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
Are Social Sellers Missing an Important Piece of the Data Puzzle?
Social commerce now accounts for roughly 20% of Southeast Asia’s online spending, a surge accelerated by the pandemic. iKala’s research shows that revenue per order on social channels jumped 88%, indicating not just higher volume but larger baskets. While new tools are turning social media into sales channels, many overlook the need for a customer data platform (CDP) to unify fragmented data. Without a CDP, brands face duplicated messaging, inefficient automation, and missed cross‑channel revenue opportunities.
Binance Rolls Out Mastercard Crypto Card Across CIS
Binance has launched a Mastercard‑branded crypto debit card in the CIS region, allowing users to spend digital assets at any merchant that accepts Mastercard. The card supports instant conversion of major cryptocurrencies into fiat, with zero‑fee withdrawals and a 5%...
Amazon Deemed Seller VAT Fraud Reform Would Raise Tax Revenues and Tackle Fraud
UK policymakers are considering extending the VAT deemed‑seller rules to cover both overseas and domestic sellers on online marketplaces. Amazon argues that the change would close a loophole exploited by fraudulent sellers, streamline VAT collection and generate roughly £700 million in...
Firms Report Improved Financial Performance Linked to Use of Embedded Finance
A new PYMNTS Intelligence study of 515 senior leaders shows embedded finance is now a strategic imperative for mid‑size and large firms. Nearly 90% of respondents prioritize strengthening customer and employee relationships, while 75% plan technology upgrades within the next...
Stablecoin Payments Show Up at Checkout Despite Crypto Markets Slump
Despite a broad crypto market downturn, stablecoin‑linked cards are gaining traction at U.S. checkout counters. Monthly payment flows through these cards have surpassed $1.5 billion, and annualized spend now tops $18 billion. The growth is driven by card networks embedding stablecoins as...
INTERVIEW: Why Independent Retailers Are Surviving on Service, Speed and Sheer Grit
Matt Sweeting, managing director of Claytons, explains how independent clothing retailers survive amid cost inflation and heightened competition from multichannel giants. He highlights that rising expenses, cautious shoppers, and pressure to match discounting and fast delivery erode margins, but superior...
Ecom Founders Turn Netflix Breaks Into Competitor Intel
Everyone watching Netflix: What should I watch? Ecom founders watching Netflix: Analyzing competitor ads during commercial breaks. Different mindset. Different life.
Q&A with Shaunacy Burne, Corporate Donations Manager, Salvation Army Trading Company
Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL) is the charitable trading arm of The Salvation Army, helping UK retailers divert surplus stock, returns and textiles into reuse and recycling streams. Corporate Donations Manager Shaunacy Burne explains that SATCoL tailors take‑back programmes with...
Co-Op Introduces Member Pricing on Just Eat
Co‑op has become the first convenience retailer to offer member‑only pricing on Just Eat, extending its quick‑commerce service to more than 1,000 stores. Shoppers can now order everyday essentials such as baked beans, milk, spaghetti and British bacon with reduced...
Inside the Retail Impact of the Wuthering Heights Revival
Emerald Fennell’s upcoming *Wuthering Heights* film has sparked a retail wave, driving U.S. print sales eight‑fold and UK sales up 469 percent in January. Warner Bros. pre‑emptively signed 35 brand partners, turning the novel into a multi‑category merchandising engine. Fast‑fashion giant...
Types of User Surveys and How To Use Them Effectively
In this episode Shannon Mullery explains what user surveys are and why they’re essential for continuous feedback in business. She breaks down the two main data types—qualitative and quantitative—and maps them to survey formats such as CSAT, NPS, CES, SUS,...
What Keeps Singapore’s Retail Growth Resilient?
Singapore’s retail sector has quietly outperformed expectations, delivering a 12.3% inflation‑adjusted sales increase over the past decade while the population grew 10.4%. Excluding automotive sales, non‑auto retail rose 11.8% since 2019, translating to a healthy 0.7% annual per‑capita gain. Mall...
