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XCOTTON Joins the Conversation at IFA 2026: Why the Future of Commerce Goes Beyond Checkout

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LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK and LAS VEGAS, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the global consumer technology industry gathers in Berlin for IFA 2026, thousands of brands are showcasing what comes next: smarter devices, connected experiences, artificial intelligence, robotics, and technologies designed to change how people live and shop. But behind every new product is another part of the consumer journey that deserves just as much attention: What happens after the customer buys?

The Xcotton team is in Berlin during the event to connect with consumer brands, retailers, technology companies, and potential business partners. The conversations are focused on a broader question for modern commerce: how can brands create a better experience after checkout while reducing the risks that come with delivering products to customers around the world?

The Customer Journey Doesn’t End at Checkout

For years, e-commerce innovation has focused heavily on the path to purchase. Brands optimize advertising to attract shoppers, product pages to increase conversion, checkout flows to reduce abandonment, and promotions to encourage customers to buy.

But the transaction is only one moment in the customer relationship. After payment, the order still needs to be fulfilled, shipped, delivered, and supported. A package can be delayed, lost, stolen, or damaged. A customer may need a replacement or refund. A support team may suddenly have to spend time resolving a problem that had nothing to do with the product itself.

For global e-commerce brands, these challenges become even more important as order volumes increase and businesses expand into new markets. A single delivery problem may affect more than the cost of replacing a product. It can also create customer-service workload, additional shipping costs, refunds, negative reviews, and lost opportunities for repeat purchases.

For the customer, however, the distinction does not always matter. The customer bought from the brand. The delivery experience becomes part of the brand experience. That is why post-purchase experience is becoming an increasingly important part of modern commerce. The opportunity is to think beyond the transaction and manage the entire customer journey:

Purchase → Delivery → Protection → Support → Resolution → Retention

When brands approach these stages as part of one connected experience, post-purchase operations become more than a back-office function. They can become a competitive advantage. A great product can win the first purchase. How a brand handles an unexpected problem can influence whether it earns the next one.

XCOTTON: Turning Post-Purchase Protection Into Business Value

This is where Xcotton comes in. Xcotton helps modern e-commerce brands protect every order after checkout. As a U.S.-based post-purchase protection platform, Xcotton enables merchants to offer shipping protection, product protection, and insurance-backed coverage solutions designed to reduce delivery risk, improve customer experience, and create new revenue opportunities.

Xcotton’s reach extends beyond the U.S. Through its licensed insurance intermediary in France, Xcotton is authorized to provide compliant insurance solutions to merchants and consumers across the European Union. This international capability supports brands as they expand into new markets while helping them offer protection solutions aligned with local regulatory requirements.

The company’s approach is built around a straightforward idea: post-purchase protection should not be viewed only as a way to manage losses. It can also be part of the customer experience. When something goes wrong with an order, customers want to know three things: What happened? What can I do? And how quickly can it be resolved?

A clear protection experience can help answer those questions while giving merchants a structured way to manage unexpected delivery issues. For Xcotton, the goal is simple: Help brands turn post-purchase protection into a better customer experience and a smarter business advantage.

Why Protection Matters for Global E-Commerce

For brands selling across borders, post-purchase protection becomes particularly important as order values, shipping distances, and fulfillment complexity increase.

International shipments can move through multiple carriers, fulfillment centers, customs processes, and last-mile networks before reaching the customer. For higher-value or larger products, a delivery issue can create significant costs for both merchants and shoppers.

Xcotton helps brands address these risks with protection solutions designed around different stages of the customer journey—from shipping protection to product protection and extended warranty coverage.

This gives merchants a more structured way to protect purchases while giving customers greater confidence in the products they are investing in.

Modern Brands Are Selling More Than Products

The same trend can be seen across categories far beyond consumer electronics. Brands increasingly build their businesses around distinctive products, direct relationships, personalization, and customer experience.

LINTICO is a women’s natural-fabric clothing brand known for its linen womenswear. With linen at the heart of its collections, LINTICO focuses on thoughtfully chosen fibers and versatile pieces designed for everyday life, work, travel, and special occasions. Its philosophy, “Linen That Loves You Back,” reflects a focus on comfort, natural materials, and lasting appeal.

Lordhair is a men’s hair system brand serving customers in more than 120 countries. The company designs and manufactures its hair systems in-house, from ready-to-wear pieces to fully customized bases. Localized websites, native-language support, and one-to-one consultations help customers navigate fitting and aftercare while creating a more personalized buying experience.

MICAS represents the growing market for elevated modern womenswear, where product design, brand identity, digital commerce, and customer experience are increasingly interconnected.

Popilush is a global shapewear fashion brand combining fashion and functionality through its signature built-in shapewear designs. Founded by Eve DeMartine, the company creates one-piece dresses and confidence-enhancing apparel for women worldwide, with a strong focus on functional design, inclusive fashion, and body confidence.

These brands illustrate a common reality of modern commerce: Customers are not simply buying a product. They are buying confidence in the brand behind it. That confidence can be influenced by what happens before the purchase—and just as importantly, what happens afterward.

