Salsify's research reveals that 67% of shoppers consider product quality and value as the key factors driving brand trust, with 68% willing to pay more for trusted brands. The top indicators of quality are durability and longevity (54%), positive customer reviews (47%), and brand reputation (45%). Transparency, especially among millennials, is also crucial, with 42% valuing clear ingredient or material information. Competitive pricing ranks lower, influencing only 35% of shoppers, indicating price alone rarely drives purchases. Consistent and accurate product information across all digital touchpoints is essential, as inconsistencies or lack of reviews can cause 42% of shoppers to abandon their carts.

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are digital records linked to individual products that provide essential verified information, such as materials, origin, and durability. Beyond compliance, DPPs offer brands consistent, trustworthy data at scale, thus solving the ongoing problem of fragmented and unreliable product information. By promoting a circular economy, DPPs support product reuse, repair, and extended value, potentially doubling a product's lifetime by enabling resale and refurbishment opportunities. Salsify's report highlights that 54% of consumers consider durability and longevity as top indicators of quality, aligning perfectly with DPPs' functionality. Furthermore, as shoppers increasingly verify product details across various channels, DPPs serve as a reliable source of truth, enhancing both consumer trust and AI-driven recommendations.

The article "Shaping Your Social Media Strategy for the Latest Trends" by Satta Sarmah Hightower emphasizes the importance of staying updated with industry content to enhance digital shelf presence. It suggests subscribing to "Below the Fold," a monthly newsletter providing insights for commerce leaders. This newsletter helps businesses keep up with trends and effectively engage prospects by delivering compelling content that conveys strong messages. The focus is on leveraging up-to-date information to maintain a competitive edge in digital commerce.

Pantone's Color of the Year drives brand collaborations, such as with Joybird, Pura, and Play-Doh, to create themed products like scented diffusers and toys. Salsify research reveals that 39% of shoppers check two to three channels before buying big-ticket items like furniture, and 41% make such purchases online. Brands can boost engagement by using visually appealing images and videos (61% effectiveness) and incorporating customer ratings, reviews, and user-generated content (57% effectiveness). For instance, Pura translates the color into scents like fresh citrus and florals to appeal to consumers. Additionally, targeting Gen Alpha is key, as they influence 43% of household purchases, making family-friendly content and trends like Pantone's a smart strategy for brands.