Diamonds-USA.com: Luxury Jewelry. Personal Attention. Real Trust
Diamonds‑USA, founded by gemologist David Braverman in 1997, blends boutique‑level service with an online platform to sell certified diamonds and custom jewelry. The company’s hand‑checked ordering process and 100% money‑back guarantee have produced a near‑zero return rate, a rarity in...
Content Automation Tools: How To Automate Content Strategy
The episode breaks down content automation, explaining how AI‑driven tools can streamline every stage of a content marketer’s workflow—from keyword research and clustering with platforms like Semrush, to AI‑generated copy and visuals using ChatGPT and image generators, through editing with...
How to Optimize Your Shopify Store for UCP Checkout and AI-Driven Order
The episode walks Shopify merchants through enabling AI‑driven checkout using the Unified Checkout Protocol (UCP), explaining how the state machine differs from traditional linear checkout and why clear, structured error messages are crucial. It outlines the core capabilities every store...
Scaling Service Operations: What Shopify Brands Can Learn From Dubai’s PropTech Boom
In this episode Steve Hutt shows Shopify founders how to scale service operations by borrowing a four‑phase playbook from Dubai’s PropTech boom. He highlights how technology adoption—AI pricing, predictive maintenance, and integrated dashboards—removes friction, while retention‑first strategies, data‑driven decision making,...
Break Category Norms: Market Water Like an Energy Drink
Liquid Death made $100M selling water with ONE differentiator: marketing it like an energy drink brand. Meanwhile you're trying to 'fit in' your category. That's the gap.
Nathan James Dominates Furniture Search; Rivals Must Step Up
Nathan James is just dominating furniture search. To the point that it’s annoying. Hat tip to that team. The rest of the furniture industry needs to step (stool) it up.
How to Structure Your Shopify Product Data for AI Agents: The Complete Optimization Guide
In this episode, Steve Hutt walks Shopify merchants through a complete framework for structuring product data so AI agents like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity can understand, recommend, and even complete purchases. He explains the AI evaluation process, prioritizes Tier 1 and...
Free 6‑hour Dropshipping Masterclass From $40M Expert
Beginners Complete Dropshipping Tutorial for 2026 (6+ Hour Guide) WATCH HERE 👉 https://t.co/OD9B0yp5lN With 10 years of experience in Ecom and Shopify Dropshipping & almost $40 million in revenue, I've condensed everything you need to know to start today in this...
How Shopify Bundles Drive 55% AOV Increases: The Complete Bundle Strategy Guide
In this episode, the host breaks down how strategic product bundling on Shopify can lift average order value (AOV) by up to 55% and boost revenue per user by 86%, using case studies like HiSmile, Coconu, and Maev. The discussion...
Repeat Purchases Matter More than High Margins
I lost $13k on a tech gadget with 'insane margins.' Nobody bought it. I tested a consumable with thin margins. Scaled to $70k/month on repeat orders. The market doesn't care about your margin goals. It cares about repeat purchases. Test...
Sellers Should Monitor How Shipping Costs Are Squeezing Their Margins
Ship.com warns that rising carrier surcharges will compress e‑commerce margins in 2026. It advises sellers to treat shipping expenses as part of COGS when evaluating product profitability. The firm highlights that base‑rate increases are less damaging than a growing web...
Avoid These 7 Fatal Ops Mistakes to Save Your Business
7 operational mistakes that almost killed my business (and will kill yours if you don’t catch them early) 1. Working with the cheapest partners 2. Not checking supplier invoices at scale 3. No naming conventions on ads or creatives 4. Not understanding China...
Social Search Drives B2B E‑commerce Credibility and Conversions
Why social search for #B2B ecommerce is the new key to credibility and conversion https://t.co/djobyMHgwk
“I Had No Assumptions. I Was Just Building:” Day 1-1000 of Selar
Selar, the African creator‑commerce platform founded in 2016, paid out over ₦18 billion ($12.8 million) to users in 2025, nearly double its 2024 payouts. The growth stemmed from relentless product iteration, a shift toward disciplined distribution, and a strategic pivot after the...
