Today's Ecommerce Pulse
Target launches Circle Deal Days to challenge Amazon Prime Day
Target is launching its Target Circle Deal Days from June 23‑26, positioning the free‑to‑join program as a direct rival to Amazon Prime Day. New members who enroll between June 14‑22 receive a 15% discount on their first purchase, plus a free Starbucks coffee or Bullseye cookie on launch day, and a 50% discount on the first year of Target Circle 360.
Also developing:
By the numbers: FirstClub raises $55M Series B
Meesho Launches Gen AI Voice Shopping Assistant Vaani
Meesho, the Bengaluru‑based social commerce platform, unveiled Vaani, a generative‑AI voice shopping assistant that guides users through product discovery to checkout. The system leverages a multi‑agent architecture and edge‑based speech processing to keep latency low and costs down, while supporting regional languages and multimodal cues. Within its first month, more than 1.5 million shoppers tried Vaani, delivering higher conversion rates and fewer returns. The rollout targets the next 500 million digital consumers in India’s tier‑2 and smaller markets.
Grab to Acquire Foodpanda Taiwan for $600 Million, Its First Move Outside Southeast Asia
Grab Holdings announced a cash‑only $600 million deal to buy Delivery Hero’s Foodpanda Taiwan, marking its first expansion beyond Southeast Asia. The acquisition, slated to close in H2 2026, gives Grab a foothold in 21 Taiwanese cities and pits it directly against...
Selectable, Not Just Seen: Why Brand Visibility Isn’t Enough in AI Commerce
The article argues that traditional brand visibility is no longer sufficient in AI‑driven commerce. Retailers must become "selectable" by ensuring their product data is structured, consistent, and aligned with the language shoppers use. Algorithms now act as the primary referees,...
Friar Tux AI Try-On Tool Offers Virtual Formalwear Shopping Experience
Friar Tux, a long‑standing formal‑wear retailer, introduced an AI‑powered virtual try‑on tool that creates a personalized tuxedo rendering in about 30 seconds after a customer uploads a photo. The feature lets shoppers compare styles and colors remotely, supporting wedding and...
Kids-Focused Quick Commerce Platform OZi Raises $6.2 Mn Led by RTP Global
Kids‑focused quick‑commerce startup OZi announced a $6.2 million Series A round led by RTP Global, with participation from existing backers and notable angels such as Kishore Biyani. The funding follows a $3.3 million seed round and will be used to deepen its presence...
QA Graphics Launches New eCommerce Platform
QA Graphics announced the launch of a new eCommerce platform, introducing two flagship products—QAGCharts and QAGMaps—designed for the Niagara building‑automation ecosystem. QAGCharts offers advanced data visualization at a one‑time price of $1,750 per user, while QAGMaps provides floor‑plan and geographic...
The Pant Project Scales 40x in 4 Years; Eyes Rs 160 Cr by FY27, EBITDA Breakeven Ahead
The Pant Project, a digital‑first menswear brand, has surged 40‑fold from about ₹1 crore ($120k) in FY21 to ₹40.7 crore ($4.9 M) in FY25 and is on track to cross ₹80 crore ($9.6 M) this year, targeting ₹150‑160 crore ($19‑20 M) by FY27 with EBITDA breakeven. The...
DaVinci Commerce, Accenture Announce Global AI Transformation Partnership
DaVinci Commerce has secured a strategic investment from Accenture and launched a global partnership to embed its AI Commerce Experience Platform within Accenture Song’s transformation practice. The deal positions DaVinci’s Agentic BrandStore as an experience layer that converts product data...
EBay Assassin Drops Rare Vintage Streetwear Finds
The eBay assassin is back at it again Vintage polo country trucker jacket Vintage polo Pima cotton v neck Vintage Levi’s silvertab jeans Vintage Gucci croc loafers https://t.co/V1arDB39UA
A Summer of Worry for Food Delivery, Quick Commerce Companies
India’s food‑delivery and quick‑commerce platforms are bracing for a summer surge driven by the IPL season, but rider availability is uncertain as many gig workers return to rural areas for harvest work and elections. Demand for gig labor could rise...
