Core Insights - The webinar titled "U.K. Retail Update" is hosted by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics provider focused on helping clients innovate and succeed [1]. Group 1 - The session features speakers Sofie Willmott, Associate Director in Retail, and Patrick O'Brien, Retail Research Director [2]. - Attendees are informed that the session is recorded and they will receive an email with the recording and slide deck afterward [2].

Core Insights - Ipsos has appointed Alexandre Boissy as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective April 7, 2026, to enhance its global leadership and operational capabilities [2][5]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Alexandre Boissy will oversee Operations, the General Secretariat, Legal, Corporate Communications globally, and Investor Relations in coordination with the Finance Department [2]. - He will be a member of the Global Leadership Team (GLT) [2]. Group 2: Background of Alexandre Boissy - Boissy has over twenty years of executive experience within the Air France-KLM Group, most recently as Executive Vice-President Corporate Secretary [3]. - He has developed extensive expertise in corporate communication and institutional relations, working with various international stakeholders [3]. Group 3: Strategic Context - CEO Jean Laurent Poitou emphasized that Boissy's understanding of complex institutional environments and leadership during transformations will be crucial for executing the Horizons strategic plan [5]. - The Horizons plan aims to strengthen Ipsos' global leadership and accelerate its development [5]. Group 4: Boissy's Vision - Boissy expressed his honor in joining Ipsos during a pivotal time for the company and looks forward to enhancing global operations, governance, and institutional engagement [6]. Group 5: Company Overview - Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people [7]. - The company offers 75 business solutions based on primary data from surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative techniques [8].

Company Overview - Counterpoint Research is a global market research firm focused on the technology ecosystem, providing services to clients ranging from smartphone OEMs to chip manufacturers and large tech companies [2] - The company has offices in major global innovation hubs, manufacturing centers, and business cities, with a team of experienced analysts covering various roles [2] - Core research areas include AI, automotive electronics, consumer electronics, displays, eSIM, IoT, positioning platforms, macroeconomics, manufacturing, networking and infrastructure, semiconductors, smartphones, and wearables [2] Business Consultation - Contact information for business inquiries includes Arron Zhu, Sales Manager, reachable at +86 18565629175 or via email at arron.zhu@counterpointresearch.com [3] - For media interviews, Nianhang Wei, Marketing Manager, can be contacted at +86 18684912207 or via email at nianhang@counterpointresearch.com [3]

Core Viewpoint - RIWI Corp. has successfully closed the second and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement, raising a total of approximately $2.5 million through the issuance of Units [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The second tranche involved the issuance of 4,530,900 Units at a price of $0.30 per Unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $1,359,270 [1]. - In total, the Company issued 8,322,220 Units across both tranches, achieving total gross proceeds of $2,496,666 [1]. - Each Unit consists of one common share and one-half of a Common Share purchase warrant, with the whole warrant allowing the purchase of an additional share at $0.50 for two years [2]. Group 2: Warrant Conditions - The Warrants include an acceleration clause that allows the Company to shorten the expiry date if the share price exceeds $0.75 for 10 consecutive trading days [2]. - If the Warrants are not exercised by the accelerated expiry date, they will automatically expire without compensation [2]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - The proceeds from the Offering will be utilized for general working capital and corporate purposes, including product development and commercialization activities [3]. Group 4: Insider Participation - Insiders participated in the Offering, acquiring a total of 614,400 Units, which is considered a related party transaction [4]. - The Company is relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements due to the participation not exceeding 25% of its market capitalization [4]. Group 5: Finder's Fees - The Company paid finder's fees totaling $57,312, which represents 6% of the gross proceeds raised from subscribers introduced by the finders [5].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the influencer marketing industry in Japan Core Insights - Japan's digital landscape is advanced, with 83% internet penetration and high mobile access, but social commerce adoption is slower compared to other Asian markets [3][4] - Influencer marketing in Japan emphasizes branding and trust-building, aligning with consumer preferences for quality and authenticity [3][4] - Cultural nuances and long-term trust are critical for marketing success in Japan, with a notable reliance on micro and mid-tier influencers [4] Summary by Sections Digital Landscape - Japan has 123.6 million internet users, with 97 million active social media users, ranking fourth globally [7][10][11] - The country ranks seventh in social commerce enthusiasm in Asia, indicating a more reserved approach compared to neighboring markets [22][24] Influencer Marketing Dynamics - Influencer marketing is slower in Japan, facing skepticism and resistance, with traditional media still holding significant influence over purchase decisions [24][37] - Key platforms for influencer content include LINE, YouTube, and Instagram, with brands primarily using micro and mid-tier influencers [51][52] Consumer Behavior - Japanese consumers exhibit caution regarding trust and brand loyalty, with privacy concerns and product quality being significant barriers to purchasing from influencers [42][43] - The top reasons for purchasing from influencers include trust in product quality and the desire for community engagement [44][45] Livestream Commerce - 60% of consumers in Japan have engaged with brand livestreams, which is lower than the Asia average of 84% [64] - Livestream commerce is emerging but is influenced by cultural preferences for low-pressure shopping experiences [24] Future Outlook - TikTok Shop is set to launch in 2025, which could potentially increase social commerce enthusiasm in Japan, although the impact may be modest due to existing consumer sentiments [25][21]

