Paul Harraby

Loves digital & strategy. Obsessed with sporting performance.
Drawn to Bauhaus, design, and architecture.

[Acyn @Acyn]

Neguse: Where is this company headquartered?

Noem: I don’t know.

Neguse: I don’t know either. We can’t find it. We did find an address that’s registered to a political operative. This company that received 143 million dollars was incorporated 8 days before this contract went out.

You want the American people to believe that this is all above board, that $143 million of taxpayer money just happened to go to this one company that doesn't have a headquarters, doesn't have a website, has never done work for the federal government before and is registered apparently or attached to a residence from a political operative, and of course one of the subcontractors of that contract, as you know, is a political firm that's tied to, to you back when you were governor of South Dakota?

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Return the Water Industry to Public Ownership - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/65pmoDRlH4 via @UKChange

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Introduce legislation to end sewage discharges in Windermere - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/SDFdUOm0Wr via @UKChange

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Wanzl UK & AiFi bring frictionless shopping to Brighton & Hove Albion FC's stadium. Enhancing fan experience with checkout-free tech. #RetailTech #SportsInnovation #FrictionlessRetail

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

OpenAI is introducing new teen safety features for ChatGPT to address concerns about minors' interactions with AI chatbots. The company is developing an age-prediction system to identify users under 18, directing them to an age-appropriate version of ChatGPT that blocks graphic sexual content. If the system detects signs of suicide or self-harm, it will notify parents and might contact authorities in cases of imminent danger.

By the end of September 2025, OpenAI plans to introduce parental controls, allowing parents to link their child’s account, manage conversations, disable features, receive distress notifications, and set usage time limits. These initiatives come amid alarming reports of suicides and violence linked to AI chatbot interactions, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers and the Federal Trade Commission. OpenAI is also under a court order to preserve consumer chats indefinitely, a policy it opposes. Internal sources at OpenAI reveal the burden researchers feel to create engaging yet safe user experiences, highlighting the lack of federal regulation compelling companies to prioritise safety. Research on ChatGPT usage excludes data on users under 18, leaving gaps in understanding how teens interact with AI.

#AI #aisafety

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Google has recently published a new guide to assist merchants with their pricing strategies for Shopping ads and free listings.

This guide, "Understanding Product Pricing," launched on 12 September 2025. It covers fundamental pricing concepts such as standard and temporary sale prices, along with annotations that show original and discounted rates. It also introduces advanced features, including automated price updates and AI-powered discounts across inventory. Merchants might also consider currency conversion for international markets.

The guide outlines special programmes, including regional and promotion-based pricing. Loyalty-specific pricing can also incentivise repeat customers. Flexible payment options, like subscription costs or instalment plans, are also introduced to enhance consumer choice. Pricing is a critical and competitive element for Shopping ads.

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

@malonebarry Such a great question. I miss the ’90s, with comedy bits about socks disappearing in the dryer

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

A University of Pennsylvania study reveals psychological tricks can 'jailbreak' AI models like GPT-4o-mini. Techniques mimicking human persuasion bypassed guardrails...https://t.co/pDXJBJIHnF #AI #LLMs #Psychology

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Google has announced a significant shift to a monthly release cycle for its Google Ads API, commencing in 2026, aimed at providing more frequent updates and enhancements to its users. This new schedule entails approximately three to four major releases each year, alongside several minor releases that will introduce incremental, non-breaking features. For example, V23 is scheduled for January, followed by V24 in April, V25 in July, and V26 in October, with each major version supported for about a year.

This adjusted frequency is designed to minimise migration burdens for API developers, thereby ensuring smoother transitions between updates. Tentative sunset dates for older versions in 2026, such as V19 in February and V22 in October, reflect this approach. Google maintains that these 2026 release dates are estimates and may be subject to change. This change promises quicker access to new functionalities, which is particularly significant for developers and marketers using the Google Ads API in custom or third-party software.

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

What have we learned from Black Friday 2024 to prepare for 2025? A new report highlights key trends for eCommerce retailers.

