Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of holiday shopping shifted online.
A 2020 report from McKinsey & Company showed that 37% of respondents intended to spend more money online during the holidays compared to their spending last 2019. The report surveyed a whopping 3,500 shoppers from United States, United Kingdom, China, Germany, and France. Additionally, Chinese e-commerce giants JD.com and Alibaba set new records by racking up about US$115 billion in sales across their websites during the 2020 Singles Day event.
“2020 has been a year of accelerated (digitalization) and we believe that it is a shift to online lifestyles that is broad, deep, and irreversible.” – Terence Pang, COO of Shopee
As the online shopping scene continues to flourish, retailtainment has become a viable tool for sellers. As the name suggests, retailtainment is the fusion of “retail” and “entertainment”. It is all about enhancing the consumer’s experience by injecting enjoyable and amusing twists into the shopping experience. Sellers must focus on creating different experiences that induce an emotion.
MIXING LIVE STREAMING AND E-COMMERCE
Simply opening an online store or establishing a social media presence cannot cut it these days. You need to stand out from the rest by harnessing the latest technology and using other methods to improve the consumer’s shopping experience. This is where retailtainment and live streaming comes in.
Live streaming refers to broadcasting yourself in real-time. In Singapore, the live streaming e-commerce took off over the last couple of years due to the restrictions brought by the pandemic. Retailers could no longer rely on foot traffic alone!
In fact, media intelligence firm Meltwater reported that conversations around live streams and gamification of the online shopping experience in Singapore rose by 1890% on social media platforms and forums since March 2020.
Online marketplaces such as Lazada, Zalora, and Qoo19 used the power of live streams to increase their sales and digital traffic. Several brick-and-mortar retailers have used live streams for the same reasons too.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
When it comes to live streaming or live selling, creating and maintaining good relationships with the consumers is the key to success. It is all about building credibility through quality products and service. These factors will keep your consumers constantly engaged and eager to buy more products. Good relationships can help you turn ordinary online shoppers into loyal customers.
Wordle, the daily game that is taking the Internet by storm, is a relatively simple word game.
Players must guess a five-letter word within six tries. The game tells you if you placed the correct letters or if you guessed the correct word. If the letter you typed is right and is in the correct spot, it displays as green. If the letter you typed is right and is in the wrong spot, it displays as yellow. If the letter you typed does not belong to the word, it shows up as gray.
The mechanics may seem complicated at first, but you will get used to it. Here are a few useful tips to get you started!
#1: PICK COMMONLY USED LETTERS
Do not waste your first guess with random words. Instead, pick a word that includes many vowels or a word that includes frequently used consonants. For instance, “table” is a great word that includes two commonly used vowels “a” and “e” as well as a frequently used consonant “t”. Another good word to begin with is “audio”, which can get rid of four out of five vowels immediately.
Steer away from words that involve uncommonly used consonants such as “x”, “q”, and “z” on your first guess. Remember that the point of your first guess is to narrow down your search.
#2: EXPAND YOUR VOCABULARY
Is your vocabulary getting rusty? Enhance it through reading. Vocabulary is a tool that you can bring with you while playing this game. The more words you know, the better you will do at Wordle.
While you can get clues through the color displays, using these clues to figure out the solution requires knowledge of the English language. So, reading non-fiction or fiction books as well as playing text-heavy video games can help strengthen your vocabulary.
#3: TRY TO IDENTIFY PATTERNS
Patterns are your best friend when it comes to playing Wordle. Try to identify patterns that commonly used words have. For instance, “q” will almost always be followed by “u” in the English language.
Moreover, the most common letters at the beginning of an English word are a, d, o, t, and w. Lastly, the most common letters at the end of an English word are d, e, s, and t.
#4: NEVER USE THE GRAYED-OUT LETTERS AGAIN
Beginners at Wordle can make the mistake of using the letters displayed in gray. If the letter you typed does not belong to the word, it shows up as gray. You will be wasting your chances if you use the grayed-out letters again. Focus on the in-game keyboard to help you decide which letters to use.
