Observed Signal · Oct 27, 2022 · Other · Source: CMSWire · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
CX Seen as Key to Surviving 'Skimpflation'
The article examines how brands can maintain customer experience during inflation-driven 'skimpflation'—a situation where consumers pay more but receive less due to companies cutting product quality or service. Citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing a 9.1% annual consumer price increase, the largest in 40 years, the piece highlights shifts in consumer behavior such as canceling subscriptions and switching to lower-cost providers. Vasili Triant, COO of UJET, argues that customer service now differentiates brands more than price, recommending AI-powered conversational tools and modernized contact centers. Jason Raymer, VP at iQmetrix, advises aligning IT resources with business needs, offering multiple sales channels, and supporting buy-now-pay-later options. The article concludes that even during economic downturns, investing in customer experience can drive loyalty and long-term profitability.
Feature article providing CX strategy advice from industry executives during inflation; no major product launch, funding, or regulatory news.
Track Amazon Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Consumer prices in the U.S. rose 9.1% over the year ended June 2022, the largest increase in 40 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- UJET research shows customers are canceling subscriptions, moving to lower-cost providers, and negotiating contracts in response to rising costs.
- Vasili Triant, COO of UJET, recommends using conversational AI and modernizing contact centers to maintain CX during inflation.
- Jason Raymer, VP at iQmetrix, advises brands to align IT resources with business needs and offer multiple sales channels.
- A C+R Research survey found that 60% of consumers polled have used a buy now, pay later service.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Raymer said the whole experience should not prompt consumers to cross-shop the brand with Amazon or other online retailers....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and six other major tech firms—Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata, and Wipro—from the U.S. Permanent Labor Certification program, which facilitates green cards for skilled foreign workers. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations and alleged fraud, noting that no new or pending applications from these companies will be accepted. Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft defended its practices, stating that most U.S. employees are American and that 80% of its H-1B petitions were for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, and the administration also plans to investigate nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, over student visa program abuse.
AWS Announces Golden Age of Science Accelerator, Commits Up to $50 Million in Cloud Credits to Support White House Expansion of Genesis Mission
AWS announces a new accelerator committing up to $50 million in cloud credits to support the White House expansion of the Genesis Mission. Other new press releases include Kodiak AI choosing AWS for autonomous trucking, Nasdaq Calypso launching agentic capabilities, and more.
Amazon unveils new Alexa tablets with AI and Google Play
Amazon has announced a new generation of tablets under the Alexa brand, including the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 8. All devices run on Android, integrate the AI assistant Alexa+, and for the first time offer direct access to the full Google Play Store, allowing users to install apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Gmail alongside Amazon services. The tablets feature various screen sizes, processors, and battery lives, with prices starting at $229.99. A special Kindle reading mode and new kids' models with parental controls have also been introduced. Sales begin in North America on October 8, with shipping from October 14, and European availability, including Germany, starts October 19.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.