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Social Media Has Hijacked the Australian Shopping Journey and Brands Risk Falling Behind, Research Finds

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Six in ten Australians act on products they see on social media, forcing brands to rethink discovery, trust and conversion

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Australian shopping journey has been rewritten. Social media is now driving purchase decisions at scale, fundamentally reshaping how consumers discover, evaluate and buy products and forcing brands to rethink how they go to market.

New research from Pattern reveals that six in ten Australians now take action after seeing a product on social media, signalling a major shift in how retail demand is created. The research shows that 60% of Australians search for products on Google after seeing them on social media. Half of shoppers also report clicking through to a brand or retailer’s website and 41% go directly to Amazon. This highlights a fundamental change, where social media is no longer just influencing demand, it’s actively generating it at scale.

“Australia’s social commerce market is projected to grow 20% annually to reach approximately AUD$12 billion by 2030,” said Merline McGregor, Managing Director at Pattern Australia. “This highlights the scale of the opportunity and the urgency for brands to adapt or lose relevance and market share.”

Influencers drive influence, but not evenly across generations

The role of social media influencers continues to grow in Australia, but their impact is highly concentrated among younger audiences. Overall, 38% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase a product if it’s recommended by an influencer they follow. Among 18–24-year-olds, this rises to 62% and 61% for those aged 25–34. However, influence declines significantly with age, dropping to 20% among 55 to 64-year-olds and just 8% for those 65 and over.

“This is not just a shift in media consumption, but a shift in how trust is built. For younger consumers, influencers and social platforms are increasingly shaping what gets noticed, what is trusted and what gets bought. Brands need to adapt to this new reality. That means moving beyond one-off influencer campaigns and thinking much more seriously about how to build always-on, creator-led content strategies that drive a return,” said McGregor.

Trust gap remains a barrier to full conversion

Despite its growing influence, a trust gap in social commerce remains a key barrier to full conversion for many shoppers. A significant number of Australians choose to save products discovered on social media for further research (26%), while others seek recommendations from friends or family (25%) before making a purchase.

This caution is further reinforced by the fact that 42% of consumers still prefer to complete transactions through familiar retailer channels, where established customer service and returns processes are present.

“Social media is now the engine of demand, but trust still dictates where transactions are completed. Consumers are often taking additional steps to validate what they see, whether that’s researching further, seeking recommendations, or ultimately choosing to transact through more familiar retail environments. That tells us social media is driving intent, but trust is still determining where conversion happens,” observed McGregor. “Brands need to bridge that gap by delivering consistent, credible experiences across every channel the consumer moves through.”

The shopping journey starts on social media and converts across channels

Although social media is increasingly the starting point for product discovery, purchase behaviour remains distributed across a range of channels. When a product captures attention, more than a third of consumers are most likely to complete their purchase on a brand or retailer’s website. Amazon follows closely at 28%, while 19% prefer to buy in-store.

The findings point to a fragmented path to purchase, where social platforms generate demand, but conversion is shared across retail channels.

“Brands should stop thinking about social media as separate from commerce,” said McGregor. “Consumers are moving fluidly from social content to marketplaces to retailer websites to stores. Brands that convert shoppers are the ones that can create demand on social media and carry it through to wherever the customer chooses to buy.”

Brands must create connections where their customers are

With social media embedded in everyday shopping behaviour, brands that continue to rely on outdated discovery models are finding it harder to connect with shoppers.

“The way consumers discover products has changed, and many brands are still playing catch-up. With 96% of Australians on social media, these platforms are where demand is created and won. Pattern was recently named TikTok Shop Strategic Partner of the Year for 2025, reflecting the growing importance of social-led commerce. We help brands turn discovery into purchase and build social experiences that convert,” concluded McGregor.

For more information, please download Pattern’s ‘2026 Marketplace Consumer Report‘

About Pattern Inc

Pattern accelerates brands on global ecommerce marketplaces leveraging proprietary technology and AI. Utilising more than 77 trillion data points, sophisticated machine learning and AI models, Pattern optimises and automates all levers of ecommerce growth for global brands, including advertising, content management, logistics and fulfillment, pricing, forecasting and customer service. Hundreds of global brands depend on Pattern’s ecommerce acceleration platform every day to drive profitable revenue growth across 60+ global marketplaces—including Amazon, TikTok Shop, Walmart.com, Target.com, eBay, Tmall, JD, and Mercado Libre.  For more information, visit https://au.pattern.com/

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SOURCE Pattern

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Shanghai Electric Presents Three Energy Transition Solutions at Enlit Asia 2026

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September 23, 2026

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Supporting power-sector decarbonization, grid resilience, and low-carbon fuels across ASEAN

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 02727, SSE: 601727) showcased three energy transition solutions under the theme “Powering the Archipelago” at Enlit Asia 2026, held Sept. 22-24 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

As the premier annual platform for the ASEAN power sector, Enlit Asia attracts more than 11,000 attendees and 280 exhibitors, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to explore advances, share insights and shape the region’s energy future.

