Today's Ecommerce Pulse
Updated 2h agoAmazon automation offers semi‑passive income but demands disciplined oversight
Amazon automation can generate profitable, semi‑passive income in 2026, but success hinges on disciplined execution and seasoned oversight. Modern automation relies on advanced software for research, pricing, inventory and ad optimization, while strategic decisions remain human‑driven. Investors now expect transparent reporting, compliance and sustainability.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Edeka raises €430M to increase stake in Picnic
News•Feb 1, 2026
SmartThings Ventures Ltd Expands Merchant Payment Capabilities With New Paytech Platform
SmartThings Ventures Ltd has launched the Paytech platform, a turnkey payment solution aimed at eCommerce and digital‑first merchants. The service consolidates transaction processing, settlement and reporting into a single, secure framework, reducing the need for fragmented tools. It emphasizes consistency, scalability and built‑in security to handle growing transaction volumes. Guided onboarding helps businesses integrate the platform quickly, minimizing disruption and accelerating adoption.
By TechBullion
Blog•Feb 1, 2026
Shopify Retail Release Roundup (2026)
The January 2026 Shopify retail roundup introduces a wired POS Hub for reliable countertop setups, new Verifone Victa card readers, and enhancements to the Shop app’s pickup experience with QR‑code order retrieval. It also adds multi‑entity offline payments, refined location storefront...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Social•Jan 31, 2026
Early Influencer Gifting Fueled MVMT’s $100M Success
MVMT watches made $100M with ONE strategy: influencer gifting before anyone else did it at scale. Meanwhile you're waiting for organic reach. That's the gap.
By Kamil Sattar
Blog•Jan 31, 2026
Why Ecommerce Revenue Is Being Won (And Lost) At Discovery—Not Checkout
The episode argues that ecommerce revenue is now decided during the discovery phase rather than at checkout, emphasizing that shoppers form confidence and intent early through search, category navigation, and recommendations. While checkout optimization remains important, it only impacts a...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Blog•Jan 31, 2026
How To Use a CRM POS System To Grow Sales (2026)
In this episode Brooke Kiley explains how integrating a CRM with Shopify POS creates a unified customer record that syncs online and in‑store activity, enabling true omnichannel commerce. She outlines the benefits—single‑view insights, personalized clienteling, and automated loyalty/retention marketing—backed by...
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Jan 31, 2026
The Infinite Tail
The blog revisits the Long Tail theory, noting how platforms like YouTube and Netflix shifted consumer choice from a few hits to millions of options. It argues that large language models now push this trend further, enabling AI to generate...
By Seth’s Blog
Blog•Jan 31, 2026
How To Increase Sales in the Clothing Business: 14 Proven Ways (2026)
The episode outlines 14 actionable strategies for boosting sales in clothing retailers, emphasizing the need for a unified commerce platform like Shopify to integrate online, in‑store, and international operations. It highlights optimizing checkout with one‑tap payments, leveraging AI for personalized...
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Jan 31, 2026
5 Ways Hypersonix’s Pricing Automation Tools Are Transforming Modern Commerce
Hypersonix’s Pricing AI replaces manual spreadsheets with autonomous, data‑driven pricing, enabling retailers to react to market changes in hours instead of days. The platform monitors competitor moves and demand signals in near real‑time, applying margin guardrails to suggest or execute...
By TechBullion
News•Jan 31, 2026
The High-Bandwidth Hub: Why Ecosystem Density Is the New Real Estate North Star
By 2026 fintech startups have shifted site selection from pricey downtown cores to high‑bandwidth hubs that combine talent, compute power, and data resources. Entrepreneurs now evaluate locations on ecosystem density—proximity to universities, incubators, and enterprise‑grade fiber or 5G/6G connectivity—rather than...
By PaySpace Magazine
News•Jan 31, 2026
Modern Retail Podcast: How ICE Activity Became an Issue Retailers Big and Small Can No Longer Ignore
The Modern Retail Podcast examines how increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in cities such as Minneapolis is reshaping the retail landscape. Executives are grappling with heightened security concerns while shoppers stage protests that threaten foot traffic. Brands are...
By Modern Retail
Blog•Jan 31, 2026
Community Engagement Marketing: The Ultimate Guide
In this episode Sean Buckley explains why community engagement marketing is the new engine of growth for eCommerce brands, shifting focus from one‑off acquisition to lasting relationships. He outlines the four pillars of a strong brand community—shared identity, authentic connection,...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Blog•Jan 31, 2026
Top E-Commerce Companies 2026: Influencer & UGC Strategies
The episode breaks down the 2026 landscape of leading U.S. e‑commerce companies, highlighting how giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Apple, as well as niche platforms such as Etsy and Shein, use influencer marketing and user‑generated content (UGC) to stay ahead....