From Cost Center to Business Opportunity

Post-purchase protection has traditionally been associated with risk management.

A shipment is lost. A merchant replaces it.

A package arrives damaged. A refund is issued.

A customer reports a problem. The support team resolves it.

But this reactive model can overlook the larger opportunity. What if protection could be designed as part of the customer journey from the beginning? What if customers knew before they completed their purchase that there was a clear solution if something went wrong?

And what if merchants could use protection not only to reduce the financial impact of delivery problems, but also to improve customer confidence and create additional business value?

This represents a broader shift in how brands can think about post-purchase protection. It is not simply about covering a loss. It is about creating confidence around the purchase. For e-commerce brands competing for repeat customers, that confidence can matter.

XCOTTON Connects With Brands at IFA 2026

IFA 2026 provides an ideal environment for these conversations. The event brings together companies across consumer technology, retail, home appliances, smart home, AI, robotics, and emerging categories. For businesses developing the next generation of consumer products, reaching the customer is only one part of the challenge. Delivering that product successfully—and creating a positive experience afterward—is equally important.

In Berlin, Xcotton connects with:

E-commerce and direct-to-consumer brandsConsumer technology companiesRetailers and distributorsSmart home and connected-device businessesFashion and lifestyle brandsTechnology and logistics partnersCompanies expanding into international markets

The goal is to understand the challenges these businesses face after checkout and explore opportunities to build stronger post-purchase experiences together. The complete journey: Discover. Purchase. Deliver. Protect. Support. Retain.

The Future of Commerce Goes Beyond Checkout

IFA 2026 is showcasing technologies designed to make consumer lives smarter, more connected, and more convenient.

For commerce brands, however, the next evolution may not be limited to smarter products. It may also be about creating smarter experiences around those products. The customer journey does not end when the payment is processed. It continues through fulfillment, delivery, support, returns, protection, and resolution. And when something goes wrong, the response can become one of the most important moments in the relationship between a customer and a brand.

Post-purchase protection is not simply about protecting a package. It is about protecting customer trust. During IFA 2026 in Berlin, Xcotton connects with brands that are looking to explore how better post-purchase experiences can help modern e-commerce businesses reduce delivery risk, strengthen customer relationships, and create lasting value. The future of commerce doesn’t end at checkout. It begins there.

Contact: merchantsupport@xcotton.ai

 

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Sesame Software Named Fastest to Implement and Best Estimated ROI in G2’s Fall 2026 Reports, Previews Sesame Software 7.0

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Mid-market recognition from verified users caps a strong 2026 as the company announces the beta of its biggest platform release in years

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sesame Software, the Enterprise Data Management leader, today announced it has earned two mid-market badges in G2’s Fall 2026 reports, Fastest Implementation and Best Estimated ROI, based on verified user reviews. Heading into 2027, the company also previewed Sesame Software 7.0, its biggest platform release in years, with a beta opening this winter.

Recognized by G2 Users

The badges reflect what users say about Sesame Software: it’s up and running in minutes, needs no coding or data mapping, and pays for itself quickly. Teams use it to replicate data in near real time, build pipelines into warehouses like Snowflake, back up and archive records, and run verified migrations between systems.

“Customers don’t want a data project. They want their data where they need it, working as soon as possible,” said Joshua Demumbreum, Director of Product Operations, Sesame Software. “Hearing that back from users, in their own words, is a great way to close the year.”

Coming Soon: Sesame Software 7.0

What’s new in 7.0:

New interface: fewer clicks, easier navigation, clearer logs, and reporting on which records each job movesRebuilt engine: faster jobs, bigger data volumes and fewer failures, with data cleanup built into every jobRewritten connectors: simpler templates that behave the same across every connectorSimpler upkeep: Java 25 support, embedded Tomcat, and one-step upgrades

“After 30-plus years in enterprise data, 7.0 is our biggest step forward yet,” said Nathan Lugert, Senior Software Engineer, Sesame Software. “We can’t wait to get it into users’ hands.”

About Sesame Software

Sesame Software is the Enterprise Data Management leader, delivering data rapidly for enhanced reporting and analytics. Sesame Software’s data platform offers superior solutions for data warehousing, integration, as well as backup, and compliance to fit your business needs. Quickly connect to SaaS, on-premise, and cloud applications for accelerated insights. With over 30 years of expertise, Sesame Software helps businesses take back control of their data, access it from anywhere, ensure security and compliance, and unlock its power to grow.

Media Contact:
Kristen Besselsen, Director of Marketing
kristen.besselsen@sesamesoftware.com
www.sesamesoftware.com

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RS earned three awards at the 2026 Moxa Global Distributor Summit

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The three awards recognize RS for demonstrable leadership in small to medium-sized business sales, energy sector sales, and regional sales.

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RS, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, earned three top awards at the 2026 Moxa Global Distributor Summit. Held in Nashville, Tennessee, September 8–11, this exclusive summit welcomed Moxa team members and partners from all over the world to “Collaborate to Lead” and discuss business and strategy updates, emerging industrial infrastructure trends, secure OT connectivity, and next-generation technologies like AI data centers and energy storage.

RS combines immediate access to Moxa products with deep technical expertise to solve complex operational challenges.