Three Solutions for ASEAN’s Energy Transition

Tailored to the ASEAN market, the three solutions address key regional energy transition needs, including reducing carbon emissions from existing thermal power systems, enhancing renewable energy integration and stable operation of island grids, and providing low-carbon fuels for the shipping and aviation industries.

The High-Efficiency Power & Decarbonization solution is designed to help markets like Indonesia reduce power-system carbon intensity, spanning unit upgrades, fuel transition, and system optimization. Modular steam turbines for H- and F-class combined-cycle systems meet both power and heating needs while improving efficiency and reducing overall costs. Heavy-duty gas turbines can operate with up to 30% hydrogen blending, and coal-fired power retrofit solutions improve thermal efficiency and reduce coal consumption for lower-carbon operation.

The Grid Modernization & Resilience Upgrade solution addresses island-grid challenges in renewable energy integration, frequency regulation and voltage stability. It combines synchronous condensers, flywheels, multi-technology energy storage and integrated solar-storage power pods. Synchronous condensers and flywheels deliver rapid frequency response and inertia support; multi-technology storage covers short- to long-duration applications; and the power pods provide plug-and-play clean emergency power for remote areas and critical loads.

Building on the Jilin Taonan project, the full-chain Power-to-X Integrated Solutions cover wind and solar generation, green hydrogen, biomass gasification, and green methanol synthesis. The project has completed 8,000 tons of green methanol bunkering, a global single-bunkering record. Phase II, launched on August 20, 2026, targets 200,000 tons of green methanol and 10,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel annually. Shanghai Electric is now extending these solutions to ASEAN’s shipping and aviation markets to support low-carbon fuel supply and shipping decarbonization.

Local Presence, Regional Impact

Shanghai Electric’s technologies and system solutions are supported by an established regional track record. Its energy equipment and services are deployed in Southeast Asian markets including Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, with representative projects such as the Indonesia Pelabuhan Ratu 3 x 350 MW Coal-fired Power Station Project, the renewable energy plant in Selangor, Malaysia, and the recent Samalaju 500 MW-class combined-cycle gas power project in Sarawak, Malaysia.

These projects demonstrate the company’s integrated capabilities across traditional power upgrades, high-efficiency gas generation, renewable energy, and green fuels—laying a foundation for the three solutions’ further application in ASEAN.

During Enlit Asia 2026, Shanghai Electric also participated in the official conference agenda, delivering a technical presentation titled “Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine Technology for Clean, Efficient, and Smart Power Generation,” outlining its technology roadmap and regionally adapted solutions in heavy-duty gas turbines and combined-cycle systems. The company also hosted multiple roadshows and exchange activities, inviting representatives from PLN, Indonesia’s national electricity company, local customers, and academics in the energy sector to discuss fuel diversification and the development of Indonesia’s power system.

Looking ahead, Shanghai Electric will continue to draw on its energy equipment manufacturing and system solution capabilities to work with ASEAN partners and support the transition to more efficient, stable and lower-carbon energy systems across Southeast Asia.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanghai-electric-presents-three-energy-transition-solutions-at-enlit-asia-2026-302887482.html

SOURCE Shanghai Electric

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JustMarkets: How Browser-Based Trading Is Changing Access to Global CFD Markets

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September 23, 2026

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JustMarkets today showcased its browser-based CFD trading platform, offering traders direct, installation-free access to global CFD markets. As more traders move between devices, this web-based solution allows users to execute Contracts for Difference (CFD) operations directly from any web browser.

Trading Without Installation

The use of browser-based trading software may remove a common obstacle to market participation — installation. Traders do not need to download any software, configure the device, or rely on a single computer for their trading activities.

Users who trade in different places and use different devices may benefit most from browser-based platforms. The software becomes more accessible to traders who need quick access to charts and quotes.

Faster Access When Markets Move

CFD markets globally can respond swiftly to macroeconomic figures, central bank announcements, earnings news, commodity price fluctuations, and other geopolitical events.

JustMarkets’ web-based solution allows traders to respond to these events without the delay of installing software. While this cannot eliminate trading risk, it may improve the convenience of market access.