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Jan 31, 2026
Wing Launches Drone Delivery for Walmart in Greater Houston in Biggest Expansion Yet
Wing has launched its drone delivery service for Walmart customers across Greater Houston, marking the company’s most ambitious expansion to date. The service promises deliveries of everyday essentials, groceries, and OTC medicines in as little as 30 minutes using lightweight...
By Robotics & Automation News
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
South Korea Enforces World-First AI Law Requiring Watermarks
South Korea’s AI Basic Act, enacted in early 2024, mandates digital watermarks on all AI‑generated content and requires risk assessments for high‑impact AI systems. The law imposes fines up to 30 million won after a one‑year grace period, aiming to position...
By Shopifreaks
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
How To Improve and Optimise Core Web Vitals on Shopify – Eastside Co
In this episode, Eastside Co breaks down Core Web Vitals (LCP, CLS, and INP) and explains why they’re crucial for Shopify store performance, SEO, and conversions. The host walks listeners through how Google measures these metrics using field data, how...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
Why Your Headless Commerce Investment Isn’t Solving Your Omnichannel Problems (And What Actually Will)
The episode explains why headless commerce alone can’t solve omnichannel challenges, emphasizing the need for a robust orchestration layer that connects front‑end speed with back‑end operations. While headless architecture delivers fast, personalized shopping experiences, it fails at inventory visibility, order...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
What Is Local Ecommerce? How To Market Your Store Locally
The episode explains local ecommerce—selling online while targeting a defined geographic area—and outlines a six‑step framework for launching and scaling such a business, from market identification to high‑quality local customer service. It highlights the growing consumer preference for supporting local...
By eCommerce Fastlane
Social•Jan 30, 2026
Profits Don't Prevent Bankruptcy—Cash Flow Is Critical
Your P&L looks incredible. Record profits. Then you go bankrupt. How?! By misunderstanding what your financial statements are telling you. Think of your business as an airplane. Your income statement represents trajectory. Assuming you can survive any turbulence and keep flying, you'll get...
By Andrew Youderian
News•Jan 30, 2026
Elavon Introduces Payments App Integrated With Microsoft 365 Applications
Elavon, a U.S. Bank subsidiary, has partnered with Microsoft to launch Elavon Live Payments, a payments app embedded directly within Microsoft 365. The solution, now listed on the Microsoft Marketplace, operates inside Outlook and Teams, allowing users to create invoices,...
By PYMNTS
News•Jan 30, 2026
Affirm Becomes Expedia Group’s Exclusive BNPL Provider in US
Affirm has become the exclusive buy‑now‑pay‑later provider for Expedia Group’s U.S. travel brands—including Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo—under an expanded multi‑year partnership. The agreement will also extend to Canadian travelers on select properties in the coming weeks. The move adds Expedia...
By PYMNTS
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
Amazon Changes How It Charges FBA Removal and Disposal Fees
Amazon announced that, starting February 15, 2026, it will bill FBA removal and disposal fees on a per‑unit basis at the moment each item is processed. The fee amounts remain unchanged; only the timing of the charge shifts from a...
By EcommerceBytes
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
FlexLink Launches Online Store to Simplify Conveyor Purchases
FlexLink unveiled an Online Store that lets customers select, configure, and purchase conveyor systems in a few clicks. The platform guides users through industry‑specific criteria, material characteristics, and environmental factors before presenting a tailored solution. Integrated with a real‑time 3‑D...
By Mobile Robot Guide
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
Inventory Velocity: Formula To Calculate + How To Improve It
The episode explains inventory velocity—a metric that measures how quickly ecommerce businesses sell through stock—and why it’s vital for cash flow, storage costs, and competitive fulfillment speed. It walks listeners through the simple formula (units sold ÷ time period) and...
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Jan 30, 2026
The Weekly Closeout: Valentine’s Day Spending to Top $29B, Merit to Raise Prices
This week’s retail roundup highlights a record $29.1 billion spend on Valentine’s Day, driven by higher‑income shoppers expanding gift lists to include friends, coworkers and pets. Beauty brand Merit announced price hikes and a higher free‑shipping threshold as logistics costs climb....
By Retail Dive
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
Upgrading E-Commerce Client Bolster with Salesforce Involvement Cloud
The episode explains how Salesforce Experience Cloud can transform e‑commerce support by creating a unified, self‑service portal that integrates orders, cases, and CRM data. It highlights the benefits of reduced support costs, personalized omnichannel experiences, and secure customer or partner...