#5: PLAY IT DAILY
To expand your vocabulary and to familiarize yourself with how the game works, you can play it every day. Wordle and other word games are good for your brain and can be beneficial in other areas of your life.
Image Credits: powerlanguage.co.uk/wordle
Word games are all about communication and problem solving. After the past few years, I think the world could use a game to help improve communication and to help decompress stress.
When it comes to the best music streaming services, Apple Music and Spotify immediately pop into our minds! After all, these two music streaming providers are leading the charts in paid subscribers. Carrying distinctive features that cater to specific users, it can be hard to choose between the two.
So, let us dig a little deeper into their traits to see which is the ideal music streaming service for you!
AUDIOPHILE-GRADE STREAMING EXPERIENCE: APPLE MUSIC
In February 2021, Spotify announced that it will be releasing its Spotify HiFi tier. This is an upgraded level of streaming that aims to deliver lossless CD-quality music. Upon its release, it will only be available in selected regions. However, Spotify users have yet to see any signs of HiFi anywhere. By default, Spotify sets its streaming quality to automatic. This setting depends on your connection strength – whether you are using Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
On the other hand, Apple Music recently released its high-resolution streaming options at no extra cost. Apple has developed its own lossless audio compression technology called Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). With it, you can experience 16-bit/44.1kHz, 24-bit/48kHz, and 24-bit/192kHz streaming and Spatial Audio through Dolby Atmos.
POCKET-FRIENDLY PLANS: APPLE MUSIC
Both Spotify and Apple Music offer three-month free trials for their premium versions. When comparing the prices of the plans, Apple Music is minutely cheaper than Spotify Premium.
Here is a comparative list:
Apple Music
Spotify Premium
Free Trial
3 months
3 months
Student Plan
S$4.98/month
S$4.99/month
Standard Plan
S$9.98/month
S$9.99/month
Family Plan
S$14.98/month
S$14.98/month
FREE VERSION: SPOTIFY
If you are not willing to spend money on a music streaming service, you can download Spotify and use its free version. There is a catch! Spotify Free is supported by advertisers, so expect to listen to these ads.
You also cannot download your favorite songs or access the offline mode. This free version will either use your cellular data or connect to your Wi-Fi whenever you stream.
MOST FLEXIBLE STREAMING SERVICE: SPOTIFY
Choosing Apple Music is a no brainer if you are stuck in the Apple ecosystem and are blessed with a wealth of iTunes music. In contrast, Spotify welcomes both its Apple and Android users.
You can also stream your Spotify playlist across various devices from smart speakers to game consoles and smartphones. There is also a robust range of podcasts and concerts.
WHICH MUSIC STREAMING SERVICES SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
As a personal preference, I prefer using Spotify Premium on my Android and Apple devices due to its superior song recommendation algorithm. If Spotify suddenly stopped its services and I had to switch to Apple Music, it would not be so bad.
You need to choose a service that suits your personal and financial preferences. Save money on your subscription by getting the Family Plan. Spotify and Apple Music offer Family Plans at S$14.98/month. You can share your subscription with five other people. Thus, your contribution will amount to about S$2.50/month/person.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Are there only three members in your family? Do not worry about sharing your plan with your actual family members! You can form a group of friends or co-workers instead.
The health of you and your family is greatly influenced by the quality of air in your home. We no longer need simple indicators that the air in our homes is contaminated – the fact that our nation is among those with the most polluted air in the world is more than enough to convince us that clean and fresh air is more than a luxury.
Most air purifiers are simple to use. On the most basic level, you may just switch it on and forget about it. However, by following these easy air purifier guidelines, you can maximize your air purifier’s usage and effectiveness. Learn how to operate an air purifier successfully in the video below.
If this is your first time purchasing an air purifier, you’re probably wondering where the ideal area to install the air purifier is. You should be aware that the position of your air purifier is really important.