During the event, Moxa — a global leader in industrial networking, computing, and edge connectivity solutions — presented RS Americas with its:

2026 Top Global Sales Award for small to medium-sized businesses2026 Top Global Sales Award for energy businesses2026 Platinum Award for top sales in the Americas region

These awards recognize RS for outstanding sales achievements and exceptional partnership in three key market segments. Together, RS and Moxa deliver secure network deployments and reliable edge connectivity for industrial automation customers across the manufacturing, energy, and commercial sectors.

“Partnering with Moxa enables us to provide industrial customers with the high-performance networking technologies they need to advance their digital transformation and build resilient operations,” said Marie Dawson, Sr. Director of Strategic Supplier Engagement at RS. “Earning three top honors at the 2026 Moxa Global Distributor Summit validates our approach — combining immediate access to quality Moxa products with deep technical expertise to solve complex operational challenges and keep critical infrastructure running across industries.”

“RS continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing edge connectivity and network reliability across key industrial sectors,” said Mat Stewart, Vice President of Sales at Moxa. “We are proud to recognize the RS Americas team for their exceptional global and regional performance over the past year and look forward to building on this momentum together.”

To learn more about the RS portfolio of Moxa products and solutions, visit the embedded links.

PR Image Download:
RS Moxa Awards PR.jpg

PR Image Caption:
The RS Americas team accepted three top sales performance awards at the 2026 Moxa Global Distributor Summit. Pictured from left to right: Moxa Americas Vice President of Sales Mat Stewart, RS Americas Product Director Chris Cole, RS Americas Eastern Regional Sales Manager John Allen, RS Americas Senior Director of Strategic Supplier Engagement Marie Dawson, RS Americas Supplier Manager Evie Hooper, RS Americas Category Manager Megan Shaw, Moxa Americas Director of Channel Sales Pat Sweeney, RS Americas Product Portfolio Manager Gary Guess, and Moxa Americas President Chad Chesney.

About RS
RS is a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably. We operate in 33 markets, stock over 875,000 industrial and specialist products, and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations. We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital, and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference. Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people, planet, and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1, and in the year ended March 31, 2026, reported revenue of $3,871.07 million. For more information, please visit https://www.rsgroup.com/ or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

About RS in the Americas
In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers. These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 90,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit https://us.rs-online.com or connect with us via social media on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries:
Laurie Tortorello, Director of People & Culture Communications, RS Americas
Laurie.Tortorello@rsgroup.com

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Union Home Mortgage Selected for USDA Rural Development Delegated Authority Pilot Program

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One of six lenders chosen nationwide to deliver an enhanced USDA loan experience for eligible rural borrowers

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Union Home Mortgage (UHM), a high-growth independent mortgage banking company with a world-class culture, announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to participate in the expanded Delegated Authority Lender Interactive Test Environment (LITE) Pilot Program for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, further strengthening the company’s ability to serve homebuyers in rural communities across the country. UHM is one of six lenders nationwide chosen to join the initiative, which begins on December 1, 2026.

The pilot program grants participating lenders greater authority in the loan approval and closing process, allowing qualified borrowers to move through the mortgage journey more efficiently while maintaining rigorous underwriting and compliance standards. By reducing pre-closing approval requirements from USDA, the program is designed to accelerate loan processing timelines and expand homeownership opportunities for eligible families in rural communities across the country.

“We are honored to partner with USDA Rural Development to help rural borrowers access more opportunities to achieve the dream of homeownership, which is one of the most powerful ways to build financial stability and strengthen communities,” said Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage. “Being selected for this pilot program reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and innovative solutions to our borrowers, and we thank USDA for entrusting us with this increased responsibility.”

Through the USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, eligible low- and moderate-income borrowers can access affordable financing options, including 100% financing for homes in qualifying rural areas. According to USDA Rural Development, homebuyers can buy existing, build new, or cover the cost of rehabilitating, improving, or relocating a home with a Single Family Housing loan guarantee. As a participant in the Delegated Authority LITE Pilot Program, UHM will be positioned to deliver these benefits with greater speed and efficiency while continuing to provide personalized guidance throughout the homebuying journey.

The selection further underscores UHM’s reputation as a trusted lending partner and aligns with the lender’s focus on responsible growth, operational excellence, and expanding access to affordable mortgage solutions in communities of all sizes.

For more information about Union Home Mortgage, visit www.uhm.com. For information about USDA Rural Development housing programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

About Union Home Mortgage
Union Home Mortgage Corp. (UHM) is a high-growth, full-service retail, wholesale, and consumer direct independent mortgage banking company with branches across the U.S. in 49 states + D.C. UHM is an in-house loan servicer offering world-class customer service through high touch communication & technology. A privately held family business, with a collaborative culture that stands out in the mortgage industry, UHM Partners (employees) are guided by a Code of Conduct that emphasizes respect, open communication, and accountability. All these principles translate to industry-leading customer retention and satisfaction. Some honors include being a Six-Year USA TODAY Top Workplace and a Twelve-Year Northeast Ohio Top Workplace. Learn more at www.uhm.com.

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