A Seller’s Years-Long Campaign to Get eBay to Roll Back BBL Change
eBay removed the ability for sellers to message users on their Blocked Buyer List in 2023, sparking a prolonged campaign by veteran seller wastingtime101 to restore the feature. Sellers argue the change hampers dispute resolution and leaves blocked buyers unaware...
Urgency Beats Minimalism: 11% vs 4% Conversions
I've tested 90+ checkout flows. Here's the pattern: Checkouts I made 'simple and clean' converted at 4%. Checkouts I added urgency and scarcity to converted at 11%. Your minimalism doesn't matter. Psychology does. Test everything. Trust nothing.
US Foods Adds AI Ordering Tools to as Digital Commerce Drives Growth
US Foods is rolling out AI‑driven ordering tools within its MOXē ecommerce platform, allowing customers to upload photos, PDFs or handwritten notes that are automatically converted into digital purchase orders. The initiative coincides with a strong fiscal Q4 2025, where...
Great CTAs Echo Customer Intent, Not Commands
The best CTAs don't sound like CTAs. "Submit." No one in the history of the internet has been excited to "submit." "Buy now" vs. "I need this" "Subscribe" vs. "Count me in" "Learn more" vs. "Show me how it works" Generic CTAs describe the action. Great CTAs...
Tech Tracker: Toast and Instacart Team up to Tackle Emergency Restaurant Supply Challenges
Toast, a restaurant POS leader, has teamed with Instacart to launch a joint solution for emergency inventory replenishment. The integration lets operators order pantry staples, produce, and cleaning supplies through Toast’s interface and receive same‑day deliveries, often within an hour....
Monthly Creative Demand Plan Aligned With Financial Forecast
A Full CREATIVE DEMAND Plan connected to your financial plan. Every month you get a clear breakdown of: How many ads you need to make What format should you make them in What products or moments to focus on And who is responsible for the...
Instacart Jumps 7% on Strong Results as CEO Calls Grocery Competition Fears 'Overblown'
Instacart reported fourth‑quarter revenue that beat expectations and a 14% rise in gross transaction value, its strongest growth in three years. Orders reached 89.5 million, surpassing StreetAccount forecasts, and the company projected GTV of $10.13‑$10.28 billion for the year, above analyst estimates....
AI in Fulfillment: Separating the Hype From the Operational Reality
Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering warehouse fulfillment, but its impact is often overstated. Fidelity Fulfilment’s pilots show AI can increase picker efficiency, reduce errors, and improve exception handling when paired with human oversight. Modern AI solutions are modular, cloud‑based, and...
Who Wins If the Debit Fee Cap Limit Gets Raised?
The episode examines a bipartisan bill to raise the Durbin amendment’s $10 billion asset threshold for debit interchange fee caps, indexing it to inflation and potentially expanding the exemption to banks with assets over $15 billion. Senators Ted Cruz and Katie Britt...
Founders Must Hire Themselves to Master Interview Insight
A friend asked me recently if he should use a hiring agency to scale his team faster. He's juggling inventory issues, trying to build out his creative systems, and hiring at the same time. Classic founder chaos. I told him “No, do...
Scaling Brands Must Eliminate Tax Inconsistencies or Face Audits
At scale, tax mistakes stop being mistakes. They become red flags. Here's what most brands don't realize: States aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for inconsistency. 🚩 When your collected tax doesn't match your filings 🚩 When registrations lag behind where you're actually...
Google Rolls Out AI Shopping Agents for Etsy and Wayfair Users
Google has introduced AI‑driven shopping agents that let U.S. consumers buy directly from Etsy and Wayfair within its AI Mode in Search and the Gemini app. The feature leverages Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol to handle transactions end‑to‑end. Google says Shopify,...