Horizontal air intakes and vertical air exits are common features of air purifiers. Any items should not obstruct the air movement of the air purifiers. Maintain a distance of at least 15 cm from the drapes or walls.
It is critical that the purifier be placed on a level surface, such as the floor, nightstand, or table. A flat platform, whether it has a stand or caster wheels, provides stability and assures superior performance.
Lift the air purifier with a stool to collect the smoke more effectively. Place it in the center of the room if possible. HEPA air purifiers should not be used in humid areas, such as the bathroom, since the fibrous media filters will get dampened.
Air purifiers perform best in confined spaces. When the air purifier is turned on, keep the windows and doors closed. Otherwise, cleaning the air in your room would take an eternity.
All of the fresh air will vanish if you leave a window open! In restricted settings, air purifiers perform better. Having said that, we do urge that you open doors and windows to air out your house regularly. Simply switch off your air purifier before avoiding wasting power. However, ventilation is required for clean interior air. Open the windows from time to time to allow fresh air into the room.
Keep The Purifier Running 24/7
Keep your air purifier running at all times. If you’re concerned about energy consumption, reduce the fan speed. (Fortunately, most air purifiers use approximately the same amount of electricity as your computer.)
This helps to save money in the long term while still preserving cleaner, purer air. Because the air quality in your house is always changing, air purification is a continual process. You can’t expect your air to stay pure if you operate an air purifier for a couple of hours. We also advocate leaving your air purifier on when you leave town; otherwise, you’ll come home to contaminated air.
Filters fitted with molecular sieve 13X should be replaced regularly to ensure optimal efficiency. Air purifier filters decrease effectiveness as time passes and more contaminants are collected. To keep your air purifier running smoothly, follow the filter replacement instructions in your owner’s handbook.
You may wash your air purifier’s washable fabric pre-filter in the washing machine. Clean a washable mesh pre-filter with lukewarm water. Some liquid detergents can be used. Before reinstalling the pre-filters, make sure they are completely dry. Cleaning the pre-filter should be done at least twice a month.
If the pre-filters cannot be washed, vacuum with a gentle brush head.
Some air purifiers have laser dust sensors. They use complex algorithms to count the particles in the laser beam.
The sensor’s lens becomes clogged with dust and dirt as a result of its sensitivity. Clean the glass lens at least once a month to ensure accurate sensor data.
Clean the dust sensor twice a month during pollination seasons or wildfire outbreaks.
Every air purifier has a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) score, which you may use to determine the best room coverage depending on your desired air exchange rate. However, there are certain system losses in the real world.
It is difficult for an air purifier, no matter how powerful the airflow, to capture contaminants from every part of the room. This is especially true at corners that are obstructed by things like flower glass jars and dressers.
You may remedy this problem by using a fan to properly circulate the air in the room. You can also use two or more air purifiers, especially if your space is large.
Place the fan in regions where the purifier may be found.
Conclusion
An air purifier aids in the removal of impurities from the air in your home or business. When used correctly, it may keep you and your family safe by effectively removing contaminants. They can also help you sleep better. Overall, it will boost your productivity and quality of life.
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using or maintaining an air purifier.
Singaporeans love their food and the majority of us would flock to a newly opened F&B establishment when we catch news of it.
As most of us are supporters of the slogan ”Diet can start tomorrow”, we’re giving you a chance to continue with the Chinese New Year wave of sumptuous food with these relatively new-in-town food offerings. From laksa steamboat to siew baos and Din Tai Fung-style fried rice, here are all the F&B establishments you need to visit in February.
San Laksa, a steamboat restaurant on Kitchener Road, has reopened after 14 years in Telok Blangah. San Laksa’s owner claims that they are our sunny island’s first laksa steamboat expert.
If you like laksa, you certainly have to taste their famous laksa steamboat, which is a great combination of local culture and flavor. With a creamy coconut flavor and a tinge of spice, their classic curry laksa soup is offered. Please do ask for more chili if you have a spicier palette and prefer a pot that can match up to your taste buds. Lobster with laksa is one of San Laksa’s newest and more pricey selections, and there’s a CNY Lobster Promotion Set from S$88++ running till 15 February. Reservations are necessary, so phone them immediately to reserve your set!
