In today’s hyper-connected globe, the meaning of national identity is no longer rigid, and we’re seeing a dissolution of cultural borders as we travel through our devices. This shift in mentality is happening against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop as countries prioritise regional allies.

Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

Frustrations with ultra-fast delivery models in large cities are resulting in community, and even legislative, action. As countries begin to emerge from the pandemic, delivery apps will have to evolve to offer more than just speed while being conscious of the communities they operate in.

Grocery home delivery in France is in its infancy but has seen massive acceleration due to the pandemic. While it’s become more normalised, speed isn’t a strength. Cajoo wants to change that, offering Parisians groceries in as little as 15 minutes, all while matching supermarket prices.

Lockdowns catapulted grocery delivery services to success in many cities around the world, with apps like Getir, Weezy, and Gorillas offering to send goods to people’s doors in just ten minutes. But is lightning-fast delivery sustainable? And are there other ways to offer convenience without speed?

Like other cities across the world, the atmosphere of Anger’s town centre evaporated during state-wide lockdowns. Capturing the local spirit, Angersshoppping.com is a new online marketplace where the city’s retailers can participate in the new cutting-edge era of retail.