crucial for success. The implementation of a suitable tool solution is essential for gaining customer insights. Only those who know end customers and their needs can increase sales in the long term and thus gain an advantage over the competition, because insight-based companies grow seven to ten times faster because they can predict customer behavior.

"Our survey shows that targeted improvement of the customer experience leads to significantly faster growth and more revenue, and should therefore be a top priority for every marketer," comments Michael Diestelberg, VP Product & Marketing at Mapp. "Given the focus on online business models, marketing must be aligned even more efficiently to achieve this. After all, understanding customers is the basis for brand experiences that work, and investing in customer analytics is a prerequisite for a marketing ecosystem that enables this understanding. The technology helps to identify actionable insights and user segments for highly personalized customer experiences and to place brand messages across channels.

As part of the survey conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Mapp. Study a total of 203 marketing decision-makers were surveyed in December 2020. Marketers from the multi-channel retail, e-commerce, CPG/D2C and financial services sectors in the USA, Canada and Europe took part. Further information on the study is available at Mapp.com

In order to support the Grisons gastronomy sector, GKB has had lunch cheques issued to its customers by restaurants affected by the coronavirus. This idea was extended to GKB employees. "We don't just give lunch cheques worth 50 francs to our participants. We thought that while we were at it, we would also buy the vouchers for our employees," explains GKB CEO Daniel Fust. "As a result, we were able to transfer a total of 650,000 francs to Gastro Graubünden and 272 restaurants in Graubünden became our canteens - or, as we say, our canteens - for once or twice."

After almost five months in a prescribed deep sleep, the gastronomy sector is now coming back to life. "We were always ready to wake up, and now that things are getting underway, we are extremely happy about this campaign," says a delighted Seppo Caluori, President of Gastro Graubünden. "And everyone gets something nice back from us in the 272 restaurants. A nice sign of solidarity."

Seppo Caluori estimates that this campaign will mean a total of 1 to 1.5 million francs more turnover for the Grisons gastronomy sector. Restaurants that are not yet part of Lunch-Check can still register and become a Kantaurant. The 13,000 vouchers distributed are valid indefinitely.

Implementation: Graubündner Kantonalbank, Brinkertlück and Roland Ogg (camera).

As already in 2018 Noord received the iF Design Award again this year for the design of the annual report of the NZZ media group. The annual report presented itself in a newspaper format and a fresh design. The newspaper format deliberately sets a counter-trend to the digital products of the NZZ Media Group and at the same time focuses on their origin and provenance. The result is innovative design in a nostalgic and emotional format.

"Nadia has convinced us not only professionally, but also as a person. We particularly like her open manner and her joy in both consulting and implementation. As a trained educator, Nadia also masters valuable tools and methods for imparting knowledge," explains Jennifer Walter, COO of Wortspiel.

Prior to Wortspiel, Egli worked at Webrepublic. There, she gained a wealth of experience from a client portfolio in the areas of e-commerce, banking, insurance and continuing education.

The message of the campaign that OSW has implemented for the Visually Impaired Aid Basel is simple: to get help, all it takes is a phone call. By calling 061 564 04 04, visually impaired or blind people whose medical healing spectrum has been exhausted can receive free help in the form of consultations or access to technical aids for the professional and private spheres, so that those affected can lead independent and self-determined lives.

This was implemented with the motif of a telephone receiver whose light cone illuminates the number to be dialed and thus points the way like a lighthouse. When vision fades, the visually impaired aid can be the light that leads out of the dark.

In addition to a household mailing in the form of a telephone handset, the campaign relies on posters, short videos in public transport and a thank-you letter to doctors in the region, who are one of the most important links between those affected and the help available.

Responsible at Sehbehindertenhilfe Basel: Stefan Kaune (Co-Managing Director), Carina Hug (Head of Communication & Fundraising). Responsible at OSW: Michael Oswald (Creative Direction), Sandra Käppeli (Art Direction), Nathalie Baltisberger (Consulting), Jonas Sispele (Concept/Text), Christian Imfeld (DTP).

In order for the canton of Bern to be able to vaccinate all residents who wish to do so by the summer as planned, they must consider a possible vaccination now at the latest and make a decision for themselves personally. And this is precisely what its current information campaign, developed by the canton of Bern and Komet, is calling for with a clever twist.

She does not, as one might expect, stage the vaccination centers ready for action. Rather, it dramatizes the disagreement of couples in everyday matters in a way that is appropriate for the media, so that it can ultimately address the issue of individual freedom of choice. The online and TV spots thematize a nonverbal battle for channel sovereignty in front of the screen, and the radio spot a disagreement among expectant parents. "Fortunately, everyone can decide for themselves about the Corona vaccination," is all that can be said.

The campaign can be seen on regional television, social media and as news teads - and heard on all local radio stations in the canton of Bern.

Responsible at the Canton of Bern: Anna Zwierko, Gundekar Giebel (Communication). Responsible at Komet: Jeff Gerber (CD), Claudio Parente (AD), Daniel Müller (Text), Melanie Schlunegger (DTP), Corinne Hert (Client Service Director), Nicolas Gabl (Consulting). Film production: Allmenfilms; camera: Simon von Allmen. Radio spot: Bluebox Recording Studios. Media: Mediaschneider.

"April 23 as World Book Day is a reverence to books and reading. Following the successful test phase with our Premium Card customers, we are delighted to make Orell Füssli's "Book Circle" available to all interested parties on this very day," explains Christine Roth, Head of Marketing & Communications at Orell Füssli Thalia. "The reading community, which already has 5,500 members, is a meeting place for book fans and people interested in literature."

Digital and in the bookstores

The website of the "Book Circle" has various functions and is optimized for use on mobile devices. Members can sort their books - or those they still want to read - into various collections, write reviews and comments, and participate in discussions and give each other tips. In addition, users can follow other users to keep up to date with the contributions of friends or like-minded readers.

"We are linking the wishes and experiences of the "Book Circle" community with our stores: via readings, exclusive events, members will also be able to meet each other physically, get to know authors and discuss their favorite books," Christine Roth continues. In addition, Orell Füssli will be presenting the community's favorite books on theme tables in all its bookstores at the launch. In this way, "Book Circle" members can actively influence the books presented in the stores.

Design by the members

The content of the "Book Circle" is created by the users themselves. They set the focus and shape the further development of the platform with their feedback and ideas. The platform is moderated by community manager Fanny Lewis. She acts as a contact person for the members and coordinates reading rounds on various books.

In 2011, Studio Marcus Kraft was founded without a business plan, but with a lot of optimism and passion for design. Ten years later, the agency is one of the most successful Swiss design agencies with international appeal.

For its anniversary, the studio has come up with a new Website treated to. Inspired by Dieter Rams, it also features for the first time the personal Manifesto published with ten principles for good design.

"I would like to thank all customers, partners and other stakeholders who have made this success possible. I look forward to the next ten years," art director and designer Marcus Kraft was quoted as saying in a press release.