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Clothing giant Zara’s new security tech made shoplifting easy; retailer denies claims

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Inditex SA is racing to iron bugs out of a new anti-shoplifting system for its Zara stores, slightly delaying its rollout partly because the security tags were easy to identify and remove in initial tests, according to people familiar with the matter.

Shoppers walk past a Zara clothes store(REUTERS)

Chief Executive Officer Oscar García Maceiras unveiled the new technology in March and pledged to roll it out for tests in all Zara stores worldwide over the summer. The system relies on tiny chips known as RFID, doing away with the hard plastic tags on garments that require checkout clerks to remove them.

The new technology has run into teething issues. Staff in several countries have raised concerns to management that the technology may actually make theft easier, according to the people, who asked not to be identified.

The problems come as retailers need to boost their defenses against an increase in shoplifting. The British Retail Consortium recently found that incidents of store theft increased by 27% last year across the UK’s 10 largest cities amid the surge in inflation. Primark is adding security guards and cameras to counter the phenomenon, the discount retailer said Tuesday.

Inditex had said it would get the technology into all its shops for testing by July, and that has yet to happen. The plan was that the chain would test the system over the autumn-winter season. Delays are in part due to supply bottlenecks, according to several of the people. The retailer downplayed the issues.

“The in-store implementation process of the new soft-alarm system, which uses several technologies, is going according to plan, without any significant incidents,” Inditex said. The retailer added that the new system hasn’t resulted in any detectable change in garment theft.

The new method, in which the tiny chips are placed on labels or inside the clothing fabric, is a key part of Inditex’s strategy to seek all the synergies it can between its e-commerce business and its brick-and-mortar store network.

Inditex’s new security system is supposed to reduce theft by 60%, according to a report by Bank of America that cited Associated Security.

Shares of Inditex were little changed in Madrid trading Tuesday. The stock has gained 45% this year as the retailer has been reporting its gross margin at record levels. Inditex is expected to report an increase of about 28% in first-half operating profit when it reports Wednesday.

Hard security tags, which require extremely strong magnets to remove, will eventually become obsolete, according to Arkansas-based retail strategist Carol Spieckerman. Still, retailers have yet to come up with a system that can fully replace them, she said.

“Theft-thwarting technology is very much in test-and-learn mode currently and everything is on the table,” she said. “Unfortunately, any solution that relies on physical tags or sewn-in chips is vulnerable to sabotage as removal techniques are discovered and promoted online.”

Inditex started testing the technology this year in some stores in Spain. Shoplifters quickly figured out how to remove the small chips, which were initially implanted into labels. Another problem is with alarms ringing when customers walked into the store to return items purchased online.

As Inditex works to integrate its online business and physical stores, it’s adding collect points for internet customers in Zara shops. Some e-commerce orders are also delivered from big shops rather than warehouses.

The new system would make those processes even more efficient, because a clerk wouldn’t need to remove the hard security tag. Plus, checkout time in brick-and-mortar shops would be reduced, and it’d become easier for Inditex to expand self-checkout.

The company said in June that it aimed to eliminate all hard tags and eventually deploy the technology across its brands.

After months of experimenting with placing tags in different places on the garment, one possible alternative is a special type of thread made of a miniature RFID tag that’s wrapped in textile yarn and sewn into garment seams, the people said.

While the new technology will add to Inditex’s rising costs, over the long-term it should help boost profit. Theft resulted in about $66 billion in lost sales for retailers in the US in 2021, according to the National Retail Federation.

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Colgate-Palmolive CEO Shifts Focus to Science and Innovation in India’s Growing Market – Flaunt Post

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Colgate-Palmolive’s CEO, Noel Wallace, has openly acknowledged that the company allowed itself to be distracted by the allure of Patanjali’s Ayurvedic products, a deviation from its traditional focus on scientific credentials and technical superiority. Wallace, though, has made a strategic turn and now stresses the significance of going back to its basics. This change in strategy emphasises the company’s dedication to utilising India’s enormous talent pool and strong digital infrastructure to foster innovation and growth.

