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Europeans Inspired to Get Active During 2024 Summer of Sports, Reveals AliExpress Consumer Insights Report

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Europeans are discovering new sports and pastimes thanks to online shopping 161 million[i] purchases of sports-related products made on AliExpress since 2019AliExpress to launch #FindYourSport pop-up in Paris during the Olympic Games Paris 2024

LONDON, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AliExpress, an international online retail marketplace and Worldwide Olympic TOP Partner of the Olympic Games for e-commerce platform services, today launched its Summer Consumer Insights Report focused on exploring the online shopping landscape and consumer behaviours across Europe.

The Report, which surveyed consumers from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK[ii] during this European summer of sports, reveals the far-reaching positive impact of sports, from improved mental wellbeing to feelings of inclusion and greater connectivity. It also illustrates the role of online shopping in enabling consumers to discover and take part in new sports.

Summer of sports inspires consumers

The Report reveals that 60% of consumers were able to try a sports and fitness-related activity thanks to online shopping, while 46% agreed that online shopping has made sports more accessible.

The summer of sports has inspired people to get involved in new sports including: football, running, hiking, swimming, basketball, tennis, athletics, cycling, boxing and gymnastics. 55% of those surveyed acknowledged that they feel more connected to their country during a global sporting tournament such as the Olympic Games.

Since 2019, AliExpress has seen more than 161 million purchases of sports-related goods, enabling consumers from around the world to actively engage in sports[iii].  The respondents of the survey stated that, thanks to online shopping, they have been able to try new sports such as badminton, BMXing, breakdancing, horse riding and skateboarding.

Positive impact of sports

The research also highlights the positive impact of sports, beyond physical benefits. 69% said that taking part in sports gave them a sense of community and 68% recognised that sports has allowed them to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. A staggering 84% agreed that taking part in sports has improved their mental wellbeing[iv].

Looking ahead to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, AliExpress will welcome people from around the world to its showcase event on 8 August on the Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris. Open to the general public from 11.30 until 14:30 CEST, the showcase, themed #FindYourSport, will allow visitors to experience a series of Olympic sports-related activities and stand a chance to win prizes.

Gary Topp, AliExpress European Commercial Director, said, “We are delighted to see the AliExpress Consumer Insights Report highlighting the far-reaching impact of sports and its power to inspire and bring people together. I am encouraged to see the role that e-commerce platforms can play in making sports more accessible, enabling people to discover and take part in new sports, by giving access to a vast selection of products to get them moving.”

Sports and entertainment among top shopping categories

The research shows that sports and entertainment-related products were among the top five categories across the five European markets in terms of consumer spending online:

Grocery and beveragesClothing, underwear, sleepwear and shoesPhones and telecommunicationsFast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)Sports and entertainment

On average, consumers across the five European markets spent €78 on sports and entertainment-related products during the three-month period covered by the research. In France, for the same period, the average spending was significantly higher, totalling €94. This is followed by the Italians, who each spent €82, and the Spanish, who each spent €73, followed closely by German consumers, who each spent €71, and British consumers, who each spent £60 (approximately €70).

Online spending remains robust

According to the Report, overall online spending was holding up, with an average spend of £623 (approximately €739) in the UK and €622 across the other four European markets during the three-month period covered by the research. In terms of purchase frequency, over the three-month period, consumers across the five markets each bought nine items on average.

On average, respondents across all markets spent nearly five hours per week browsing and researching products online. The age group that spent the most time online are those aged 35-44.

Spanish consumers spent the most time browsing and researching online, followed by the British consumers, then Italian. French consumers spent the least amount of time each week.

Online marketplaces take top spot

The research shows that the top five online shopping channels across all markets were:

Online marketplacesRetailers’ websitesRetailers’ mobile appsSecond-hand products platformsSocial media shops

Online marketplaces were the most popular online shopping channel, with 63% of consumers having shopped via this channel, surpassing the numbers of those who had shopped via retailers’ websites and retailers’ mobile apps.

Although livestreaming did not make the top five, it ranked sixth and the research shows it is the most popular online shopping channel among those aged 18-24. 13% of whom stated they liked to shop this way—compared to just 3% of those aged 55 or above. 18-24-year-olds were also most likely to shop via social media shops when compared to other age groups.

# # #

Notes to editors:

*All £ currency relates to British consumers consumption online and all € currency relates to French, German, Italian and Spanish consumers consumption online.

