From a new Walmart membership scheme, to Le Creuset pans on their shiny new website, via Hollywood’s use of computer game tech, here’s what we’ve been reading this week.

From around the web:

Recode gives a run-down of Walmart+ – a membership program that’s being touted as an alternative to Amazon Prime. Benefits of Walmart+ are reported to be same-day delivery, discounts on fuel at Walmart gas stations, as well as early access to product deals and offers. Recode also refers to the rumours that Walmart will introduce video entertainment to the membership – costing $98 annually – which is perhaps linked to its recent unveiling of an online family entertainment program called CAMP by Walmart.

Le Creuset has a nice new website – “When they came to us, they asked about not just doing an online commerce revamp, but also thinking beyond that, and helping them revamp the whole direct to consumer proposition,” Ilia Uvarov, ECD at R/GA in London tells Creative Review. Lots of colour and some curvy-edged cards make this an enjoyable browsing experience.

Glossy covers menstrual care brands – with menstrual cup brand Saalt seeing a 60% uptick in sales between March and June compared to pre-Covid-19. Glossy suggests that this is down to the growing consumer desire for more relatable, transparent, and direct relationships with brands – something that Saalt has strived to create with its ‘brand persona akin to an “approachable best friend’s sister”’.

Why Hollywood needs computer games tech more than ever – This BBC News article uncovers how Covid-19 might accelerate the adoption of computer games technology in film production as Hollywood gets back up and running. In this interview, Kim Libreri, an award-winning VFX artist explains how the Unreal Engine, owned by Epic Games, could be further implemented in scenes such as those containing large crowds, something that is currently impossible to do with real life extras without involving risk of infection. He also explores examples of this kind of technology in recent blockbuster films and what impact its extended use may have on industry roles later down the line.

Yes, TikTok has a serious China problem – Zak Doffman provides a comprehensive summary of the reasoning behind India’s ban on TikTok – a region that was once the app’s biggest audience – and outlines the US government’s arguments for doing the same.

From Econsultancy:

Seven key stats marketers need to know from the China Internet Report 2020 – From 5G to livestreaming to older demographics online, an enlightening roundup of China’s internet landscape during coronavirus.

How banks can make loyalty more beneficial to customers – Historically, banking was a sector that had it easier than most when it comes to customer retention. Not so now, with digital giving rise to unbundling. How can banks fight back?

Have a great weekend…