Micro‑influencer Gifting Drives $50M, Not $50k Macro
Pura Vida made $50M with ONE model: micro-influencer gifting at scale. Meanwhile you're chasing one macro influencer who wants $50k. That's the gap.
Loblaw Launches ChatGPT App to Enable Direct Grocery Ordering
Loblaw, Canada’s largest grocery retailer, has launched a fully integrated ChatGPT app that lets shoppers plan meals and place orders directly within the chat interface. The new offering incorporates the PC Express beta tool, enabling users to build shopping lists...
From Talent to Service Quality: How Digital Marketplaces Are Helping Building Owners Maintain Clean, Compliant Facilities
Digital labor marketplaces are reshaping facility management by linking building owners with vetted, on‑demand cleaning professionals. Real‑time scheduling and centralized communication reduce manual coordination, while transparent worker profiles improve accountability and compliance. Flexible staffing mitigates turnover‑driven service gaps, enabling managers...
Unlocking Your Retail Insights with LLMs
Best Buy is leveraging large language models to clean and enrich messy retail data, turning unstructured customer signals into actionable insights. The article stresses that LLM adoption must start with a clear business case rather than hype, especially for tasks like...
Ecomm Cowboy Talks AI and Underdogs
Chris Hall launched Ecomm Cowboy, a daily livestream on X and YouTube that breaks down ecommerce news, AI developments, and D2C strategies for online retailers. The hour‑long show, debuting a month ago, aims to both inform operators about the fast‑moving...
‘Selling in Germany Requires Consumer-Oriented Approach’
Germany’s e‑commerce market generated €83.1 billion last year, attracting cross‑border sellers. Andreas Giese of Dexport warns that German shoppers prioritize trust and deliberate decision‑making over impulse purchases. Success hinges on authentic social‑media content, user‑generated proof, and a mobile‑first brand website, while...
FAST42 2026: Announcing The Ranking Of India’s Fastest-Growing D2C Brands
Inc42 unveiled FAST42 2026, its fifth edition ranking the 42 fastest‑growing Indian direct‑to‑consumer (D2C) brands. The list, compiled from over 250 applications, uses FY23‑FY25 CAGR and a minimum ₹1 Cr FY23 revenue threshold. Collectively the winners generated ₹2,100 Cr in revenue, secured...
Return Policies Deterring Nearly Half of Shoppers Before Checkout: Cashew Research
Cashew Research’s "Data Drop: The Returns Revolt" surveyed 2,000 North‑American shoppers and found that 47% hesitate to buy when return shipping isn’t free. The study shows returns act as a trust signal that shapes conversion rates before checkout, not just...
AI Assistant Use Doubles as More Shoppers Tap AI to Handle Buying Process
U.S. shoppers are rapidly embracing AI assistants, with usage climbing to 35% in 2026—more than double the 12% share recorded in 2024. Over half of consumers now say they would let an AI handle the entire purchase journey, moving the...
Newland AIDC North America CEO Talks Scanning Innovations
At NRF 2026, Newland AIDC North America CEO Roy Chen outlined the company’s expanding portfolio of scanning solutions, ranging from mounted and kiosk units to handheld and wearable devices. He emphasized how these technologies streamline store operations, accelerate checkout, and...
ASICS EMEA Achieves Record Revenues as European Sportswear Demand Increases
ASICS EMEA posted a record €1.204 billion revenue for 2025, an 18.4% year‑on‑year increase. Growth was broad‑based, with SportStyle sales up 44% and strong gains across Performance Running, Tennis, Indoor and Apparel. Channel performance was robust: wholesale rose 22.5%, owned retail...
Amazon Now: Redefining Speed in Modern Retail
Amazon has launched Amazon Now, a 60‑minute grocery delivery service for UK Prime members, positioning it as a premium speed layer within its ecosystem. The offering depends on a network of dark stores and tightly managed last‑mile logistics, raising questions...