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Jan 30, 2026
Perplexity Adds Microsoft’s Azure as a Cloud Service Provider
Perplexity AI signed a three‑year, $750 million agreement with Microsoft to run its services on Azure, leveraging the Azure Foundry platform for access to frontier models from X, OpenAI and Anthropic. The partnership runs alongside Perplexity’s existing relationship with Amazon Web...
By PYMNTS
News•Jan 30, 2026
SoFi Scales Cross-Selling as Loan Originations Hit Records
SoFi reported a record‑breaking fourth quarter, delivering its first billion‑dollar revenue run and $10.5 billion in loan originations, surpassing the $10 billion threshold. The company added a record 1 million new members, reaching 13.7 million, and opened 1.6 million new products, with 40% coming from...
By PYMNTS
News•Jan 30, 2026
Costco and Instacart Say ‘Si’ and ‘Oui’ to Same-Day Delivery in Europe
Costco Wholesale has introduced same‑day grocery delivery in France and Spain, leveraging Instacart’s technology platform. The service launches across all Costco locations in both countries, including Paris, Mulhouse, Bilbao, Madrid, Seville and Zaragoza. Instacart will work with local European partners...
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Jan 30, 2026
Walmart’s Choice for New CEO Signals Intent to Expand Digital Footprint
Walmart announced that John Furner will assume the role of CEO on February 1, 2026, succeeding Doug McMillon. Furner, the current head of Walmart U.S., is recognized for his tech‑savvy leadership, including early advocacy for drones and AI‑driven initiatives. The appointment...
By PYMNTS
Social•Jan 30, 2026
Get Practical 8-Flow Blueprint and Segmentation Guide
Most webinars are a waste of time. This one WON'T be. Here's why: - The 8 flows we build for every client, in order - What real segmentation actually looks like - A 90-day build plan so you stop guessing what to do next Tuesday,...
By Chase Dimond
Social•Jan 30, 2026
Everyday You’re Already Selling—Now Just Add Checkout
You’re already selling every day. Ideas, perspectives, trust. The only difference now is there’s a checkout link.
By Rachel Pedersen
News•Jan 30, 2026
Embedded Finance to ‘Explode’: Panel
Embedded finance is set to explode as apps embed payments, lending, and other services, according to a Cross River Bank panel. Executives highlighted the stickiness created when platforms, lenders, and brands acquire customers simultaneously. They also noted a surge in...
By Payments Dive
Social•Jan 30, 2026
One Sustainable Innovation Earned $100M, Others Copy
Allbirds made $100M from ONE material innovation: sustainable wool shoes. Meanwhile you're dropshipping the same AliExpress products as 500 other stores. That's the gap.
By Kamil Sattar
News•Jan 30, 2026
Visa Doles Out Stablecoin Advice
Visa has launched stablecoin advisory services to guide financial institutions, merchants and tech firms on integrating digital assets, debuting the offering last month. The move coincides with the expansion of stablecoin‑enabled cards to about 50 countries and a settlement run...
By Payments Dive
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
Best Post-Purchase Survey Questions: 2026 Guide
In this episode, Emily Manley explains why post‑purchase surveys are a critical source of zero‑party data and outlines how to design them for maximum response. She shares best practices—keeping surveys to 1‑3 questions, timing them around checkout and delivery, and...
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Jan 30, 2026
Amazon Slicing 16K Jobs in Re-Organizational Strategy
Amazon announced it will eliminate approximately 16,000 positions worldwide as part of a re‑organizational effort that began in October 2025. The cuts aim to reduce hierarchical layers, increase ownership, and cut bureaucracy across the company. Affected U.S. employees receive up to...
By Retail Customer Experience
News•Jan 30, 2026
The Great Consumer Divide: Why the Middle Is Disappearing and Why Brands Should Fear It
Retailers are witnessing a rapid erosion of the traditional middle segment as shoppers split between low‑price value and high‑premium experiences. Across grocery, pet food, fashion, automotive and coffee, brands positioned at the extremes are gaining share while mid‑tier offerings lose...
By Retail TouchPoints
News•Jan 30, 2026
Planning to Attend Merchant Payments Ecosystem (MPE) 2026? We’ve Got a Little Bonus for You
The Merchant Payments Ecosystem (MPE) 2026 conference will take place in Berlin from March 17‑19, gathering Europe’s leading merchants, acquirers, fintechs and regulators. Organisers are offering a 10 % discount with the code payspace10 through March 17, lowering ticket costs for attendees....