India, the third-largest market for oral care goods, has a special position in Colgate’s global strategy. Colgate-Palmolive recognises India as a pillar of its ambitions as it looks toward its 2025 vision. Notably, India has developed into a crucial innovation hub for business, not just for creating new products but also for creating cutting-edge technological platforms and applications. India has changed dramatically during the last five to ten years. It has become a hub for innovation and technical development, creating an ideal environment for businesses like Colgate-Palmolive to flourish. A thriving online market has been made possible by the government and private sector of India’s investments in digital infrastructure, and the nation’s enormous skill pool is still expanding tremendously. India has become established as a global talent outpost for innovation and development as a result of this combination of circumstances.

Wallace’s vision for Colgate in India revolves around a growth mindset. He emphasises the necessity of premiumization, enhancing the quality and appeal of Colgate’s goods, and boosting sales. India’s distinct market dynamics offer both possibilities and challenges. For instance, 80% of urban consumers only brush once a day, and more than half of the rural population in India does not brush every day. These figures show the market’s untapped potential in India, which Colgate-Palmolive intends to tap into with its new strategic direction.

In conclusion, Colgate-Palmolive’s CEO, Noel Wallace, recognises the need to return to the company’s roots, emphasizing its scientific prowess and technical excellence in India. India is a major priority for the company’s growth objectives because of its strategic relevance as a hub for markets and innovation. India has a growing talent pool and a cutting-edge digital infrastructure, making it a perfect location for businesses trying to spur innovation and win in this competitive market.

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Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 8 Pro: Choosing Your Perfect Google Smartphone – Flaunt Post

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Google’s most recent smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, have caused a lot of discussion in the rapidly changing world of smartphones. These flagship phones accommodate various preferences and price ranges with a variety of new features and enhancements. To assist you in determining which one best meets your needs, we’ll compare the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in this article.

PRICE TAG:

Let’s start by discussing the cost. Google’s Pixel series has received accolades in the past for providing flagship features at a more affordable pricing. But this time, the costs of both phones have gone up. The cost of the Pixel 8 is ₹58,000, while the Pixel 8 Pro is ₹83,000. The Pixel 8 can be your best option if you’re on a tight budget because it still has excellent capabilities without being too expensive.

CAMERA CAPABILITIES:

The camera settings on these two phones are one of their most striking distinctions. In this regard, the Pixel 8 Pro leads the way. With a 48MP ultrawide lens and a 48MP Quad PD telephoto camera, it promises a more sophisticated camera configuration. A must-have for photographers, this telephoto lens offers 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 30x. However, while lacking the zoom capabilities of its pro sibling, the 50MP wide camera on the Pixel 8 offers a good photographic experience. If you are passionate about photography, the Pixel 8 Pro’s camera capabilities may be the deciding factor.

DISPLAY SIZE AND QUALITY:

Your smartphone experience can be dramatically impacted by display size. The largest screen, at 6.7 inches, belongs to the Pixel 8 Pro, giving it the best choice for multitasking and watching video. The Pixel 8 boasts a smaller 6.2-inch display in comparison. In addition, the Pixel 8 Pro has a screen that is brighter and clearer than the Pixel 8, with a resolution of 1,384 x 2,992 pixels as opposed to 1,080 x 2,400 pixels. Additionally, the Pro model has a broader range of changeable refresh rates (1Hz to 120Hz), which improves the fluidity of your interactions.

