Despite concerns about inflation and an economic slowdown, holiday retail spending was higher than expected, with online sales leading the charge. U.S. retail sales during the 2023 holiday season grew 3.1% year-over-year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. This was higher than the expected growth of 2.5% and suggests that consumers were still willing to spend during the holidays.

"The holiday season was a mixed bag for retailers," said Steve Sadove, Mastercard's chief executive officer. "On the one hand, we saw strong growth in online sales, which were up 11.4% year-over-year. This shows that consumers are increasingly comfortable shopping online, even for big-ticket items."

But with in-store sales up slightly 1.5% year-over-year, consumers were more cautious about spending in physical stores. "Consumers were more deliberate in their spending this holiday season," said Sadove. "They were looking for promotions and deals, and they were less likely to make impulse purchases."

Some of the sectors that performed well during the holiday season include:

• Apparel: Apparel sales were up 4.8% year-over-year. This was likely due to the fact that many consumers were looking for new clothes to wear for holiday parties and gatherings.
• Restaurants: Restaurant sales were up 5.5% year-over-year. This suggests that consumers were still willing to spend on dining out, even during the holidays.
• Groceries: Grocery sales were up 2.5% year-over-year. This is likely due to the fact that consumers were stocking up on food for holiday meals.

Overall, the 2023 holiday season was a positive one for U.S. retailers. Online sales continued to grow at a strong pace, and even in-store sales managed to increase slightly. It suggests that consumers are still willing to spend, even in the face of economic uncertainty.

Looking Ahead to 2024

As retailers gear up for the 2024 holiday season, they should keep in mind the trends that emerged in 2023. Online shopping is here to stay, and retailers need to make sure they have a strong online presence. Additionally, consumers are becoming more value-conscious, so retailers need to offer competitive prices and promotions.

IntelliReach Social can help retailers reach their target audience and increase sales with a positive return on investment (ROI). Our managed local services uses SEO and social media marketing to connect retailers with potential customers and deliver them to their website or store.  Call (800) 725-7950 to book an online demo.

Google has unveiled a new facial recognition search engine that allows users to search for people by photographing a person’s face. The engine, which is still in early development, is powered by Google's advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.

The launch of Google's facial recognition search engine will likely be met with mixed reactions. Some people will likely be excited about the potential benefits of the technology, while others will be concerned about the privacy implications.

Privacy Concerns

One of the biggest concerns about facial recognition technology is that it could be used to track and monitor people without their consent. For example, facial recognition technology could be used to identify people walking down the street or attending public events. This information could then be used by governments or corporations to track people's movements and activities.

"We believe that facial recognition technology has the potential to be used for a variety of beneficial purposes, such as finding lost friends and family members, identifying criminals and suspects, and verifying identity for online transactions. However, we also acknowledge that facial recognition technology has the potential to be misused. That's why we are committed to developing and using this technology responsibly." - Kent Walker, Senior Vice President of Global Affairs, Google.

Another concern is that facial recognition technology could be used to discriminate against people. For example, facial recognition technology could be used to identify people of a certain race or ethnicity. This information could then be used to deny people access to housing, employment, or other services.

Potential Benefits

Despite privacy concerns, facial recognition technology also has the potential to be used for a variety of beneficial purposes. For example, facial recognition technology could be used to:

• Help police identify and apprehend criminals.
• Prevent fraud and identity theft.
• Assist with medical diagnosis and treatment.
• Make it easier for individuals to access online services more securely.

Google Lens Vs. Facial Recognition Search Engine

Google Lens and facial recognition search engines are image search tools but have different capabilities and purposes.

Google Lens is a visual search tool that can identify objects, text, and faces in images or in the real world through your Android smartphone. It can then provide you with relevant information, such as translating text, finding similar products, or identifying plants and animals.

Google Lens is also integrated with other apps, such as Google Maps and Google Translate. This allows you to use it to do things like search for information about a place you're visiting or translate a sign you see on the street.

On the other hand, facial recognition search engines specialize in finding other images of the same person. They do this by comparing the facial features in the image you upload to a database of known faces. Facial recognition search engines can be used for several legitimate purposes, such as finding lost loved ones, verifying someone's identity, or tracking criminals.

