<![CDATA[Ecommerce BizTech Digest]]>https://www.davidjose.nethttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!B5Eb!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0e650202-1e01-4de0-b83e-725897cb0170_288x288.pngEcommerce BizTech Digesthttps://www.davidjose.netSubstackSat, 09 May 2026 11:02:40 GMT<![CDATA[Back to School? Shopify's September Report Card is Straight A's for E-commerce! 💯]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/back-to-school-shopify-taught-thehttps://www.davidjose.net/p/back-to-school-shopify-taught-theThu, 02 Oct 2025 14:32:36 GMTSeptember delivered exactly what operators want: AI where you work, data clarity across brands, retail speed, and fewer return headaches.

1) AI-Native Commerce is HERE: Sell Directly Inside ChatGPT 🤯

This isn’t just an integration → it’s Tobi’s vision hitting the street. Shopify merchants are first-in-line to let shoppers purchase products without leaving their ChatGPT conversation. No redirect friction. This is the definition of agentic commerce.

Why this is a Game-Changer:

  • Meet Buyers Conversationally: Shoppers naturally evolve from asking “best gift for a dad who loves coffee?” to buying the answer - your product - in the same chat.

  • Zero-Friction Checkout: Leveraging the Agentic Commerce Protocol (co-developed with Stripe), buyers use an Instant Checkout experience right in the chat window, boosting conversion rates.

  • Merchant Control is King: You remain the Merchant of Record (MoR), own the customer relationship, and orders flow seamlessly into your existing Shopify Admin with clean attribution.

  • Real-Time Data Edge: Shopify feeds ChatGPT millions of products with real-time pricing, inventory, and variants, ensuring recommendations are accurate and shoppable.

As Vanessa Lee, Shopify VP of Product, said: “This will let our merchants show up naturally in those moments and give shoppers a way to buy without breaking their flow.” This is the future, folks. Your product data is now your best salesperson.

Operator Tip: Step one is ensuring your catalog is AI-ready! Clean titles, structured data, high-res images, and detailed product descriptions (for AI context) are no longer optional → they’re the key to conversational discovery.

Global rollout “very very soon,” per Shopify

2) Sidekick levels up: Need an app? Ask. Compare. Install. 🤖

Stop wasting hours scrolling the App Store! Sidekick, your admin AI assistant, is now your trusted app co-pilot. Instead of browsing by keyword, you simply tell Sidekick your business goal (”I need a loyalty app with VIP tiers”), and it instantly provides a curated list with side-by-side comparison views.

Why this is an Efficiency Game-Changer:

  • Goal-Driven Search: Describe the outcome you need. Sidekick uses natural language to instantly match you with the right tool.

  • Curated Comparison View: Get instant, clean trade-off comparisons right in the chat window, leading to faster, better-informed decisions.

  • Seamless Workflow: Found the perfect app? Kick off the installation process directly from Sidekick’s chat.

Insight: This move is pure administrative efficiency gold and clearly signals Shopify’s future: AI removing admin friction. It will slash your app decision time by 50% → time you should be spending on sales.

3) Multi-Store Reporting (Plus): Finally, ONE Dashboard to Rule Them All 📈

If you run multiple stores across brands, regions, or currencies, you know the drill: logging into 5 different admins, exporting data, and trying to stitch together a coherent view in a spreadsheet. STOP! Shopify just fixed it with Multi-Store Reporting now available in your Plus Organization’s analytics dashboard.

Why this is an Operational Power-Up:

  • Single Source of Truth: Track sales, orders, and all key KPIs across your entire organization or selected stores from a single, comprehensive view.

  • Instant Market Comparisons: Easily compare performance by store, region, or brand and in multiple currencies without messy exports.

  • Permissions-Aware: Built for enterprise—access is controlled by organizational analytics permissions, ensuring data security and relevance.

Insight: This is the feature that cuts out hours of manual work for agency clients and internal finance teams. It’s the difference between reacting to sales performance and strategically optimizing it. This solidifies Shopify’s status as the scalable platform for serious multi-brand organizations.

Operator Tip: Head to your Analytics dashboard and start building a custom section focused purely on your highest-priority Q4 markets. Use the cross-currency comparison to spot regional growth spikes fast!

4) Smarter targeting: Segments by standard product categories

If your marketing strategy relies on segmenting based on what customers actually want, this is your new secret weapon. Shopify just leveled up its native segmentation by allowing you to create audiences based on customers who browsed or bought products mapped to Shopify’s standard product taxonomy (that’s over 16,000 categories!).

Why this is a Retention Game-Changer:

  • Scale Without Sprawl: Segmenting by a high-level parent category (e.g., “Beauty”) automatically includes all child categories (e.g., “Facial Cleansers”). This keeps your segment list clean and prevents rules-sprawl.

  • Hyper-Relevant Winbacks: Easily target “lapsed customers who browsed Sports & Outdoors” to trigger a highly relevant winback email or discount.

  • Precision Cross-Selling: Run campaigns that target “Customers who bought Beauty to cross-sell into adjacent Skin Tools.”

  • Native Speed: Integrates directly with your native Shopify tools like Shopify Email and targeted discounts for lightning-fast campaign setup.

Insight: Forget manually tagging products and building complex ‘if this/then that’ segment rules. The automated inclusion of parent/child categories is the efficiency kicker here. It means your marketing gets smarter and more precise without the administrative headache. This is how you get 15-25% lift in retention campaigns.