One Platform for Multiple CFD Markets

For CFD trading, browser-based trading terminals may be helpful, regardless of the asset class the trader uses. From forex and commodities to indices, stocks, and cryptocurrency CFDs, the trader can track multiple markets on a single online platform. It is particularly relevant in cases where traders monitor more than one instrument at a time or develop strategies based on overall market sentiment.

Simplicity for Everyday Trading

Not all traders require a complicated trading system for every decision they make. Often, what is needed are simple charts, live quotes, account details, and the ability to execute trades efficiently.

The JustMarkets web interface provides these core features through an uncomplicated web platform. New traders may find the platform easy to use, while experienced traders can use the web terminal to trade from wherever they happen to be.

Flexibility as the New Standard

Trading through the browser is part of a broader trend towards multiplatform trading. Traders are beginning to require greater flexibility in how they can access the market, including via desktop, mobile application, or the web.

However, the objective is not to replace other forms of trading altogether; rather, it is to provide greater flexibility to trade at a client’s convenience. For traders who require market access without an installation process, web-based trading offers an alternative platform.

Browser-Based Access Is Becoming Part of the Trader’s Routine

With an increasing number of traders moving across different platforms and seeking to trade faster in the global market, it is quite natural for web-based platforms to form part of the trading experience. JustMarkets has built its platform ecosystem with the provision of CFD instruments via platforms suited to various routines, ranging from desktop and mobile to browser-based platforms.

For the trader, the potential benefits include fewer technical steps, access to charting and order placement, and added convenience when following the forex, commodity, index, stock, and crypto CFD markets.

About JustMarkets

JustMarkets is a global financial CFD trading platform designed to eliminate technical “noise,” enabling investors to focus on what matters most: making accurate decisions. With modern infrastructure and professional services, JustMarkets serves as a reliable partner for CFD traders.

Risk Warning

Trading CFDs involves a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. CFDs are leveraged products and can result in rapid financial loss. Leverage increases market exposure and the potential for losses. Ensure you understand the risks involved before trading.

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SOURCE JustMarkets

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Constellation Cold Logistics (“Constellation”) announced today the appointment of Abhy Maharaj as Chief Executive Officer

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September 23, 2026

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LONDON, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Constellation, a leading platform in European cold storage and logistics, has today announced the appointment of Abhy Maharaj as its next CEO, effective 1 October 2026.

Abhy will succeed the current CEO, Carlos Rodriguez, who will move to the Advisory Board and support Constellation’s M&A strategy.  

Constellation Chair Nils S Andersen said: “On behalf of the board I would like to thank Carlos for his visionary leadership of Constellation over the last four years where the company has grown to become a European leader through acquisitions and developing new capacities in cooperation with our customers and market needs. We are delighted that he will join the board and continue to support our journey. Since joining in February 2025 as Chief Commercial Officer, Abhy has demonstrated his qualities in understanding the markets, engaging with customers, as well as leading the transformation and integration work. With his industry experience, he will provide competent leadership of Constellation during the next phase, where focus will continue to be on customer needs, growth opportunities and strengthening the operating platform. The board looks forward to the cooperation under his leadership.”

Carlos Rodriguez said: “I am delighted with Abhy’s appointment. He has proven to be an innovative, collaborative and results focused leader with a track record in growing businesses, transformation and operational excellence, together with automation and technology capabilities. Abhy is best positioned and has the Advisory Board’s full support to successfully implement the company’s strategic plan, I wish Abhy all the best. I would like to thank all Constellation employees for their outstanding support and commitment over the past four years.”

Abhy said: “It is an honour and privilege to succeed Carlos as CEO of Constellation. Thanks to his leadership, Constellation is well positioned for the future with a cohesive culture and sound growth pipeline. As incoming CEO, I am committed to leading the talented and hard-working people who make Constellation a great company and continue to generate long-term value. I look forward to continuing our close collaboration with our customers and suppliers to improve the European cold chain market.”

Before joining Constellation, Abhy held board and executive roles at NewCold Coöperatief, a developer and operator of highly automated cold storage warehousing. Prior to that, he spent 11 years in senior executive positions at Fonterra Cooperative Group, the world’s largest dairy exporter with sales in 130 countries. 

About Constellation: Constellation has become Europe’s leading independent cold storage and logistics provider with a presence in ten European countries, 1.2 million pallet positions of capacity and several expansion projects under implementation. The company is committed to its vision to be Europe’s most trusted logistics partner while maintaining its core values of Trust, Excellence, Entrepreneurship, and One Team. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/constellation-cold-logistics-constellation-announced-today-the-appointment-of-abhy-maharaj-as-chief-executive-officer-302886450.html

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