About AliExpress

Launched in 2010, AliExpress is a business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce platform enabling global consumers to buy directly from manufacturers in China and around the world. In addition to the global English-language version, the AliExpress platform is also available in 15 other languages. AliExpress is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.

About the AliExpress Consumer Insights Report

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 9,524 respondents aged over 18 across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The data was collected between 28 June 2024 and 3 July 2024. The respondents were asked about their spending for the previous three months (March, April and May).

Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

[i] The data was collected from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023.

[ii] The data was collected between 28 June 2024 and 3 July 2024. The respondents were asked about their spending for the previous three months (March, April and May).

[iii] The data was collected from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023.

[iv] Respondents who currently participate in more than one sport.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/europeans-inspired-to-get-active-during-2024-summer-of-sports-reveals-aliexpress-consumer-insights-report-302204315.html

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Leading Vision Plans for Retirees (2026): VSP Vision Care Highlighted for Senior-Friendly Eye Care Benefits by Expert Consumers

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NEW YORK, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As more individuals transition into retirement, maintaining consistent access to vision care is becoming an important part of overall health planning. A recent report by Expert Consumers examines how individual vision insurance options are adapting to meet these needs, with VSP® Vision Care Individual Vision Plans identified as a structured option for retirees seeking predictable and accessible eye care coverage.

Vision Insurance for Seniors

VSP® Vision Care – individual vision plans offering routine eye exams, eyewear allowances, and predictable costs designed to support consistent, accessible eye care throughout retirement

The report notes that while many retirees prioritize medical insurance, vision care is often handled separately. Regular eye exams and updated prescriptions are important not only for maintaining clear vision but also for identifying early signs of certain health conditions. This has increased interest in standalone vision plans that provide defined benefits without relying on employer-sponsored coverage.

Access to Individual Vision Plans

Individual vision plans are designed to give retirees flexibility and independence when selecting coverage. Providers such as VSP Vision Care offer plans that can be purchased directly and tailored to different levels of care.

Common features include:

Multiple plan options with clearly outlined benefitsCoverage for routine eye care servicesTransparent pricing structures for easier budgeting

This approach allows retirees to continue receiving routine vision services without interruption after leaving the workforce.

Preventive Care Through Routine Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are a central component of many vision plans, including those offered by VSP Vision Care. These exams are typically available with fixed copays, helping reduce uncertainty around healthcare expenses.

Eye exams also play a role in preventive care and may help detect early signs of:

DiabetesHigh blood pressureAge-related vision conditions

Including regular exams as a core benefit supports ongoing monitoring of both eye health and general health.

Eyewear Coverage and Allowances

Coverage for eyewear is another key feature for retirees. Vision plans often include allowances that can be applied toward glasses or contact lenses on a recurring basis.

Typical benefits include:

Periodic allowances for frames or contact lensesCoverage for standard and progressive lensesReduced costs for lens enhancements like anti-glaire coating and scratch resistance

These features help individuals manage the recurring need for updated prescriptions and replacement eyewear.

Cost Transparency and Savings

Affordability remains an important consideration in retirement. Structured pricing models are designed to provide clarity and predictability in out-of-pocket expenses.

Common cost features include:

Set copays for routine services like eye examsDefined allowances for eyewear purchasesDiscounts on additional items beyond standard coverage

At this stage of the analysis, Expert Consumers highlights that predictable pricing and defined savings structures can help retirees better plan their spending over time.

Additional Benefits and Ongoing Value

Beyond core coverage, many vision plans include added features that extend their value. These may include savings on lens upgrades and a worry-free eyewear guarantee through participating Premier Edge locations.

Individual Vision Plans from VSP Vision Care also incorporate these types of benefits, supporting ongoing access to vision care while helping manage costs over time.

Such features provide flexibility for retirees who may require specialized eyewear or multiple pairs of glasses.

Key Considerations for Retirees

Selecting a vision plan in retirement involves evaluating several practical factors:

The balance between cost and coverageAccess to preventive and routine careOptions in eyewear benefits

Understanding how these elements work together can help retirees choose plans that support long-term vision care needs while remaining manageable in cost.

The Expert Consumers article notes that structured vision plans with clearly defined benefits and consistent pricing can support ongoing eye care needs. Individual vision plans,such as those offered by VSP Vision Care, reflect a model focused on preventive care and cost predictability for retirees managing their healthcare independently.