By PaySpace Magazine
News•Jan 30, 2026
TrumpRx Delayed Amid Potential Anti-Kickback Concerns
The White House postponed the rollout of TrumpRx, the federal direct‑to‑consumer drug marketplace. Officials cite potential violations of the federal anti‑kickback statute as a key factor, prompting HHS to issue a guidance bulletin outlining required safeguards. Major manufacturers including Pfizer,...
By BioSpace
News•Jan 30, 2026
Birks Group Reports 11.8% Holiday-Period Sales Increase
Birks Group reported an 11.8% increase in net sales for its FY2026 holiday period, ending Dec. 27, 2025. The growth was driven by recent European Boutique store acquisitions and stronger sales of branded jewelry and timepieces across both physical locations and e‑commerce...
By Retail Insider Canada
Blog•Jan 30, 2026
9 Best UI Design Tools for 2026
The episode walks listeners through the nine top UI design tools for ecommerce, explaining how each platform—from Shopify's no‑code builder to AI‑driven Lovable—helps create attractive, conversion‑focused storefronts. It clarifies the distinction between UI and UX, emphasizing that visual design must...
By eCommerce Fastlane
News•Jan 30, 2026
Sengarmi.sn: Sport and Cosmetics Revolution in Dakar 2026
Sengarmi.sn is reshaping Dakar’s 2026 fitness surge by pairing pharmaceutical‑grade sports supplements with dermatologist‑approved tropical skincare. The platform offers creatine, whey isolate, high‑calorie gainers, BCAAs and Omega‑3s, plus local‑flavored bundles, while also stocking SPF‑50+ serums and moisturizers designed for high...
By TechBullion
News•Jan 30, 2026
German Companies Unite to Launch EU-Based Product
Three German software firms—STACKIT, Adesso, and Empiriecom—have launched the German Digital Commerce Operation Model, an end‑to‑end ecommerce solution that keeps all data and processes within Europe. The platform stores information in Germany and Austria, complying with GDPR and offering zero‑access...
By Ecommerce News Europe
News•Jan 30, 2026
Crypto Network Mesh Reaches Unicorn Status with $1 Billion Valuation
Crypto Network Mesh announced it has reached unicorn status, achieving a $1 billion post‑money valuation after closing a $200 million Series B round. The funding was led by Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, with participation from several sovereign wealth funds. Mesh’s decentralized protocol...
By PaySpace Magazine
News•Jan 30, 2026
NICE Strategy Leader Talks Agentic AI, Retail Industry Trends
At NRF 2026, Tom Yang, head of sales strategy and transformation at NICE, highlighted the rise of agentic AI in retail customer experience. He explained how NICE’s purpose‑built, AI‑powered platforms turn engagements into proactive, safe, and intelligent actions, enabling retailers...
By Retail Customer Experience
News•Jan 30, 2026
Levi Strauss, Walmart, Amazon Lead Brand Keys Loyalty Index
The 28th annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index (CLEI) identifies Levi Strauss, Walmart and Amazon as the top loyalty leaders for 2026, alongside sector champions such as Dick’s, Costco and Whole Foods. The study highlights a rapid rise in...
By Retail Customer Experience
News•Jan 30, 2026
Levi Strauss Sees European Revenue Rise
Levi Strauss & Co. reported a resilient fourth quarter, with net revenues rising 1% to $1.8 bn (5% organic) despite wholesale pressure. Europe stood out, posting an 8% reported and 10% organic increase, while the U.S. saw a 7% decline on...
By Retail Gazette
News•Jan 30, 2026
Digital Wallet Use Still Lags in the Physical Store
The PYMNTS Intelligence study shows digital wallets are twice as likely to be used for online retail purchases (16%) than in physical stores (8%). Consumer payment preferences now align more with shopping channel than with age, as e‑commerce adoption converges...
By PYMNTS
News•Jan 30, 2026
Why Fraud Doesn’t Look Like Fraud to a Data Scientist
Fraud no longer looks like a discrete incident; data scientists see it as subtle behavioral deviations across a dynamic transaction ecosystem. Traditional rule‑based defenses create excessive false declines, eroding revenue and customer trust. Visa’s shift to deep‑learning models delivers 15‑20%...
By PYMNTS
Social•Jan 30, 2026
Clarity Beats Fancy Design: Simpler Pages Convert Better
I've tested 150+ landing pages. Here's the pattern: Pages I thought were 'too simple' converted at 8%. Pages I 'perfected' for weeks converted at 2%. Your aesthetic doesn't matter. Clarity does. Test everything. Trust nothing.
By Kamil Sattar