Discovery—not influencers—is what separates TikTok and Amazon’s ecommerce businesses: The retail giant is trying to replicate TikTok’s success via its “Inspire” video feed.
The next phase of direct-to-consumer (D2C) retail won’t be defined by a singular distribution strategy, but rather by the goal of making a real connection with customers. To get to the next level, D2Cs must use their physical presence, partnerships, marketing dollars, and customer data.
Despite slower spending growth, both companies managed to pull in more customers—positioning them well in the long term.
Amazon institutes delivery fees for most Amazon Fresh orders: The move should offset some fulfillment costs, but could also drive shoppers to cheaper grocers.
Walmart chips away at Amazon’s marketplace dominance: The big-box retailer is offering discounts for new sellers just as Amazon raises fees.
Buy with Prime launch could be a turning point for Shopify: The ecommerce platform raised prices and diversified its retailer appeal to protect revenues, but could still take a hit should merchants flock to its biggest rival.
The cloud can help retailers manage their inventories, create smart pricing strategies, and improve the employee experience. The cloud can even make it easier for retailers to increase personalization.
Housing market-related brands and retailers face a tough road ahead: Sherwin-Williams is pessimistic about its ability to grow given high inflation and a weak US housing market.
Intel’s comeback hits a snag: One of the first technology companies to resort to layoffs and restructuring last year is bracing for billions of dollars in losses and a longer runway to recovery.
Forty-one percent of US shoppers think the in-store experience has gotten worse since the pandemic: Most blame the decline on poor or inadequate staff, underscoring the need for retailers to invest in their workers.
The card network’s volume grew 7% YoY in its fiscal Q1. Falling fintech valuations might help fuel long-term growth for Visa.
H&M barely made a profit in Q4: Cost pressures and a strong dollar continue to weigh on the retailer’s bottom line, setting up a difficult 2023.
Mobile’s share of ecommerce keeps growing: But ease of use and checkout speed remain barriers to sales, which could be a problem for Walmart’s Text to Shop feature.
Pet sales are on the rise (thanks, in large part, to inflation). Consumers, who are increasingly shopping online, are seeking out premium health and wellness-focused products for the furry members of their family.
The Chinese economy shows signs of life: While that’s good news for retailers after flat growth last year, many are adopting conservative strategies to protect their bottom lines.