Operator Tip: Start simple: create a segment for your top 3 highest-value parent categories (based on margin). Use these three segments to power your next cross-sell or replenishment email via Shopify Email.

5) Launch Confidence: Shopify Launch Check (2-Minute Pre-Flight) 🚀

Launching a new store or a major redesign is always stressful → did you forget a policy link? Is the payment gateway 100% configured? Enter the free Shopify Launch Check app. It’s an operational gift that delivers a comprehensive, AI-powered pre-launch validation in under 2 minutes.

Why Teams Love This Operational Win:

  • Goodbye Launch Anxiety: The app scans your entire store setup and delivers personalized, prioritized fixes based on your real-time data.

  • AI Quality Control: Leverage AI to check every detail across setup, content, and policies, ensuring your store is built to convert from day one.

  • Team Collaboration: The resulting checklist is shareable! Perfect for clean handoffs between developers, content managers, and agency partners.

  • Lightning Fast: The entire scan takes under 2 minutes. It’s a quick, free quality assurance tool that eliminates guesswork.

Insight: As an agency founder, the store handoff and final QA process used to be a major bottleneck. This tool reduces those “did we remember X?” panic moments and manual checklist triple control. It ensures that the quality standards of successful Shopify stores are baked into your launch process. Time to reconsider your generic launch checklist and use the smart one!

Operator Tip: Run this scan before every major promotional period (like Black Friday/Cyber Monday pre-checks, not just launches) to catch any configuration errors that slipped through.

6) Retail Win: Use ANY Barcode Scanner (HID Support for POS) 💰

If you’ve been frustrated by limited hardware options or the higher cost of proprietary scanners for your retail setup, rejoice! Shopify POS now supports virtually any HID (keyboard-mode) barcode scanner. This is a pure operational gift that cuts costs and expands your hardware choices massively.

Why this is a Retail Flex Game-Changer:

  • Major Cost Savings: Reuse existing USB scanners you already own or choose from thousands of cost-effective, off-the-shelf models instead of vendor-specific hardware.

  • Plug-and-Play Simplicity: HID scanners emulate keyboard input, meaning they are simple to set up—no vendor-specific software or complex drivers needed. Just plug and scan!

  • Hardware Flexibility: The update (available in POS v10.10) gives you the hardware freedom to scale your retail operations your way, whether it’s a pop-up or a permanent shop.

  • Smoother Checkout: Use these simple scanners to quickly add products, search orders, and search customers right in Shopify POS, speeding up the in-person transaction flow.

Insight: For merchants looking to expand their retail presence without massive capital investment, this is huge. Hardware lock-in is officially dead. This update is another clear signal that Shopify is obsessed with making the omnichannel experience scalable and budget-friendly.

Operator Tip: Head to your local office supply store, grab a reliable USB barcode scanner, enable the “Allow HID mode” setting in POS, and start testing. It’s the simplest upgrade you’ll make all quarter!

7) SEO Power-Up: Crawler Access Keys ⚙️

Image

This one’s for the SEO specialists, agencies, and advanced merchants running serious monitoring tools. Shopify just gave you the keys to the castle using Web Bot Auth and HTTP message signatures. This new functionality allows you to securely authorize your own web crawlers, monitoring tools, or proprietary scripts to access your public store without being blocked or skewing your site speed. Even Screaming Frog users are rejoicing!

Why this is an Operational Power-Up:

  • Authorized Access (Not Blocked): Stop your critical tools (for SEO audits, inventory checks, accessibility testing) from being flagged and rate-limited. If your signature is valid, your tool gets reliable access.

  • Keep Reporting Clean: Prevent internal or agency-run crawlers (which can hit your site hard) from skewing your core analytics and slowing down your public-facing site.

  • Security & Control: Create and manage your signatures right in the Shopify Admin, setting custom names and expiration dates. This gives you full control over who (or what) has reliable access.

  • Enterprise-Grade Reliability: This leverages HTTP header names (Signature-Input, Signature, etc.) to provide an enterprise-grade solution for custom bot traffic.

Personal Insight: We’ve had clients struggle with custom inventory scrapers and SEO tools hitting rate limits and breaking. This is the enterprise-grade solution that separates your mission-critical bot traffic from the rest. It ensures that when your favorite SEO tool runs, it actually gets the data it needs. Huge win for operational stability!

Operator Tip: If you work with an SEO agency or use advanced monitoring tools, provide them with the necessary HTTP signatures immediately. This is how you ensure their tools have reliable, authorized access to your store data without causing performance or rate-limiting issues.

Quick Hits

Proof it works (fresh Shopify wins)

Simply said: cool shit 😎

September’s theme isn’t just “innovation”

It’s AI-driven, data-led operational mastery. You now have the weapons to win: AI-Native Commerce, Multi-Store Reporting clarity, and Retail Flex (HID scanners) to optimize every channel for Q4. The case studies are the proof: from Goop’s strategic platform move to Rare Beauty’s retail magic. This platform’s edge is cemented.

Time to move from digest to deployment, implement these features, and maximize your holiday sales! Congratulations to the entire team at Shopify and every merchant celebrating a win! 🥳

Dive in and crush your Q4 goals! What was your favorite September release? Drop a comment below!

]]><![CDATA[July 2025 at Shopify: Big Moves and Bold Features!]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/july-2025-at-shopify-big-moves-andhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/july-2025-at-shopify-big-moves-andTue, 05 Aug 2025 11:23:26 GMTNo time for intros. Today I have awesome Shopify news and updates to share! 🤩

What I’m the most excited about!