BATTERY LIFE:

Particularly for people who use their phones continuously throughout the day, battery life is an important consideration. With a bigger 4,950mAh battery than the smaller 4,355mAh battery of the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro has the advantage in this area. The Pixel 8 Pro can complete your everyday chores without frequently needing to be recharged due to its increased capacity.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Both phones use Google’s Tensor G3 chip and Titan M2 security coprocessor, which improve security and AI-powered functionality. However, the larger battery and more sophisticated camera capabilities of the Pixel 8 Pro make it more suitable for undertaking more difficult AI jobs. A game-changer for some users, the Pro model also includes features like the Audio Magic Eraser, Super Res Zoom, and enhanced Call Screen.

In conclusion, your priorities and finances ultimately determine whether you choose the Google Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 is a great alternative if you’re searching for a low-cost device with good capabilities and a more manageable size. The Pixel 8 Pro is a worthwhile purchase if you’re a photography enthusiast who values a larger, high-quality display and longer battery life. Whatever you decide, both phones provide a glimpse into the future of smartphone technology as well as the prominent Google experience.

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Noida International Airport Projects Skyrocketing Growth Amidst Air Travel Resurgence – Flaunt Post

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The Noida International Airport in Jewar has altered its passenger traffic predictions in a surprising change of events that reflects the amazing increase in air travel. The airport’s initial goals for its first year of operation were accommodating 4.1 million passengers. However, according to the most recent estimate, it now expects to host an astounding 6.5 million visitors. This long-awaited aviation hub, which is owned by Zurich Airport and skillfully built by Tata Projects, is set to open its doors in 2024.

Christoph Schnellmann, the CEO of Noida Airport, is the main reason behind this assurance. He credits the swift recovery of Indian air travel as well as the sizeable aircraft orders made by Indian carriers for this optimistic prediction. The domestic aviation industry in India has recovered at an astounding rate and has been nothing short of a success story. According to Airbus’s far-sighted forecast, India would welcome a staggering 685 million passengers by the year 2042, solidifying its position as the world’s third-largest civil aviation market, behind China and the United States.

What further underscores India’s aviation prowess is the revelation by a Barclays report that Indian carriers hold the world’s second-largest order backlog, contributing nearly 7% to the global aviation industry’s total backlog, second only to the United States. This is a testament to the robust growth and potential of the Indian aviation sector.

A fascinating investor presentation offers an intriguing picture of a bustling airport that will welcome 12 million passengers in its first three years of operation. The Noida airport, which has a single runway and an incredible 28 aircraft stand, will pull off this amazing accomplishment. The runway, which measures an impressive 3,900 metres, can accommodate up to 28 aircraft at once. A vast passenger terminal with a huge area of 100,000 square metres complements this infrastructure.

However, reaching 12 million passengers just signals the start of a bold expansion strategy. The airport’s long-term goal is to serve an estimated 70 million people a year, securing its position as a significant aviation centre in the area. Instead of relying on overflow traffic from Delhi Airport, Noida International Airport has made a firm commitment to building its own distinct client base. This unique strategy highlights the airport’s confidence in its capacity to draw travellers from the neighbouring areas in addition to Delhi.

Noida International Airport’s potential is further enhanced by its advantageous location. It is ideally positioned to serve as the entryway to the renowned tourist spots, including those in close proximity to Agra, Mathura, and Barsana. A consistent flow of business travellers is also guaranteed by its proximity to industrial centres like Ghaziabad, which is home to electronics giants like Samsung, LG, and Vivo. Furthermore, the airport has set its sights on fostering international connections with SAARC and Middle Eastern countries. This ambitious endeavor is expected to bolster the airport’s global reach and make it a crucial international transit point.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently assigned the Noida International Airport the three-letter code “DXN” in an important strategic move. This code symbolises the airport’s strategic location, serving not only Noida but also Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh. This multi-state accessibility is set to make Noida International Airport a convenient and preferred choice for travellers.

Noida International Airport stands as a tribute to India’s aviation rebirth as the countdown to its 2024 opening continues. The airport is poised to change air travel in northern India and make a lasting impression on the world of aviation as a result of ambitious growth estimates, a dedication to building its client base, and a strategic position that connects business and pleasure.

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