Daily LInks
1. Shoppers Reach Their Limits on Some Price Increases: Roughly 43% of consumers surveyed by NPD in February said that if prices continue to rise, they will delay less-important purchases to stick to a budget. “We are seeing less demand as consumers pay higher prices.” – Read More on the WSJ
2. Tencent poised to lead China’s charge into the metaverse: Despite regulatory hurdles, Tencent has several advantages when it comes to developing a metaverse offering, including a hefty cash balance, a leading position in the local gaming industry, a vast social network, and financial technology services that include a payment platform. – Read More on S&P Global
3. RELATED READ: Brands Should Consider China in Metaverse Strategy Even if Beijing Takes Tough Stance. Even though its Facebook and Instagram apps are blocked in China, Meta still “generates $5 billion a year in revenue from China.” – Read More on TFL
4. H&M takes on internet rivals with external fashion brands: It is selling external fashion brands on its core brand’s hm.com website for the first time in Sweden and Germany, with the intention of adding more brands and markets. – Read More on Reuters
5. Investments flood into Africa’s B2B e-commerce startups: In the past few months alone, companies, including Wasoko, MarketForce, Twiga, Maxab, Sabi, and Omnibiz, have raised over $400 million in venture capital and debt financing. – Read More on Rest of World