Shopify POS in more countries!

Since the beginning of August, Shopify POS is officially available in Czechia, Luxembourg and Switzerland, a major milestone we’ve supported through close collaboration with Shopify’s EMEA Retail team during their Czech market beta. This expansion revolutionizes retail by bridging the innovation gap between POS and e-commerce systems, enabling us to better serve clients in these markets.

Shopify POS delivers an exceptionally smooth purchasing experience, as we’ve confirmed through exclusive hardware demos for clients in our region. This game-changing update empowers merchants with cutting-edge tools, boosting sales and customer satisfaction in rapidly growing markets.

Shopify Collective’s expansion into 36 new countries

Including my main market: the Czech Republic. This awesome feature which was until recently reserved to North America, revolutionises the level of cooperation and connection between retailers and suppliers. Companies can now easily do sourcing and proper dropshipping from suppliers already selling Shopify, while those suppliers gain new sales channels through existing retail networks. The platform automates order processing, payments, and fulfilment, simplifying operations and boosting efficiency in Europe’s growing markets.

In a nutshell this means everyone has a whole new easy way of connecting their Shopify store to others who want to offer or re-sell their products.

Multi-currency support for manual payment methods

Previously, Shopify’s manual payment methods like cash on delivery or bank transfers were restricted to a merchant’s primary currency, complicating cross-border sales from one single administration. Now, with multi-currency support in Shopify Markets, these payments appear in customers’ local currencies at checkout and on receipts, while merchants track transactions in configured market currencies. This eliminates conversion confusion and supercharges trust and sales.

A screenshot from the Shopify Help Center page 'Manual payment methods,' explaining how to set up options like cash on delivery and bank transfers for non-credit card users. It highlights no transaction fees, the process of marking orders as paid, and options for suggested or custom methods. A note for Shopify Plus users mentions multi-currency support. The page has a white background with light gray content and blue/yellow highlights, featuring the Shopify logo and 'Topics'/'Resources' menus.
NOTE: this feature is for now only available for Shopify Plus merchants with Shopify Payments activated.

Platform Updates

B2B Manual Payments

As of July 4, 2025, Shopify has rolled out manual payment methods for B2B customers at checkout, enabling merchants to offer options like bank transfers and cash on delivery. Customizable through Checkout Blocks, this feature allows tailored payment experiences for B2B and D2C customers, boosting flexibility and satisfaction. It’s especially impactful in CEE markets, where manual payments are popular, supporting local currency transactions and easier cross-border sales. Most Shopify Plus merchants get default access, while others can enable it via feature test drives.

A screenshot from the Shopify Help Center page 'Manual payment methods,' detailing how merchants can set up manual payment options like money orders or bank transfers for B2B orders not paid by credit card. It includes a tip noting the feature is default for most merchants but may require feature test drives for activation. For Shopify Plus users with Shopify Payments, multi-currency manual payments are supported by adding a market for the desired currency. The section on additional payment methods mentions alternatives like cryptocurrency, activatable via Shopify admin or apps. The page features a white background with blue text and highlighted tips.
Shopify's latest update on manual payment methods for B2B and multi-currency support for Shopify Plus users.

Unified Editor for POS Customisation

Shopify launched the Unified Editor for POS Customisation, allowing merchants to design smart grids, lock screens, receipts, and customer displays from a single visual editor in Shopify Admin. This update simplifies customisation, ensures brand consistency, and enhances efficiency, benefiting individual markets by enabling localised in-store experiences.

A screenshot of the Shopify POS interface labeled 'Anian,' showcasing a dark-themed layout with various options on the left and right panels. The left panel includes buttons for 'Apply discount,' 'Email to customer,' 'Add custom sale,' and 'Loyalty Rewards,' with icons and a '+ ' button. The right panel displays product tiles like 'Workout Tank' and 'Fall 2024 Collection' with images, alongside a 'Cart' section showing 'No items' and an 'Add customer' field. The bottom navigation bar features 'Home,' 'Orders,' 'Products,' 'Customers,' and 'More' icons.
Check out the sleek Shopify POS interface in action, featuring customisable options and product displays, perfect for enhancing in-store efficiency.

Discounts on Fulfilled Items

Shopify just rolled out an awesome new feature: now you can give discounts on fulfilled items, not just unfulfilled ones, making it easy to offer partial refunds and track what’s happening after a sale. Plus, orders now magically unarchive for tweaks and re-archive after a refund, saving you a ton of time. I imagine this feature will be widely used to make post-purchase cross-sell offers even more appealing to the consumers and therefore increasing the AOV.

Refund to Store credit when doing a return

This latest feature lets merchants offer store credit for returns: a brilliant move for both you and your customers! For merchants, it keeps cash flow in your business and drives repeat purchases, boosting loyalty. Customers can love it too: instant store credit means a fast, flexible refund they can spend right away. Plus, you can set expiration dates to bring them back sooner. It’s a smarter way to handle returns that benefits everyone.

Generate images directly in the theme editor

Shopify has introduced a new AI-powered feature within the file picker, allowing merchants to create hero banners, logos, and product images directly in the platform. This tool eliminates the need for external design software, enabling quick and efficient production of on-brand visuals to enhance store aesthetics.