Early Development

It is important to note that Google's facial recognition search engine is still in early development. It is unclear when it will be released to the public or how widely it will be used. It is also unclear how Google will address the privacy concerns that have been raised about the technology.

It is also important to note that there are other companies developing facial recognition technology. Some of these companies, such as PimEyes, have already released facial recognition search engines to the public.

Overall, the launch of Google's facial recognition search engine raises several important questions about the future of this technology. Having a public conversation about these questions is important before facial recognition technology becomes widely used.

Accountability

Google's launch of a facial recognition search engine is a significant development. This technology has the potential to be used for a variety of beneficial purposes, but it is essential to be aware of the privacy risks as well. It is also important to hold companies like Google accountable for the responsible use of facial recognition technology. Share your thoughts. Tweet us @intellireachUSA with the hashtag #facialtech.

Major Google algorithm updates can significantly impact website rankings, both positive and negative. While Google doesn't release specific details about the changes in each update, some general factors can contribute to ranking fluctuations.

Why is My Google Rankings Dropping?

One common reason for ranking drops is that the website no longer meets the new standards set by the algorithm update. For example, a recent update may have emphasized certain ranking factors, such as content quality, user experience, or mobile-friendliness. If a website performs poorly in these areas, it may see a drop in rankings.

Another reason for ranking drops is that the competition has improved. If other websites in the same niche have significantly changed their content or user experience, they may be outranking your website. It's essential to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in your industry to ensure your website is always competitive.

Google Broad Core Update

It's important to remember that Google algorithm updates are complex and can have unexpected effects on different websites. Sometimes, a website may see a ranking drop for reasons that are not yet known. If this happens, staying calm and assessing the situation is critical.

How to Recover from a Major Algorithm Update

• Audit your website to identify any areas where it may need improvement. It may involve objectively reviewing your content quality, user experience, mobile-friendliness, and other ranking factors.
• Make changes to your website to address any identified issues. This may include updating your content, improving your user experience, or making your website more mobile-friendly.
• Monitor your rankings over time to see how your changes impact your results. It may take some time for your rankings to recover fully, but you should start to see some improvement if you're making the right changes.

If you're concerned about your website's rankings, working with an experienced SEO professional is important. They can help you identify the factors contributing to your ranking drop and develop a recovery plan.

To prevent a decrease in ranking following a significant algorithm update, here are some extra tips to consider.:

• Stay up-to-date on the latest Google algorithm updates and best practices. You can do this by following industry news sources and attending SEO conferences.
• Ensure your website meets all of the latest ranking factors, like high-quality content, a good user experience, and a mobile-friendly design.
• Monitor your website's performance regularly to identify any potential problems quickly. A tool like Google Search Console can help track your rankings and traffic.
• If you do see a ranking drop, don't panic. Assess the situation carefully and make changes to your website to address any identified issues.

In conclusion, there are a number of reasons why website rankings can tank after a major algorithm update. However, there are also a number of things that website owners can do to recover from a ranking drop and avoid future problems. By following the tips in this article, website owners can ensure that their websites remain competitive and continue to attract visitors after a major algorithm update.

The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) is a global leader in prestige beauty, with a portfolio of over 30 brands, including MAC, Clinique, and La Mer. ELC is committed to using technology to innovate and create the best possible experience for its customers.

In a recent announcement, ELC said that it is partnering with Google Cloud to pioneer new uses of generative AI. Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as images, text, and music.

ELC says that it will use generative AI to personalize its marketing campaigns, create new product concepts, and improve its supply chain. For example, ELC could use generative AI to create personalized beauty tutorials for each customer, or to generate new product ideas that are tailored to the latest trends.

"We are excited to partner with Google Cloud to explore the potential of generative AI," said Fabrizio Freda, CEO of ELC. "This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our customers and create new products."

Google Cloud is a leading provider of cloud computing services. The company has a strong track record of innovation in the field of AI, and it is well-positioned to help ELC develop new generative AI applications.

This partnership is a sign of the growing importance of AI in the beauty industry. As consumers become more demanding and the market becomes more competitive, brands are increasingly turning to AI to stay ahead of the curve.

ELC is not the only beauty brand that is using AI. Other companies, such as Sephora and L'Oréal, are also investing in AI technology. As AI continues to develop, it is likely to play an even more important role in the beauty industry.