Fei Lou Fatt is housed in a shophouse on Upper Thomson Road and will open to the public on 8 February. The founder of the famous Sembawang white bee hoon restaurant business has created this casual eatery.
A range of prawn and pork rib noodles with prawn soup that is slow-cooked every day for over 10 hours is the highlight of Fei Lou Fatt. It’s difficult not to get drunk in prawns, from basic prawn noodle bowls to large prawn noodle bowls and prawn & braised pork ribs noodles. If you want to go all out, get the Fei Lou Noodle, which includes abalones, giant prawns, and herb-braised pork ribs in mouthwatering prawn broth. Dry variations with specialty hae bee hiam will also be available.
Do you want to enjoy a box of baked crispy pork buns with your family? Mr Shao Bao is owned by a Singapore Permanent Resident who received training in Seremban to gain knowledge on how to produce the pastry and observe how things were run at a well-known 40-year-old siew bao store in Negeri Sembilan’s capital.
Traditional siew baos with a unique touch is the focus of Mr Shao Bao’s menu. Siew baos adorned with a piece of cheddar cheese or covered with the sweet crust of a bolo bun are now on the menu. There are also floss and bacon versions. According to the brand, a truffle rendition might be launched soon.
Little Grain Coffee, as the name implies, is a little takeout shop with only two al-fresco counter chairs that recently debuted outside Lucky Plaza. The cute cafe was founded by the same people that brought you Grain Alley in Orchard Central and Grain Works at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.
Little Grain Coffee’s menu includes a variety of teas and coffees, as well as alcoholic beverages starting at S$5.80. Salads, desserts, and pastries are also available as light nibbles to accompany your drinks. Those who are lactose sensitive may appreciate the fact that oat milk is available as a substitute at no additional costs.
The Butcher’s Dining is a posh butcher’s shop that also doubles as a grocery store. A trendy Korean couple who formerly owned a Japanese restaurant at Odeon Towers, as well as other Korean and Italian F&B establishments in shopping malls, are behind this initiative.
Our focus is on the connected café, which is helmed by a Korean head chef who formerly worked at Daniel Boulud’s DB Bistro & Oyster Bar at Marina Bay Sands and Meatsmith, a prominent American barbecue restaurant. Old-school pork cutlets, spicy pork kimbap, and rice with bulgogi-like meat are all on the menu. We suggest wrapping your meal up with an MIMC Jeju Tangerine Pound Cake.
Location: Bukit Merah Central Food Centre, 163 Bukit Merah Central, #02-35, Singapore 150163
Ah Keat Chicken Rice was founded by a Culinary Institute of America 2020 alumnus who worked as an apprentice at Shunfu Mart Food Centre’s Leong Hainanese Chicken Rice before his venture.
You can expect the chicken meat to be soft and juicy, with the right film of gelatin behind the skin. Also aromatic, springy, and not overly greasy or salty is the rice. We certainly don’t need to go much further in the description, especially when coupled with the appetite-inducing house-made chili-ginger sauce. Greens, liver, and gizzards, as well as a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk, can be added to upgrade your plate. For a lower-calorie meal, try their signature porridge instead.
Location: Block 69 Bedok South Avenue 3, #01-498, Singapore 460069
Ding Gua Gua Fried Rice is overseen by a chef with 13 years of Din Tai Fung experience and a former restaurant manager who has worked with Din Tai Fung before. They’re joined by a partner who manages the company’s back-end operations.
You would have guessed that the simple hawker stall specializes in fried rice, and of course, one inspired by Din Tai Fung. There are four different types of fried rice to pick from, each with shrimp, luncheon meat, a fried pork chop, or Taiwanese sausage. Spicy crunchy cucumber, hot and sour soup, and handmade crispy prawn fritters are among the side dishes available on the menu.