Easier to find the perfect theme

Shopify’s just made it even simpler to find the perfect theme for your store! Now, each theme preset has its own card and page, tailored to specific industries and catalog sizes, so you can quickly spot what fits your business. Plus, you can check out the demo store right on the listing page without clicking away, and the filters are way better for narrowing down your search. With over 800 themes to choose from, and themes pre-loaded with cool features like size charts and lookbooks, launching your store is faster and easier than ever.

Better experience for developers

Shopify’s new theme code editor enhances the development experience by offering powerful search, real-time LiquidDoc support, customisable themes including dark mode, and improved code formatting within Shopify Admin. Before, developers relied on third-party tools with external plugins for Liquid, which was challenging for less experienced coders. Now, features like instant code completions and parameter validation make theme customisation accessible for junior developers, reducing the need for external setups and streamlining the workflow to build professional stores efficiently.

See sales on your iPhone screen with widgets

Now you can keep an eye on your store’s orders right from your smartphone home screen with their new Counter widget. No more juggling third-party apps or constantly opening the Shopify app: just glance at your screen to see how many orders you’ve got, and it updates in real-time if you’ve got push notifications on. It’s perfect for busy days when you need to stay on top of things without the hassle.

Shopify’s mobile app is one of those really underrated advantages of the platform that really makes entrepreneurs lives simpler and funner.

Shopify highlights

AI isn’t just a buzzword for Shopify

First Round’s July 2025 article offers a fascinating look at Shopify’s AI evolution since Tobi Lütke’s memo, revealing how the company has transformed its operations. From early adoption of GitHub Copilot to widespread use of tools like Cursor across all teams, Shopify’s approach now includes a unified AI interface that streamlines tasks like site audits and RFP responses, and a thriving intern program driving innovation.

This article is a treasure trove of insights, showing the progress from initial steps to a fully integrated AI culture, where even non-technical staff are leveraging AI effectively. It’s a masterclass in how businesses can navigate the AI landscape, potentially leading to smarter tools for merchants and better shopping experiences for customers.

A memo from Tobi Lütke, CEO and co-founder of Shopify, stating that teams must demonstrate why they cannot achieve their goals using AI before requesting more headcount and resources. The memo also asks what the area would look like if autonomous AI agents were part of the team, suggesting it could lead to fun discussions and projects.
Excerpt of Tobi’s memo encouraging teams to leverage AI and explore the potential of autonomous AI agents before seeking additional human resources.

Building your storefront AI agent just got easier

Shopify’s just made it super easy to add some AI smarts to your business. With their new hookup to OpenAI, your store can now chat with customers, find the perfect products (like that lightweight men’s shirt for a vacation), pop them straight into the cart, and even sort out the checkout in a snap. It’s all about making shopping feel like a breeze for your customers, and you don’t have to jump through hoops to set it up.

340% growth in B2B sales - a case study

Future Glass, part of Glass Warehouse, used to juggle B2B sales the old-fashioned way: with phone calls and hand-drawn sketches. But after switching to Shopify B2B, they’ve made it a breeze for customers to find and order hardware online, thanks to a cool configurator that lets you pick your stuff with just a few clicks. Now, they’re seeing sales jump by 340%, conversions soar by 83%, and quoting times cut down by 80%, with most orders out the door the same day.

A promotional graphic from Shopify highlighting the impact of Future Glass, showing a 340% growth in B2B sales, an 83% increase in conversation rate, and an 80% decrease in time to quote railing jobs.
Future Glass’ Shopify B2B portal delivers impressive results!

Harley Finkelstein’s CTA: Rejecting Passivity

Shopify’s President, Harley Finkelstein, recently shared on The Knowledge Project Podcast that sitting back and saying “it is what it is” won’t cut it. He’s all about taking action and shaping your own path, a message that’s perfect for any business owner looking to make a difference. Whether you’re running a store, a service, or a startup, his call to be intentional and proactive can inspire you to tackle challenges head-on, innovate your approach, and create amazing experiences for your customers. It’s your chance to step up and make your business thrive → don’t miss it!

Shopify Engineering’s transformation of the admin

Shopify’s engineering team has given the admin a serious makeover, making it 30% faster so you can zip through managing your store without waiting around. They’ve also sorted out a map for all 1,017 routes, so finding what you need is a breeze, and they’ve made sure every page loads the same way, no more guessing games. Plus, it’s now ready for some cool AI stuff down the line. This means you can handle your products, orders, and everything else quicker, which is great news for keeping your customers happy too. All the technical details for nerds here.

A screenshot of a Shopify dashboard showing total sales of $0.00, 12 recent orders with statuses (Paid and Shipped), and top products (T-shirt: 25, Mug: 18, Backpack: 12). The background features code snippets and a "Remix" logo, with a comment suggesting a "Fixfactor" fix.
Shopify's revamped admin interface in action: faster navigation and smoother loading, thanks to the latest engineering upgrades!

Must-listen conversation

At Toronto Tech Week 2025, Shopify’s Head of Engineering Farhan Thawar sat down with venture investor Chamath Palihapitiya to explore why curiosity, speaking up, and deep technical understanding matter more than ever. Their conversation highlights the importance of asking fearless questions, because boldness and continuous learning drive better decisions and bigger opportunities. They also dive into how AI is shifting away from just bigger models toward precision, domain‑specific systems, and understanding the entire compute stack, from physics to abstractions.

Why listen? Because this talk isn’t just for founders and engineers: it’s for anyone who wants to thrive in a world where learning faster and acting boldly is the ultimate competitive edge.