![[Updated] Capital One Shopping Portal Adds Redemption Options](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://www.doctorofcredit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/capital-one-shopping.png)
[Updated] Capital One Shopping Portal Adds Redemption Options
Capital One Shopping’s rewards portal has been in constant flux, repeatedly adding and removing gift‑card redemption partners such as Walmart, DoorDash, eBay, Home Depot and Lowe’s. Recent updates (March 2026) re‑introduce Walmart and expand options with DoorDash and eBay, while earlier months...
Lowe’s Is Fighting to Prevent AI Agent Overload
Lowe’s is scaling its AI portfolio while battling what it calls “AI sprawl,” the uncontrolled proliferation of narrow, siloed agents. The retailer has instituted an AI Transformation Office, a taxonomy‑based governance model, and a human‑in‑the‑loop framework to vet new agents....
Amazon Pressures Walmart, Other Retailers with One-Hour Delivery
Amazon has launched a $9.99 one‑hour delivery service in hundreds of U.S. cities, adding a three‑hour option in more than 2,000 markets. The offering focuses on pantry, cleaning, health‑beauty items and OTC meds, leveraging Amazon’s existing same‑day hubs and AI‑driven...
Fitbit Ace LTE Kids' Smartwatch Hits $99.95 in Amazon Big Spring Sale
Fitbit has cut the price of its Ace LTE kids' smartwatch to $99.95—an $80 discount—during Amazon's Big Spring Sale (March 25‑31). The deal, matched by Best Buy and Target, aims to get children aged 7‑11 moving outdoors with step‑activated games and parental‑controlled...
E‑Commerce Founder Promotes Stress‑Free Scaling with Structured Hiring and Ops
Jaime Bejar, founder of Cashflow Creators, unveiled a stress‑free scaling framework that puts systems, hiring and people‑operations at the core of e‑commerce growth. Simultaneously, India’s Shopify pioneer Marmeto announced a shift to product‑first software designed to cut operational friction, highlighting...
AliExpress Says It Is Working to Comply with EU Laws
Alibaba-owned AliExpress announced it is tightening product‑listing controls to meet the European Union’s Digital Services Act after a formal investigation that began in March 2024. The platform, which ships low‑value parcels duty‑free to the EU, faced criticism following a Reuters...
Why Ecommerce Brands Should Revisit Their Content Generation Frameworks
E‑commerce brands are under pressure to produce vast amounts of product‑focused content across multiple channels, yet many still rely on slow, manual processes. AI‑assisted content systems now enable marketers to transform a single product brief into channel‑ready copy, automate bulk...
DoorDash Launches Gas‑relief Payments for US, Canada and Australia Drivers Amid Soaring Fuel Costs
DoorDash announced a temporary relief program that gives U.S., Canadian and Australian delivery workers cash payments and fuel‑card rebates to offset record‑high gasoline prices. Payments start at $5 a week for drivers who log 125 miles and rise to $15...
Study: Retailers Struggle to Serve Impatient Consumers as Fulfillment Costs Rise
Retailers worldwide are feeling the squeeze as global logistics and fulfillment costs have risen more than 20% over the past three years. At the same time, 66% of shoppers now bounce across two or more channels before buying, fragmenting the...
Rodd & Gunn Eyes Headless Ecommerce
Australian luxury retailer Rodd & Gunn is evaluating a headless ecommerce strategy to accelerate its global digital rollout. The company, now operating stores in 13 countries and a new restaurant line, currently launches sites in about three months using a...
Aaron Levine Collection Returns on Mr Porter, Same-Day Delivery
Big news today for fans of really nice high quality good looking regular clothes Aaron Levine’s eponymous collection is now available on Mr Porter A lot of the stuff that sold out on his site is available once again And...
Manitoba Moves Against Retailers Charging Different Prices for the Same Goods
Manitoba has introduced legislation that prohibits retailers from using personal data to charge different prices for identical goods, making it the first Canadian province to tackle algorithmic price discrimination. The move follows similar efforts in a handful of U.S. states...
Komerz Acquires Pathformance to Build the Commercial Growth Operating System for Global Brands
Komerz Ltd., a global commercial growth firm, announced the acquisition of Pathformance, a marketing measurement and attribution specialist, in a deal that values Komerz at $330 million post‑transaction. The merger combines Komerz’s end‑to‑end commerce platform with Pathformance’s unified measurement capabilities, creating...
