The convergence of media and commerce is inching closer. Nearly a year after adding a direct checkout feature to its platform, NBCUniversal is investing further in the commerce space.
Retail ecommerce was thrust forward in 2020, mostly due to periodic stay-at-home measures enacted across the country. During mandated quarantines in the first wave of the pandemic and a second wave in the fall that coincided with the holiday shopping season, consumers shopped online to a degree they never had before. Retailers in Canada quickly adapted to these new conditions, setting them up for continued high volumes of online ordering in 2021.
Cat's out of the bag: Several non-pet-focused retailers have announced plans to start carrying pet products, as digital sales in the category boom amid record-high adoption rates.
Younger flyers are looking for extras: Spirit Airlines has revamped its loyalty program to reward consumers for more than distance accrued, and they’re not alone in looking to expand its rewards to attract younger frequent flyers.
Dropshipping can be luxurious too: Nordstrom is leaning into dropshipping as it looks to expand its product inventory over the next three to five years, potentially offering an option for those interested in luxury ecommerce.
Facebook and Shopify team up to boost social shopping: Shopify's checkout system is now available on Facebook and Instagram shops. That could help attract ecommerce merchants that already use Shopify and also make it easier for customers to shop on the social platforms.