Custom feature of the month

The checkout process for David Protein has been enhanced with a feature that dynamically suggests products to add in order to qualify for free shipping. This small but impactful tweak not only improves the customer experience but also encourages higher cart values, leading to increased conversions and reduced cart abandonment.

A screenshot of a delivery checkout page for David Protein, showing a form with fields for first name, last name, address (100 High Street, Buffalo, New York, ZIP 14203), and shipping method options. The page highlights a 3-5 Day Standard shipping option at $8.99 with an option to add a Blueberry Pie Carton ($39.00) to qualify for free shipping. The right side displays the cart with a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk item ($39.00), a subtotal of $39.00, and additional flavor options like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ($39.00) and Fudge Brownie ($39.00) with "Add" buttons. A discount code "WELCOMETODAVID" is applied, offering free shipping and a total of $42.41 with $5.99 savings.
David Protein checkout page with a dynamic free shipping suggestion and flavor options, enhancing customer experience and cart values.

Happy Shopiversary Liam 🥳

I’m excited to congratulate Liam Griffin on his 10-year anniversary at Shopify! Since joining in 2015, this Developer Advocate has boosted community engagement and developer resources with passion.

Here’s to the next decade of impact… Congratulations, Liam! 👏

Liam Griffin (@liam_at_shopify) / X
The legend, the myth, LIAM from Shopify!
]]><![CDATA[June Was Hot. Shopify Was Hotter 🔥]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/june-was-hot-shopify-was-hotterhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/june-was-hot-shopify-was-hotterWed, 02 Jul 2025 14:43:25 GMTCrypto goes mainstream!

Shopify Payments is now rolling out support for USDC on the Base network.

What does this mean for you?

Shopify is integrating USDC, a leading digital US dollar currency, directly into your payment options. This is a game-changer for several reasons:

  • Expand Your Customer Base: Instantly open your store to a new segment of customers who prefer to pay with crypto, potentially unlocking new global sales.

  • Simple Payouts: By default, you'll receive payouts in your local currency, just like your standard Shopify Payments, with no foreign exchange or multi-currency fees. It’s seamless.

  • Flexibility: If you choose, you can opt to receive payouts directly in USDC.

This isn't just about "crypto"; it's about making your Shopify store more versatile, more global, and more efficient.

Find out how to set up USDC on Base in the Shopify Help Center.

Platform Updates

New Analytics Experience

The completely reimagined Analytics experience is now the default for every Shopify store, offering immediate, deeper insights into your business. You can now see real-time data, create custom dashboards for your key metrics, and build data explorations to analyze any combination of metrics and dimensions.

Plus, with ShopifyQL, you can write custom queries directly from any report for ultimate control. This powerful new experience, including ShopifyQL, is fully supported in the Shopify mobile app, putting your store's performance in your pocket. Dive in and make smarter decisions for your store.

Duplicate Menus: a small change, a huge time saver

It might seem like a minor addition, but this is a legitimate time-saver we've been waiting for. No more painstakingly rebuilding menus by hand or relying on clunky workarounds.

Now, simply view any menu's details in your admin, hit "duplicate", and you'll get an exact copy with all links perfectly intact. This significantly streamlines creating similar navigation structures: think seasonal promotions, region-specific layouts, or A/B testing new designs, freeing up valuable time for more impactful tasks in your store. This is a fantastic quality-of-life improvement that will directly benefit your workflow.

Screenshot from the Shopify admin interface displaying the 'Main menu' details page. A 'Duplicate' button, outlined in pink, is visible in the top right corner of the window, allowing users to create an exact copy of the menu.
Kurt’s screenshot of the feature

Shop Metafields are now easier to manage

Shop metafield definitions and values are now directly accessible within your Shopify Admin! This update significantly streamlines how you manage global, store-wide data. No more relying on complex workarounds for unique content or settings. All your shop metafields are now visible and manageable right in the interface.

This also means apps and developers have more flexible ways to build advanced customisations for your store, leveraging this newly exposed data via the Admin API.

In essence: more control, easier management, and greater power for advanced, store-wide customisations, all at your fingertips.

Define payment terms conditionally at checkout

You can now conditionally define payment terms directly at checkout using the Payment Customization Function!

Beyond just reordering or hiding payment methods, you can now set fixed, net, or event-based payment terms for each order, with optional deposits. This means tailoring when and how customers pay, like offering "Net 30" to specific clients or requiring upfront deposits for custom orders.

This update offers powerful flexibility to optimise cash flow and customer agreements, directly at the checkout.

New pagination limits for Liquid & Storefront API

Shopify has refined pagination limits for Liquid and the Storefront GraphQL API. This helps boost performance, especially for larger stores.

Here's what's new:

  • 25,000 item cap: When your store or apps paginate through long lists (like products) using Liquid or the Storefront API, the limit is now 25,000 items. Queries beyond this will either error or stop.

  • Bigger Liquid Pages: Good news! Liquid's maximum page size is now 250 (up from 50), letting you fetch more items at once.

If your store or custom code currently displays or paginates through over 25,000 items without strong filtering, you'll need to adapt. Focus on adding more filters (e.g., by product type, price) to your collection pages. This is key for both performance and staying within limits.

POS news

Shopify has the vision of not only being the default top of mind solution for online stores, but also to replicate it across retail. That’s why they’re making it easier and easier to set up shop, even without expensive hardware. For now most of these updates are restricted to countries where POS is fully supported… But it’s a sign of what’s coming to all of us globally over the next few years.