China's AliExpress Tells EU Lawmakers It Is Working to Comply with Law
Alibaba‑owned AliExpress told EU lawmakers it is taking steps to meet the Digital Services Act after a formal investigation that began in March 2024. The platform pledged to limit default visibility of adult‑oriented products, ban illegal sellers such as the...
Mastering Risk: The Role of KYC in E-Commerce Businesses
Know Your Customer (KYC) processes are becoming essential for e‑commerce platforms to secure transactions, combat fraud, and meet evolving AML regulations. By collecting identity data and leveraging AI, machine learning, and biometric technologies, businesses can verify customers in real time...
Avoid These Traps to Break the $1M Ceiling
If you want to stay stuck at $1M: - Launch a second brand before your first one is working - Chase revenue instead of building enterprise value - Hire a FB agency - Hire someone the moment you feel overwhelmed instead of building a...
Otto.de Opens up to Dutch Sellers
Otto.de has opened its marketplace to Dutch sellers that meet Dutch legal and VAT requirements, charging a flat €99.90 (≈ $109) monthly fee. Accepted retailers must handle German‑language customer service and can ship returns to designated EU warehouses. The move expands...
Bloomen Announces the Easiest Way to Send Fresh Flowers Across the Greater Toronto Area
Bloomen, a Canadian‑owned floral delivery service, announced enhanced same‑day delivery options across the Greater Toronto Area. Customers can order online and receive bouquets before 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. on weekdays, with no intermediaries involved. The company highlights its 4.8‑star Google rating...
OnlyFans Founder Leonid Radvinsky Dies at 43, Leaving $7.8 Billion Platform Without Its Owner
OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky, the reclusive billionaire behind the $5 billion creator‑payout platform, died at 43 after a prolonged cancer battle. His estate now controls a company valued at up to $7.8 bn, raising uncertainty over leadership and the future of the...
AI-Powered Marketing Runs Your Campaigns While You Sleep
Most brands I work with have the strategy figured out. They just can’t execute fast enough. Someone built a fix for that. It’s called Helena — the OpenClaw for marketing. Give it your URL, and it runs your marketing for you: → Reads your site,...
New B2B Marketplaces Target Construction, Equipment and Data Center Sourcing
During Q1 2026, a wave of B2B marketplaces entered the U.S. targeting construction materials, equipment rental, and data‑center infrastructure. Platforms such as MatBook, DOZR, Kwipped and Start Campus Marketplace aim to replace phone‑calls and spreadsheets with real‑time pricing, inventory visibility, and...
From Sales Channel to Growth Platform: Rethinking Affiliate in Retail
Affiliate marketing is moving beyond vouchers and cashback to become a strategic growth platform, as illustrated by MediaMarkt Spain’s multi‑pillar programme. By aligning cashback, content, student, loyalty and B2B publisher segments under one framework, the retailer achieved a 15% rise...
Parcelhero Launches Market-Leading Live Tracking and Streamlined Booking Features
Parcelhero, the UK’s leading courier comparison platform, has rolled out the first phase of a major technology upgrade featuring AI‑powered live tracking and what it claims is the industry’s fastest booking interface. The new system automatically flags customs issues, pre‑fills...
Coveo Adds Conversational Product Discovery to Ecommerce Search
Coveo has launched a conversational product discovery add‑on for its Coveo for Commerce platform, embedding natural‑language interaction directly into ecommerce search. The feature lets shoppers describe needs in plain language, refine queries, compare items and build bundles while the system...
Britain’s Independent Takeaways Serve up £28 Billion Boost as Platform Hits 2 Billion Orders
Just Eat marks its 20th anniversary and hits 2 billion orders on its UK platform, showcasing over 100,000 menu options. New research commissioned by the company reveals that independent takeaway restaurants generate roughly $35.6 billion in annual gross value added and sustain...
Supercell Store Expands Gift Card Testing to Brazil After EU Rollout
Supercell has begun testing its Store gift‑card system in Brazil and Germany, extending the feature that debuted earlier this month in select European markets. The digital cards let players add prepaid balance to their Supercell ID, which can be combined...
