Introduction: Why choose Tencent Cloud to grow in Asia?

Retail VR Interview with Tencent: Tencent Cloud is a uniquely positioned global cloud service provider. It helps international companies succeed in Asia and Chinese companies expand internationally. Tencent Cloud offers the perfect blend of local operations and international expertise through :

• An extensive presence around the world
• Teams based in each region covered
• Exclusive native cloud solutions

Its goal? To guide foreign companies through the challenges of expansion in Asia, but also in Russia, where Tencent is the only player present.

What is the outlook for e-commerce in China?

More and more content is being introduced on e-commerce platforms to attract customers through multiple channels:

• On social networks
• Group purchases
• "Live streaming" and "One-click-buy

The secret weapon of Chinese e-commerce is based on social networks: Almost all Chinese e-commerce platforms are moving towards a rich content format, combined with social media features. The e-commerce platform create its own social network environment where consumers can share their own shopping experience. For example, "Buyer Shows" are one of the most popular ways to build trust with consumers. The principle is that Chinese consumers follow the buyer while shopping and make their purchases during the "show". They can also communicate with other customers and create a social buzz. Live broadcasting and e-commerce on WeChat mini-programs are also very developed in the Chinese market. Sellers present their products live to easily build trust with consumers. This allows them to buy products directly during the broadcast. China is the most important growth market for many international consumer and luxury brands. It is therefore able to adapt quickly to new situations and constant consumer developments. The strong competition in the Chinese market forces retailers and brands to find new ways to communicate with their target audience. (Online and offline) The incorporation of intelligent retail solutions allows them to :

• Create personalized shopping experiences
• Meet the individual needs of their clients
• Connect with them in several meaningful ways.

The next generation of smart retail stores                

In-store intelligent systems that integrate customer databases are dramatically changing shopping experiences in China. These advanced platforms allow sellers to tap into customer preferences. The goal is to provide them with tailored product recommendations. Based on the information contained in the customer database, they can then best match their expectations.

Retail VR Interview with Tencent Cloud: What are the solutions provided by Tencent Cloud for the e-commerce industry?

Tencent Cloud provides storage management solutions, with high quality network, from its DNA from the video game industry. Called Tencent Cloud Object Storage (COS), it allows customers (combined with big data), to build an architecture where storage and computation are separated. This reduces costs and increases efficiency. Tencent Cloud Live Video Broadcasting includes services such as video on demand, live streaming, instant messaging and so on. This enables customers to create a highly reliable e-commerce business, accelerate site speed, content loading and improve user experience. Tencent Cloud Smart Retail systems, including facial recognition, QR codes and RFID chips, are becoming a standard in the Chinese retail market. These systems enable:

• Create unmanned stores.
• Connect online and offline sales and communication channels.
• Improve the efficiency of the supply chain and warehouse management.

The use of these solutions enables the creation of unique, ultra-personalized experiences for customers. Tencent Cloud's intelligent e-commerce solution delivers precise, personalized recommendations based on user information and in-store data. All these services leverage facial recognition to analyze in-store traffic, personalize product displays, enable mobile payment, and much more.

Technologies that enable a new experience            

Tencent Cloud owns and operates a global infrastructure of data centers around the world, covering 27 regions, 67 availability zones and offering around 2 million immediately accessible physical servers. In addition, Tencent Cloud offers solutions focused on various industries including commerce, including e-commerce security solutions such as financial risk control, anti-fraud and anti-phishing, to secure business operations. Data-driven decision-making To enable data-driven business decisions, Tencent Cloud ensures data security and offers analytical reporting tools.  

Retail VR Interview of Tencent cloud: What is Wechat's mini-programs?

A free chat application, WeChat/Weixin offers messaging, video calls, videos, pictures, games... and other everyday services (hotel, cab, plane reservations, etc.). With over 1.3 billion monthly active users, WeChat/Weixin is one of the most popular social messaging applications in the world, especially in China. By integrating into China's leading digital ecosystem (accounting for 98% of China's online population), WeChat mini-apps are the best way for brands to reach their customers. They are applications available from the WeChat catalog, requiring no installation. They offer convenient e-commerce solutions, online and offline access via QR code sharing, and services such as WeChat Pay and user authentication. WeChat mini-programs allow retailers to create a seamless connection between online and offline shopping experiences. This allows customers to:

• Book personals shoppers.
• Personalize their in-store visits by listening to their favorite music in the fitting rooms.
• Customize their products.

Giving customers access to exclusive content and services such as live streaming of events and creating shareable content will allow brands to generate new revenue streams. This can be done through live shopping events and social commerce.

Why a collaboration between Tencent Cloud and Retail VR?

Retail VR helps brands and retailers improve retail processes and sales through new and efficient shopping experiences. By offering intelligent solutions (InStore Activation Virtual Showroom..), Retail VR facilitates the conversion to 3D with virtual and augmented reality applications. Thanks to our collaboration, we offer precise solutions to companies in the e-commerce sector. Smart retailing is possible through advanced cloud technology. All this, on the Tencent technology of their choice: WeChat mini-program, website, mobile... Smart systems are now making a lot of buzz in the retail sector. Leveraging Tencent Cloud resources, the advanced solutions provided by Retail VR create unique and personalized experiences for customers. This helps differentiate brands from the competition while increasing efficiency. To support the overall retail strategy, brands need an innovative partner like Tencent Cloud. Easy to deploy, this will provide them with all the tools and resources needed to leverage emerging smart retail solutions.