Customise multiple variants in one cart

Shopify POS now allows you to add multiple customised versions of the same product variant to a single checkout.

No more separate transactions for items like two custom-named t-shirts or multiple coffee orders with different details. You can now easily add each unique customisation (via line-item properties) of the same product directly into one cart.

This update streamlines complex orders, making your in-store experience faster and more efficient. It's available in Shopify POS version 10.3.

Favourite features this month

Refunds with Store Credit

Sidekick product images AI

Screenshot demonstrating Shopify's AI image generation. A user prompt describes a wilderness scene for a maple syrup bottle. Below, the AI-generated image fulfills the request, showing the product on a wooden surface with fall leaves, overlooking a lake and mountains, showcasing the tool's capability.
Example from Andrew McNamara, responsible for Shopify’s Sidekick

Shopify highlights

Happy birthday to Shopify: 21 years old 🎂

An X (formerly Twitter) post from Harley Finkelstein (@harleyf), President of Shopify, with his verified badge and Shopify logo. The text reads: 'Shopify just turned 21. We're not slowing down. We're just getting started.' The post was made on June 3, 2025.
Congrats to Harley, Tobi and the whole Shopify team!

Unification, Not Just Integration

Shopify report cover visually representing the concept of unification versus integration in retail. Titled 'Retail's digital transformation: From integration to unification,' it features a central Shopify shopping bag icon with surrounding icons depicting various commerce aspects, all connected by a unifying circular gradient.
Download the full report here

For enterprise merchants, it's crucial to understand: true unification is replacing costly integration. Stitching together "best-of-breed" systems often creates a hidden burden of technical debt and endless maintenance.

Shopify champions unification: building your core commerce on a single platform where online and in-store are natively connected, eliminating complex integrations entirely. Think of your smartphone - apps don't integrate; they're unified.

Why this matters for your business:

  • Eliminate "Fragmentation Tax": No more wasted resources on technical overhead or inconsistent customer experiences.

  • Focus on Growth: Your teams can drive innovation and seamless customer journeys, instead of constantly debugging connections.

  • Real Savings & Growth: Research shows significant cost reductions and an average 8.9% GMV uplift for retailers unifying on Shopify.

To fully grasp how Shopify's approach fundamentally differs and what true unified commerce looks like, I highly recommend reading the full article on retail unification. It's time to move from the complexity of integrations to the power of native unification for true digital transformation.

Bydee 🇦🇺 - a case study!

Bydee is a popular Sydney-based Australian swimwear and resort wear brand, founded in 2013 by Dessy Hairis

See how Bydee drove an incredible 189% increase in global sales and 131% customer growth in two years! They achieved this by leveraging Shopify Plus's international selling tools and advanced customization for tailored customer experiences.

Ready to grow globally? Read the full Bydee case study here.

Shopify Partners Info

Meet Charlie: a reinvented Shopify native OMS and omnichannel platform

Promotional graphic for 'Charlie,' described as a reinvented Omnichannel Order Management System (OMS) platform for Shopify brands. The text highlights selling across 'online,' 'retail,' and 'everywhere,' using corresponding icons.
Read all about it on this post by the founder and legend Youness

BRĒZ + Ethercycle = must-watch podcast!

Looking for some inspiration for your Shopify strategy? You absolutely need to hear the story of BRĒZ.

This brand has redefined a category, scaling to an incredible $28 million in 2024 by leveraging Shopify. How did they build such a massive business so quickly, staying profitable with a product many consider at least unconventional?

Aaron Nosbisch, the founder, pulled back the curtain on his entire journey on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. He dives deep into how he built, scaled, and managed to thrive financially against the odds. It's a masterclass in modern e-commerce.

]]><![CDATA[No one is "Too Big to Fail." Not Even You!]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/no-one-is-too-big-to-fail-not-evenhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/no-one-is-too-big-to-fail-not-evenThu, 26 Jun 2025 12:44:26 GMTA lot has been written in the media about the collapse of this major omnichannel player. I've spoken with many people and heard various opinions. A negative view often prevails, criticising the company's leadership and their inability to react to changes. It seems as though they were solely responsible for their downfall because they simply didn't manage the business correctly.

Perhaps there's some truth to that. But if we settle for just this explanation, we, as an e-commerce community, will miss an opportunity to truly learn from their story.

Did you notice that a company with an annual GMV of over $230 million is gone? Do you not see the enormous success they achieved for two decades before COVID? If it could happen to such a strong player, what does that mean for the rest of us – smaller, yet successful, e-commerce projects?

That's why I'm writing about this today. For us to pause and reflect. What did they do well? What did they neglect? And what can we take away from it? I'm not the only or best person to evaluate the entire story – former employees, especially those in leadership, certainly have deeper insights.

However, I collaborated closely with this company, primarily during their transition from a custom solution to Shopify Plus. This gave me the opportunity to get to know their culture, people, and motivation for change. And that provides me with at least a framework for reflection.

A panel discussion in a modern setting. On the left, a man in a light suit speaks into a microphone, gesturing with one hand while holding papers in the other. He sits on a chair facing three other men seated opposite him. Above them, a large screen displays the text "Panelová diskuze" (Panel Discussion) on the left. To the right, two circular headshots are shown with names and titles: "David Simões, Founder, Sound Good" and "Vladislav Kovář, CIO, Okay". The three panelists on the right are casually dressed in sweaters and jeans. In the foreground, the backs of several audience members' heads are visible, facing the stage.
From a panel discussion two years ago, where the CIO of Okay shared his experiences with Shopify

What Did They Do Well?