First Shoppable TV Series ‘Bring My Pinterest to Life’ in UK
Pinterest debuted its first shoppable TV series, "Bring My Pinterest to Life," on Roku’s free channel in the UK, US, Canada and Mexico. The six‑episode lifestyle show transforms users' inspiration boards into real‑world makeovers while embedding QR codes that link...
AI’s $500 Billion Retail Bump and Other Digital Transactions News Briefs From 3/23/26
AI-driven retail solutions are projected to generate an additional $500 billion in transaction volume by 2030, according to Manhattan Associates’ Global Unified Commerce Benchmark. Zero Gravity Labs introduced blockchain‑spawned AI agents, challenging the autonomy of centralized platforms. Accenture invested in DaVinci...
The Blueprint for Ambient IoT Adoption in Retail
Ambient Internet of Things (IoT) has moved from pilots to enterprise‑scale deployments in retail and logistics, leveraging battery‑free Bluetooth Low Energy tags powered by wireless power networks. The blueprint emphasizes using existing RFID or barcode systems, launching a single‑site pilot...
MercadoLibre’s Ecosystem Creates Undervalued Founder‑led Moat
6 undervalued founder-led companies with real moats 👇 $MELI — MercadoLibre (31.07 Forward PE) MercadoLibre operates a closed-loop ecosystem: commerce → payments → credit → logistics. Over 60M fintech MAUs interact across multiple layers of the platform. Mercado Envíos delivers a majority of orders...
Own Site Flat, Client Work Demands More Effort
Thanks @AirOpsHQ for reminding me I have a lot of work to do on my own site vs that of clients 😅😅😅 Up 0% WoW (wow indeed) https://t.co/zOFQn31Ucd
White Glove Migration: A Guide to Fully Managed Replatforming (2026) – Shopify
Shopify’s white‑glove migration service offers ecommerce brands a fully managed re‑platforming solution where a partner assumes end‑to‑end responsibility for data, theme, integrations, SEO redirects and post‑launch support. The guide outlines the step‑by‑step process, typical deliverables and what is usually excluded,...
Backfill Shopify Metafields Now for AI Shopping
Shopify quietly laid the groundwork for AI shopping last year with category metafields. A lot of us skipped them. Now with UCP, those fields are how AI and ChatGPT query your catalog. Start backfilling everything now if you haven't. @ericalandyck and...
Nearly Half of US Shoppers Use
"Nearly half of US consumers (47%) now use AI to browse products online, driving AI-driven traffic to retail sites to surge over 4,700% in 2025." - @itssophievo in @twifintech https://t.co/aeRubKfNOc
GoWit & Futura DDB Form Exclusive Retail Media Partnership in the Adriatic
GoWit and Futura DDB have announced an exclusive retail‑media partnership covering Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Macedonia. The deal combines GoWit’s AI‑first omnichannel commerce platform with Futura DDB’s regional creative and market expertise, delivering a unified dashboard for multi‑market campaign...
Bazaarvoice Research Finds Consumers Are Using AI to Help Edit Reviews, Not Ghostwrite
New Bazaarvoice research shows 23% of consumer product reviewers use AI tools, primarily as grammar and tone assistants rather than ghostwriters. While 64% consider AI‑assisted reviews less authentic, only 16% feel confident distinguishing AI‑generated content from human writing. The study...
AI Agent Traffic Jumps 1,300% as ChannelEngine Introduces AI Attribute Builder
AI‑driven traffic to retail sites surged 1,300% in the past year, signaling a shift toward agentic commerce. Morgan Stanley forecasts autonomous agents could shape up to $385 billion of U.S. ecommerce spend by 2030. At Shoptalk Spring 2026, ChannelEngine announced its...
MAC Cosmetics to Combine ‘Social Discovery with In-Store Retail’ via TikTok Shop UK Debut
MAC Cosmetics, owned by Estée Lauder, will debut on TikTok Shop UK next month, turning its London store on Carnaby Street into a live‑broadcast studio. The brand will stream tutorials, product drops and interactive sessions hosted by in‑store makeup artists,...