Future+ Fridays | Issue39

1. Perplexity launches AI-powered shopping assistant feature

What's happening: AI-powered shopping assistants are transforming online shopping by blending conversational capabilities with tailored product searches-refer to last week newsletter discussing the launch of AI powered shopping start-up Daydream. The AI platform Perplexity has launched a new commerce feature that enables users to search, compare, and purchase items seamlessly.

TLDR:

• Perplexity has introduced an AI-powered shopping experience that allows users to research products using conversational prompts and image uploads.

• As opposed to traditional shopping search experience, the platform provides everyday language comparisons, unbiased reviews, and detailed product cards to help users make informed decisions.

• A snap-to-shop feature enables users to upload photos and find visually similar products quickly, a feature similar to Google Lens.

• The service is available to free users, for premium users, it has further tools, such as one-click checkout and guaranteed free shipping for paying users.

• Shopify powers the product data, and a free merchant program allows businesses to keep their product information up-to-date.

• The platform doesn’t feature sponsored products but create recommendations curated by AI to match user needs according to relevance.

Why it matters: Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity’s shopping assistant understands nuanced queries and delivers curated, unbiased results. Many platforms from startups to major AI conglomerates, have been pushing AI-powered shopping assistants, recognising their potential to reshape e-commerce. For brands, partnering with these platforms is a strategic move, offering increased visibility and the opportunity to align with cutting-edge technology to attract modern shoppers. If successful, Perplexity could set a new standard for e-commerce powered by AI. Similarly, Google is enhancing its shopping features with upgrades like an improved Google Lens and a pilot program for product searches on Google Maps (currently US-only).

2. Printemps teams up with Binance Pay and Lyzi to lead retail innovation

What’s happening: The 159-year-old French department store, Printemps is making a historic move by accepting cryptocurrency payments in partnership with Binance Pay and Lyzi, becoming the first department store in Europe to adopt this payment method.

TLDR:

• The French luxury retail, Printemps will be the first European retailer to accept cryptocurrency payments, pioneering the use of cryptocurrencies in European retail.

• The payment method is being rolled out in 20 stores across France to cater to both local and international customers.

• The partnership with Binance Pay and Lyzi allows payments using Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, and Euro stablecoin through a plug-and-play solution integrated at the cash register.

• Transactions are facilitated through a simple process: customers scan a QR code tied to their Binance account, select their cryptocurrency, and confirm payment.

• The integration is fee-free for merchants, with payments settled to reach their accounts within 48 hours.

• This positions Printemps alongside luxury brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Tag Heuer, who also accept cryptocurrency payments in some of their USA store and/or their website.

Why it matters: By embracing cryptocurrency, Printemps is catering to the needs of digitally connected consumers and positioning itself at the forefront of modern retail. As Binance France President, David Prinçay mentioned, “This initiative demonstrates the synergy between traditional luxury retail and innovative financial solutions, offering an enriched shopping experience.” This move not only enhances customer engagement but also underscores the potential for industry-wide innovation. Strengthening its global appeal among tech-savvy shoppers, Printemps appears as a leader in retail advancement. With a flagship store set to open in New York in Spring 2025, the adoption of cryptocurrency solidifies Printemps' stance in an evolving marketplace. Printemps is making major moves, including the opening of its flagship store in New York in Spring 2025. With such initiatives, the adoption of cryptocurrency solidifies Printemps' stance in an evolving marketplace.

3. Skincare revolution: How ChatGPT is changing the game with Gen Z

@jamiemakeup

Can ChatGPT build me a personalized skincare routine? I’m a celebrity makeup artist and beauty connoisseur, so here’s what I think of the ... See more

What's happening: Gen Z is turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for personalised skincare advice, bypassing long waits and high costs associated with dermatology appointments. TikTok has seen a surge of videos showcasing this trend, fuelling debates about AI's role in skincare.

TLDR:

• Gen Z is increasingly using ChatGPT to get personalised skincare advice instantly, including routine suggestions and product recommendations tailored to their skin type and budget.

• TikTok has become a hub for showcasing this trend, with thousands of videos under hashtags like #SkinTok, demonstrating how AI is being used as a virtual skincare advisor, Reddit is also being a place for it.

• Dermatologists acknowledge AI’s potential to educate and improve accessibility for those with limited options but emphasize that it cannot replace professional medical care.

• ChatGPT is 93% accurate in dermatological diagnoses but struggles with more complex cases, raising concerns about incorrect product use or missed critical conditions.

• Brands face new challenges in ranking within conversational AI, as traditional SEO methods are less effective in this moving space. Staying relevant requires fresh, helpful, and widely discussed content which is picked up by AI.

• Beauty brands are exploring AI-driven tools to keep consumers engaged on their platforms, offering personalised routines, virtual try-ons, and direct engagement with AI systems.