1. Emphasis on the Lowest Price

I don't fully identify with this, but it was amazing for me to see how clearly this vision was communicated across the entire company. The purchasing department played a significant role in this, negotiating the best commercial terms with suppliers in the market. The company was well-known for its negotiation practices. This was something they intensively taught their employees, and wherever they could, they always got the best possible deal. All of this was so they could offer their customers the cheapest prices on the market.

2. True Omnichannel Strategy

Their online and offline operations genuinely collaborated. In-store sales associates were motivated to resolve orders that customers started online or contact people who left items in their cart. Few companies had such an advanced system in this regard.

3. Courage to Innovate

Sometimes it meant taking risks. When they acquired a furniture retailer, they tried to combine electronics and furniture under one roof. In essence, they were internally building two companies... complex, but ambitious.

4. Emphasis on Performance

They didn't play a game of image. They didn't focus on PR or office design. They focused on performance. People had to achieve challenging goals with minimal costs. This tough school produced exceptionally capable individuals. Anyone who employs former employees from this company today will confirm it.

As you can see, there's a lot to admire about this company. And that should serve as a cautionary tale for all e-commerce or retail businesses.

Where Did It Go Wrong?

Good question. And the interesting answer is that there isn't one factor that killed this company's success. On the contrary, several things had to converge for it to end up the way it did. This certainly won't be a complete list of all the problems. Every time I talk to someone who worked there, I hear something new I could add to this text...

1. Large Investments at the Wrong Time

Before and during COVID, they invested enormous resources in logistics and warehouses – with the goal of preparing for further growth. A bold plan, but insufficiently aligned with other priorities. The investment quickly became a burden.

2. Unmonitored Ego at Key Moments

It's no secret that ego always plays a big role in life and, of course, in business. It can often even open doors to productivity and success. But in this case, it also showed its worst possible shadow. There were problems in the company that went unaddressed for a long time. For example, unprofitable branches. The market changes rapidly, and relying on past glory in retail is a risk. Agility was lacking.

3. Unused Opportunities

When we started collaborating (2020), many doors were open to them: expansion, brand, retention, new technologies... However, many projects foundered due to internal disagreements, politics, or unclear management.

4. Poor Company-Wide Communication

Ambition isn't enough. It must be shared across the company. If the customer service line doesn't "live" the brand's vision, and the stores aren't working with current merchandise, the entire effort falls apart. Fragmentation between departments undermined the entire system.

What Can We Learn from This?

This company wasn't stupid. And they certainly weren't without talent. They had vision, courage, and ability. It just wasn't enough for it to work "somewhere." It had to work everywhere and together.

I am sincerely sorry for how it ended. This company was a major player with whom we managed to build a unique solution on Shopify Plus. And even though it feels bitter today, the feedback from former employees is reassuring:

  • If they hadn't used Shopify, their collapse would have happened even sooner. The e-commerce channel proved to be a truly profitable and productive part of the entire business.

  • If the innovations and results we achieved in e-commerce had been replicated across the entire company, it's likely the company would still be operating today.

These are just comforting facts that don't change the cruel reality. But they are encouraging for someone who put a lot into that project to convince the market that Shopify isn't just for small players.

No one is "too big to fail." Not even you…

A testimonial graphic on a dark purple background. At the top, "Okay Electro" is written in large white letters. Below it, a quote in white reads: "One of the easiest collaborations we've ever had. It took a while to find a flow that suited both parties. But they're agile, they understand us and always try to find the best solution. They helped us create our own theme, improve the customer journey and they always develop their own solutions based on the plugins we use. We really appreciate their help with any issues that arise." At the bottom left, a circular headshot of a man is displayed next to the name "Vladislav Kovář" and "Okay.cz".
What the former CIO of this major omnichannel player (Okay) said about our collaboration.

]]><![CDATA[Shopify's Summer '25 Editions]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/shopifys-summer-25-editionshttps://www.davidjose.net/p/shopifys-summer-25-editionsWed, 04 Jun 2025 13:37:51 GMTSummarizing Shopify's rapid evolution is always a challenge, but the recent Summer '25 Editions have truly taken it to another level with over 170 new updates!

Instead of a full deep-dive into every single feature, consider this your curated guide to some of the most impactful changes and my personal insights from the recent Shopify Editions event in Toronto.

The full scoop: where to find all 170+ updates

For the comprehensive list of every single Summer '25 Edition update, Shopify has a fantastic dedicated hub. While I'll highlight some of them here, don't hesitate to bookmark this page for your full reference.

(Feel free to explore. I won't be offended if you get lost there in the amazing details!)

Sidekick: from curiosity to core tool

You might have experimented with Sidekick when it first launched and perhaps found it underwhelming. That's rapidly changing! Shopify is investing heavily in this AI assistant, making it a powerful ally for merchants.

Here’s why it’s gaining traction:

Apple Pay: a seamless checkout experience

The ability to offer Apple Pay as a dedicated payment method is a huge win for conversion rates. I personally witnessed this in beta two years ago with a major client in Central Europe, and it's fantastic to see Shopify's commitment to flexible, evolving checkout options. They've also expanded Apple Pay support for subscription businesses, simplifying recurring payments.