About VSP Vision Care

VSP Vision Care provides members access affordable eye care and eyewear through thousands of network providers. As the only national not-for-profit company in vision care, we reinvest our profits back into the communities we serve so that everyone can enjoy a lifetime of well-being.

About ExpertConsumers.org: Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-vision-plans-for-retirees-2026-vsp-vision-care-highlighted-for-senior-friendly-eye-care-benefits-by-expert-consumers-302760333.html

SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org

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Asian American Engineer of the Year Award and Conference Announces First Phase of 2025-2026 Awardees

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian American Engineer of the Year Award (AAEOY) Executive Committee announces the AAEOY 2025-2026 first phase awardees as follows:

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Lip-Bu Tan, CEO, Intel Corporation

Distinguished Leadership in Science and Technology Award

Dr. Arun Majumdar, Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University

Executive of the Year Award

Dr. Xiaodong Che, Chief Technology Officer, Western DigitalDr. Sam Heidari, CEO, LumotiveDr. Jungwon Lee, Corporate Executive Vice President, Samsung ElectronicsDr. Liu Ren, Vice President & Chief Scientist, Bosch ResearchMr. Brandon Wang, Vice President, Synopsys

Engineer of the Year Award

Ms. Vivian Ye, Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T

Most Promising Engineer of the Year Award

Mr. Max Fang, Director of Architecture, AmbarellaMr. Johnny Ho, CSO & Co-founder, Perplexity AI

The AAEOY Award has been presented annually since 2002 as a cornerstone of the National Engineers Week program, honoring distinguished Asian American professionals across academia, public service, and industry. Since its inception, the AAEOY has recognized over 300 honorees — including nine Nobel Laureates, pioneering scholars, prominent corporate executives, and an astronaut — serving as a beacon of inspiration for the global STEM community. After a series of impactful ceremonies nationwide, the 2025-2026 AAEOY Award and Conference returns to the heart of innovation in Silicon Valley at the Santa Clara Convention Center on September 18-19, 2026.

For more information regarding the AAEOY program, awardees, and event registration, please visit www.aaeoy.org.

The Chinese Institute of Engineers in USA (CIE-USA), founded in 1917, is a nonprofit professional organization that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); supports professional advancement and leadership development; and recognizes the achievements of Asian American professionals through flagship programs such as the Asian American Engineer of the Year (AAEOY) Awards. One of the oldest and most prestigious Chinese American engineering associations in the United States, CIE-USA has seven regional chapters nationwide and hosts events throughout the year.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-american-engineer-of-the-year-award-and-conference-announces-first-phase-of-2025-2026-awardees-302760569.html

SOURCE AAEOY

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Larry Kellerman, Fermi’s Chief Power Officer and Architect of Its 17 GW Energy Infrastructure, Accepts Board Nomination

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DALLAS, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and largest shareholder of Fermi America (NASDAQ & LSE: FRMI), today announced that he has nominated Larry Kellerman to join the Fermi Board of Directors. Kellerman, who serves as Chief Power Officer at Fermi America, is the architect of the Company’s 17-gigawatt powered data center campus in Amarillo, Texas — the largest private energy grid in America.

Kellerman is co-founder and Managing Partner of Twenty First Century Utilities and brings more than four decades of power industry and finance expertise to the role. His career spans senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, El Paso Corporation, and I Squared Capital. Kellerman said he was honored by the nomination and would be pleased to serve if approved by the Board.

“I appreciate everything that Toby has manifested in Fermi and know that no other human could have created the enterprise and its many thoughtfully interconnected elements as quickly, as effectively, and in as value-accretive a manner as Toby’s leadership has been able to deliver.”
— Larry Kellerman, Chief Power Officer and Board Nominee, Fermi America

For Neugebauer, the choice was crystal clear. Kellerman, who has worked alongside Neugebauer since the earliest days of Project Matador knows Fermi’s power story better than anyone.

“When I came up with the idea of Project Matador, I knew that Larry Kellerman was the one person I needed to convert a really great idea into a really great reality. His knowledge of power and the future of powering data centers is unmatched. Larry is uniquely qualified to steward Fermi as a Board member, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his willingness to serve.”
— Toby Neugebauer, Co-Founder, Fermi America

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/larry-kellerman-fermis-chief-power-officer-and-architect-of-its-17-gw-energy-infrastructure-accepts-board-nomination-302760575.html

SOURCE Toby Neugebauer

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