• OpenAI currently does not allow sponsored recommendations, making it harder for brands to rely on traditional paid advertising strategies within ChatGPT’s ecosystem as opposed to platform such as Google and Google Shopping.

• Tracking the effectiveness of AI recommendations in driving sales remains a challenge, pushing brands to innovate how they engage with AI-driven consumers.

Why it matters: This trend underscores a broader shift in how young consumers seek advice — valuing immediacy, personalisation, and cost-effectiveness. While dermatology content on social platforms offers varied opinions, AI like ChatGPT delivers direct, conversational guidance that resonates with Gen Z. However, as AI integrates into the beauty space, brands face new challenges: How do they optimise for AI algorithms, ensure their recommendations are trusted, and measure the ROI of these engagements? For consumers, balancing AI insights with professional expertise is key to avoiding potential risks in this high-tech approach to skincare.

4. Event spotlight: Reluxury and Barnes, pre-loved trade show

What's happening: Last week, on November 14th and 15th, the ReLuxury and Barnes Pre-Loved Luxury Show made its Paris debut at the iconic Carrousel du Louvre. Hosting its second edition after a successful launch in Geneva in 2022, the event highlighted sustainable and circular practices in the luxury industry.

TLDR:

• The event focused on pre-loved and vintage luxury, open to industry professionals, collectors, and the public.

• Fabienne Lupo, the founder, highlighted the importance of extending the lifecycle of luxury goods to promote sustainability and pass items to future generations.

• Second-hand and vintage luxury are experiencing rapid growth, driven by a shift in consumer behaviour and rising environmental awareness.

• Younger audiences are pushing for responsible consumption, viewing second-hand luxury as both an ethical choice and a smart investment.

• eBay was the main partner of the show for the second time, continuing its role in promoting the circular economy through initiatives like the Authenticity Guarantee and consignment services but also through event, like its participation at LFW for the pre-loved fashion show.

• The show offered various interactive sections, including a showroom for curated pre-owned items, an atelier for repair services, and a lab showcasing up-cycling startups.

• Some start-ups were highlighted and working at the intersection of innovation and sustainability including, Thalie Paris (innovating leather goods with marine leather and vegan materials), imki (using AI to reimagine and revalue luxury heritage), MycoWorks (creating plastic-free alternative) and Opsydia (engraving watermarks into diamonds to increase traceability, transparency and circularity) and Save Your Wardrobe (your one stop shop for clothing care and repair).

• The event included a program of panels and talks featuring prolific voices such as Kering, Philips, Gem Geneve, Federation de la mode circulaire and DeBeers, focusing on luxury, innovation and sustainable practices.

Why it matters: The luxury market is undergoing a transformation as second-hand and vintage goods gain mainstream acceptance, which is a topic we did a deep-dive on here. With fast fashion contributing significantly to the global pollution, younger generations are embracing more sustainable options. Pre-loved luxury is not just about reducing waste; it redefines value, offering unique, high-quality items while supporting a circular economy. Events like ReLuxury amplify this movement, encouraging brands, platforms, and consumers to rethink how luxury goods are produced, consumed, and preserved.

5. Member spotlight: PhygitalTwin and WhoseTrade redefine fashion by bridging worlds

What's happening: PhygitalTwin, founded by Louise Laing (a member of Future+), has partnered with Roblox creator WhoseTrade, aka Jonathan Courtney, to launch their first phygital fashion collection, which sold out in 20 minutes with sales in multiple regions in US, UK, and Europe.

TLDR:

• PhygitalTwin partnered with WhoseTrade on a physical collection that allows gamers to purchase real-life replicas of their favourite Whosetrade digital avatar items, including a pair of sunglasses, two beanies, and a necklace.

• WhoseTrade, known for high-profile collaborations with brands like Adidas and Hugo Boss, has sold over 40 million virtual items and brings his expertise to this launch.

• PhygitalTwin’s innovative platform reduces collection costs by 95 percent and cuts production time from months to weeks, making the process more sustainable.

• Using a virtual platform like Roblox for a launch, serves as a testing ground for these products, enabling creators to gauge item popularity before production, minimising waste and meeting customer demands.

• This debut bridges the gap between virtual and physical fashion, supporting predictions that creators could earn more through physical merchandise which was discussed at the Roblox developer conference back in 2023.

Why it matters: By enabling customers to translate their online identities into real-world style, PhygitalTwin and WhoseTrade are reshaping how fashion is designed, sold, and experienced. Platforms like Roblox are driving this innovation, promoting sustainable practices while empowering virtual designers to influence the future of the industry. The sold-out collection stands out as fans can now purchase physical versions of WhoseTrade's iconic virtual items. For the first time, a creator with such a significant virtual presence is seamlessly expanding into physical merchandise, creating a bridge between the digital and physical realms. This is a pivotal moment for virtual fashion, bringing avatar-inspired aesthetics into everyday life and setting a new standard for blending digital and real-world design. We are looking forward to what is coming next!