Although debit card issuance was heavily impacted by the lockdown to slow the spread of the pandemic in China in early 2020, it has since been recovering quickly with the reopening of the economy. In the first quarter of 2020, one of most obvious COVID-19 impacts on debit cards was reduced circulation of new cards, as almost all bank outlets closed during the lockdown period. In February, in particular, the circulation of personal debit cards slumped compared to the same period a year…

With cash usage in decline throughout Russia, credit cards continue to gain a growing share of consumer payments. In addition, the massive rise in e-commerce following the COVID-19 outbreak has also helped to support this trend. Although consumer spending was negatively impacted by COVID-19 and resulting restrictions, the portion of payments accounted for by credit cards has increased as consumers continue to move away from cash. Online shopping and delivery are already well-developed in…

Virtual credit cards and online credit card approval became the new customer acquisition mode at the height of the pandemic. During the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly in January and February 2020, there was a significant decline in the physical use of banks’ credit cards, as a major decline in use was seen at theatres, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and tourist attractions as well as on public transport various traffic.

Also Read :…

While outstanding balance will continue to increase at a similar rate to a year earlier in 2020, gross lending will see a marked slowdown. Not only was it difficult for many consumers in China to spend large amounts on non-essential goods during the local lockdowns they were experiencing, but consumers will also be curbing their spending, particularly in terms of taking out new loans, in the face of the economic uncertainty that came with the measures to contain the spread of the virus. As…

The use of fuel cards gradually increased during the review period. However, it is not a classic type of charge card as fuel cards lack a credit option and work in a similar way to debit cards, while allowing companies to control the expenses of drivers and other employees. Although some of these cards have a function to cover fuel expenses at the end of the month, fuel cards with an additional credit function are limited in number. The overall number of such cards across Russia remained…

With the COVID-19 lockdown measures taking place from March-May, breakfast cereals is set to see a significant increase in value and volume sales. As such volume sales will move from a decline in 2019 to a predicted growth of 14%, whereas value sales move from slight growth, to a prediction of 16% in 2020.

Also Read :…

Value growth for baked goods is set to increase from 3% in 2019 to a prediction of 9% for 2020, with volume growth moving from 1% to a prediction of 7%. With official lockdown in place in the country from mid-March until May, consumers spent more time at home, boosting demand for baked goods, with those working and learning for home, demanding lunch and snack options. When the lockdown was announced in the country during March, panic-buying was also noted, lifting sales of both fresh and…

Euromonitor International's Store Card Transactions in United Arab Emirates report establishes the size and structure of the market for ATMs cards, smart cards, credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, pre-paid cards and store cards. It looks at key players in the market (issuers and operators), number of cards in circulation, numbers transactions and value of transactions. It offers strategic analysis of sector forecasts and trends to watch.

Also Read :…

Charge cards are still not issued by banks in Turkey. Instead, credit cards and debit cards remain the two main types of financial card. Consumers who use credit cards employ them mostly for the “pay later” function, while they use debit cards, which do not have a “pay later” function, for micropayments. Over the forecast period, banks may launch products with charge card functions to diversify their card portfolios.

Also Read :…

The category’s value growth rate was affected by COVID-19 in 2020, as such products were perceived as less essential than others such as cold remedies, systemic analgesics, and preventive health products. Furthermore, consumers’ adoption of home seclusion and minimal engagement in outdoor activities and exercise also reduced the likelihood of accidents and injuries, thereby lowering demand.

Also Read :…

Due to the government’s encouragement of people to stay at home as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the public’s positive response, footfall to beauty and health specialists as well as grocery retailers dropped considerably in the first half of 2020. The impact of this on the category was that consumers staying at home had a reduced incentive to control their weight. Furthermore, as they focussed their attention and spending on other priorities, demand for weight management and…

The COVID-19 outbreak boosted demand for immune system-boosting products among consumers in 2020. Vitamin C, known for its cold and flu prevention and immune system-strengthening properties, saw the greatest increase in demand, with growth surging from low single-figures into double-digit territory. Vitamin B and multivitamins also benefited from the pandemic, showing considerably improved performances in 2020. In terms of product formats, effervescent tablets, often considered effective for…

Gyms across Taiwan saw low visitor numbers for around two months during the pandemic over the period of around February to April. Some gyms even closed temporarily in Q1 2020. Consumers stopped buying sports nutrition products as workout intensity crashed, and thus consumer spending on sports nutrition products was dramatically reduced. Gym-goers tended to stay at home to engage in simple workouts that did not require specialist equipment, due to concerns regarding the possibility of…

The COVID-19 outbreak led to increased awareness of preventative strategies and increased immunity concerns among consumers in 2020. This benefited sales growth of paediatric cold/cough remedies and paediatric vitamins and dietary supplements. Students continued to go to school in Taiwan during the pandemic, and thus prevention and immunity remained key factors in the country. However, demand remains to some extent constrained by the country’s low and declining birth rate.

Euromonitor…

Taiwan’s shrinking smoking population was already affecting demand for NRT smoking cessation aids in 2019, and this intensified in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. The number of smokers in the country was affected by the rising price of tobacco, underpinned by an ongoing nationwide anti-smoking ban. The government even launched another nationwide campaign against consumers using electronic cigarettes in 2019. The effectiveness of these factors resulted in a reduced number of smokers,…

Grupo Nutresa SA sought through Novaventa SA a multichannel directional strategy that would allow it to increase its distribution network, entering direct selling, expanding a greater number of products in every catalogue released, as well as its participation with snacks and coffee within vending.

Also Read :…

The purchasing habits of consumers within grocery retailers are changing due to the rapid expansion of discounters, which has changed the negotiating policies with its suppliers, innovated its offer and displayed its products, the location of its outlets and the payment methods for its customers by receiving only cash; bringing as a result, the selling of products of good quality, but at competitive prices, which sometimes are the cheapest in the country. The channel’s offer includes…

Coppel SA de CV’s strategic direction involves expanding its outlet footprint across cities with between 80,000 and 100,000 inhabitants in order to reach a wider base of potential consumers from Mexico’s low-income and middle-income population segments. Coppel is also present in Brazil and Argentina and the retailer already evaluating the feasibility of entering other Latin American countries, including Chile, Colombia and Peru.

Also Read :…

Aksal Groupe maintained its leading position in bags and luggage specialist retailers with a 7% value share in 2016. The company has strong exclusive contracts with globally famous and luxurious brands. However, in spite of being ranked first in this category, Aksal Groupe witnessed a decline in its sales of 9% in 2016, due to the economic the deterioration and decreasing purchasing power amongst Moroccans.

Also Read :…

Progressive Enterprises is expected to focus on offering products at low prices to its customers, as well as store expansion. Progressive Enterprises announced an investment of NZD500 million to be allocated to its store expansion plan and the opening of up to four new stores every year, whilst closing down underperforming stores over the forecast period.

Also Read :…