Black Friday 2024 saw a 3.1% revenue increase, proving its importance. However, bounce rates rose by 3.8%, showing more shoppers left without engaging. Specialist retailers performed better than multi-category ones. Customer engagement shifts include a decline in direct mail traffic and a rise in paid social, with conversions at 4.6%.

A notable change is that 36.9% of sessions now begin on product pages. Reviewing 2024 data is crucial for 2025 strategies. While bounce rates increased, basket abandonment slightly improved, and checkout abandonment remained stable. Removing payment obstacles, offering diverse methods, and providing higher discounts are key for boosting conversions.

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Have UK households been managing their credit card debt? Recent FICO data from June 2025 indicates a complex financial picture.

While UK credit card spending has increased slightly month-on-month, it remains lower year-on-year, reflecting seasonal summer trends. However, outstanding credit card balances have risen, suggesting growing debt levels. The proportion of balances paid off has declined, highlighting financial strain. Although some missed payment trends show improvement, the percentage of customers missing two payments has increased. Cash withdrawals on credit cards are also up, raising concerns for lenders. FICO emphasises the need for card issuers to support vulnerable customers due to ongoing cost of living pressures and unregulated Buy Now Pay Later payments.

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

UK shoppers trust peer reviews more than influencers (65% vs 58%). Accurate product data is key to avoid returns.
<https://t.co/dK62b0ipZX> #Ecommerce #ConsumerBehaviour #RetailTrends

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

@PSASquashTour @tamimi__94 Stunning point!

[Finance News @ftfinancenews]

AI start-up Anthropic valued at $170bn in expanded funding round https://t.co/AdegFgy6dA

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

@infobeautiful Absolutely love this visual!

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

@PSASquashTour @Yousseefibrahim That shot was something.

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Qualcomm has launched Dragonwing Q-6690, the first enterprise mobile processor with integrated UHF RFID, 5G, and AI. This new chip will enable significant innovation in retail, logistics, and manufacturing. Decathlon and EssilorLuxottica are already adopting the Q-6690, leveraging its features to enhance efficiency and customer experiences. The RAIN Alliance hails it as a seismic shift for the IoT, unlocking productivity via automated checkout and inventory management. This technology could redefine consumer-product interactions.

#RetailTech #Qualcomm #RFID

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Paradies Lagardère partners with TruRating, a consumer intelligence platform. This integration aims to enhance customer experience across over 100 North American airport locations. The collaboration captures real-time feedback, providing valuable insights at the point of transaction. This data-driven approach allows Paradies Lagardère to optimize service and operational efficiency. It might elevate the overall airport experience, tailoring services to meet passenger needs. TruRating helps listen to customers at scale, driving actionable insights. This initiative aligns with broader trends in retail technology innovation. Consumer intelligence is a key focus for the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards. #TravelRetail #ConsumerIntelligence #AirportExperience

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

UK e-commerce, driven by AI, is evolving rapidly. Forrester reports 16% of retail sales are online, projected to grow by 8.9% in 2025. British consumers value convenience and transparency. Social media influences product discovery; 54% research online before in-store purchases. Click and Collect is vital. Sustainability impacts buying decisions; 38% pay more for eco-friendly products. Brand loyalty is strong, at 66%. Gen Z buys directly from creators. Despite online growth, 63% still shop in-store weekly. UK brands use retail media, marketplaces, and AI to meet expectations while navigating data policies. Retail leaders integrate content, commerce, and technology to boost conversions. The RTIH AI in Retail Awards celebrate global AI innovation. #RetailTech #ECommerce #AIInnovation

[Paul Harraby @_DigitalStrat]

Waterstones in the UK is seeing a sales surge. This is due to Gen Z and the #BookTok trend. Young people want less screen time. They prefer browsing physical stores. Waterstones CEO James Daunt attributes growth to enjoyable in-store experiences. Sales revenue rose 5%. This is driven by increased book sales and higher prices. Younger adults are collecting physical books. They find it an affordable, screen-free activity. This movement is a genuine desire to read and discuss books. It highlights a cultural shift towards physical engagement. Traditional stores might play a vital role. Retailers innovate to appeal to younger demographics. Technology and post-purchase experiences are critical for sustained success. Physical stores will be a focus at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards. #RetailRevival #BookTok #GenZ