Core Viewpoint - The company Ipsos has announced the launch of a new share buyback program aimed at enhancing shareholder returns, in addition to ongoing buybacks to mitigate dilution from employee share plans [2][3]. Group 1: Share Buyback Program Details - The share buyback program will involve a total expenditure of approximately €100 million, which is about 6.7% of the company's share capital based on the closing price of €34.46 on February 27, 2026 [3]. - The program is set to be completed by December 31, 2026, and is authorized by the resolutions from the Combined General Meeting held on May 21, 2025 [3]. - The company retains the right to suspend the buyback program at any time based on market conditions or its investment strategy [4]. Group 2: Company Overview - Ipsos is one of the largest market research firms globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people [5]. - The company offers 75 solutions based on primary data from surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative techniques, aiming to provide insights into various stakeholders' actions and motivations [5]. - Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been publicly listed on Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999, and is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices [5].

Core Insights - Forrester has announced the agenda for its global customer experience (CX) event series, which includes three major events scheduled for 2026 [1] - The events are CX Summit EMEA in Amsterdam from June 8–10, CX Forum East in New York City from June 16–17, and CX Forum West in San Francisco from June 29–30 [1] - There is increasing pressure on CX, marketing, and digital business leaders to utilize AI for enhancing customer journeys and automating services and operations [1]

Core Insights - Kantar Media has rebranded to Fifty5Blue following its acquisition by H.I.G. Capital for approximately $1 billion, marking a strategic shift towards enhanced AI capabilities and a new visual identity [3][7]. Group 1: Rebranding and Ownership Changes - The rebranding to Fifty5Blue includes a new blue-and-white logo and aims to signify clarity, focus, and confidence, distancing itself from its previous association with Kantar Group [3][7]. - The transition to Fifty5Blue is seen as a natural progression after the sale to H.I.G. Capital, with a commitment to innovation and improved client services [3][4]. Group 2: AI and Data Strategy - Fifty5Blue is increasing its investment in AI tools to help clients analyze real-time, proprietary data sets, reinforcing the value of its single-source datasets based on direct observation [4][5]. - The company aims to simplify data interpretation for clients, emphasizing the importance of clarity in decision-making amidst a data-rich environment [5][6]. Group 3: Leadership and Operational Changes - Fifty5Blue has appointed Toni Petra, a former Nielsen executive, as chief operations and technology officer, effective April 1, to strengthen its operational capabilities [5]. - Kantar is also undergoing leadership changes to adapt to AI-driven market dynamics, with new roles created to enhance client solutions and media strategies [6].

Core Viewpoint - Ipsos SA has completed the sale of 80% of its Russian subsidiary, Ipsos Comcon LLC, to Direct Investments JSC, in compliance with new Russian laws regarding foreign ownership in market research companies [2][4][5]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale involves Ipsos Comcon LLC, which serves over 500 clients and employs around 600 people, contributing approximately 2% to Ipsos' global revenues in 2025 [2]. - Direct Investments JSC, the new majority shareholder, is owned by Mr. Andrei Malyshev, a notable investor in Russia [3]. - The transaction was approved by the Russian Governmental Commission on February 26, 2026, following consultations with relevant authorities [5]. Group 2: Management Changes - Following the sale, Mrs. Ekaterina Ryseva will step down as General Director of Ipsos Comcon LLC, with Mr. Sergey Evstratkin, the current CFO, taking over the role [6]. - Mrs. Ryseva will remain with the company to support employees and ensure business continuity [6]. Group 3: Future Operations - Ipsos SA will retain a 20% minority passive stake in Ipsos Comcon LLC, which will be deconsolidated from Ipsos' group accounts starting January 1, 2026 [7]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to client needs and employee well-being while adhering to local laws and regulations [3].

Core Viewpoint - Ipsos SA has completed the sale of 80% of its Russian subsidiary, Ipsos Comcon LLC, to Direct Investments JSC, in compliance with new Russian laws regarding foreign ownership in market research companies [2][4][5]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale involves Ipsos Comcon LLC, which serves over 500 clients and employs 600 people, contributing approximately 2% to Ipsos' global revenues in 2025 [2]. - Direct Investments JSC, owned by Mr. Andrei Malyshev, will become the majority shareholder, while Ipsos SA retains a 20% minority stake [3][7]. - The transaction was approved by the Russian Governmental Commission on February 26, 2026, following consultations with relevant authorities [5]. Group 2: Management Changes - Mrs. Ekaterina Ryseva will step down as General Director on February 28, 2026, to be succeeded by Mr. Sergey Evstratkin, the current Chief Financial Officer [6]. - Mrs. Ryseva will remain with Ipsos Comcon LLC to support employees and ensure business continuity [6]. Group 3: Compliance and Future Operations - The divestment aligns with a Russian Federal Law amendment that limits foreign ownership in market research firms to 20% [4]. - Ipsos Comcon LLC will continue operations in Russia without service disruptions, ensuring stability for its employees [6].