Shopify Flow: powering automation beyond the store

Shopify Flow continues to grow as an automation powerhouse. The most exciting update? Its new ability to communicate with external systems, not just apps installed in your store. This means:

  • Reduced Need for Custom Apps: Merchants can leverage low/no-code solutions for complex automations across various platforms, saving development time and cost.

  • Enhanced Flow Building: Features like sample data for variables and nested actions within "for each" loops make building sophisticated workflows much more intuitive.

Theme Revolution: the new Horizons experience

Customizing your Shopify storefront just became significantly easier and more powerful thanks to the new Horizons system themes. This overhaul is a game-changer for speed and flexibility:

These features will drastically reduce go-to-market timelines and development investment. We saw a fantastic 10-minute demo at the Toronto Editions.dev event, showcasing how quickly and beautifully a store could be designed with absolutely no coding. We're incredibly excited to get our clients hands-on with this!

There are many more awesome updates - I barely scratched the surface. But at this moment I’d like to share something even more relevant.

Exclusive Insights from Shopify Editions in Toronto

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Shopify’s annual Editions event for partners in Toronto. It was an invaluable experience. So much so that our team of three visitors plans to expand to five next year! The sheer volume of actionable insights we gained was phenomenal.

While I won't dive into every specific detail, here are my top, personal takeaways from the event, offering a glimpse into the future of Shopify and e-commerce:

  1. Pagefly is making 1M USD annually on Shopify referrals. This was incredibly inspiring. It highlights a significant opportunity for agencies like ours in referral partnerships, something we're actively looking to strengthen.

  2. Reconnected with Kimonix. Their app for collection management and automation looks promising; eager to test it with a client soon.

  3. Poker Night with Clients. Met someone who hosts poker nights with their clients: a fun, innovative way to build relationships. We're now brainstorming how to bring this idea to life for our own clients!

  4. Overbooked events signal huge opportunity. Many Toronto events were 300+ people waitlisted. This confirms a massive demand for quality content and activities within specific Shopify ecosystem niches. If time permits, we'd love to help organise an agency-focused event next year.

  5. Loyalty programs during economic uncertainty. Loyalty Lion data showed that registered loyalty program customers make 4x more purchases during unstable economic periods. A crucial insight for merchant strategy.

  6. Embracing an AI-first mindset. Fascinating to see how others are implementing AI. I particularly liked the idea of a dedicated AI budget per developer and pair programming with tools like Cursor to help skeptical colleagues.

  7. Easy store duplication coming soon. New CLI commands for store copying, coupled with improved staging processes, will drastically save time and simplify complex launches of campaigns, themes, and products.

  8. Tobi's take on the "Death of SaaS". During his AMA, Shopify’s CEO directly addressed my question about Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's "death of SaaS" statement. His response? He views it as a "PR" move, affirming Shopify's belief in SaaS's enduring power and relevance.

  9. Shopify's stretching to Enterprise. Shopify isn't shifting to enterprise; it's stretching there. This means their core mission remains making commerce better for everyone, from startups to global giants. This commitment to abstraction of complex needs and broad utility is what truly powers Shopify.

  10. Merchants value expert opinions. When offering services, merchants increasingly want direct, expert recommendations, not diplomatic answers. This reinforces the importance of being more straighforward and sharing our honest, informed opinions.

  11. Shopify's largest deal ever: Education Vertical. A landmark deal was recently closed within the education sector: over 1100 universities in the US will soon implement Shopify POS, marking one of the most complex POS rollouts for the platform.

  12. Partners building their own IP. Shopify is actively encouraging partners to build proprietary tech to fill platform gaps. This signifies Shopify's maturity: acknowledging they can't solve every niche commerce need, they empower partners to innovate for booking, ticketing, manufacturing, and more.

  13. Shopify is the future of global commerce. It's time to move past comparing Shopify to other platforms. Its relentless speed of innovation means what's "okay" today will be "awesome" tomorrow. Choosing a different solution due to current limitations is short-sighted; Shopify enables you to leverage market instability for growth.

  14. 52% YoY growth in Europe. The "Shopify is for the US only" argument is officially dead. Shopify's growth in Europe and their investment into this region speaks volumes.

  15. Innovate or be left behind. During economic uncertainty, rigid, old e-commerce solutions hold you hostage. Those who invest and innovate thrive. Abandoning sunk cost fallacy and embracing Shopify's scalability allows you to turn market headwinds into tailwinds for slingshot growth.

  16. Shopify's 3 promises:

    1. Be the most innovative AI commerce platform in the world.

    2. Be the most AI-native commercial go-to-market company.

    3. Package all innovation they create for their partners to scale.

  17. New reseller program incoming! Shopify has hired high-caliber talent from Microsoft and they’re launching a reseller program, allowing partners to directly sell Shopify licenses as part of a partner-led go-to-market strategy.

  18. Seeking partner feedback. Shopify is actively seeking feedback from partners and merchants on platform improvements. My goal is to create a European white paper with insights from top agencies to help Shopify efficiently unlock the addressable market here.

  19. Agencies migrating from proprietary platforms. We met two agencies who bravely sunset their own platforms to move hundreds of merchants to Shopify. This bold move, upon closer inspection, made immense sense, driving better value for merchants and increased growth and profit for the agencies.

David Simoes and Post Malone
Oh… and I saw Post Malone 😊
]]><![CDATA[April Showers Bring May Flowers... and Shopify Power! 🌸]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/april-showers-bring-may-flowers-andhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/april-showers-bring-may-flowers-andFri, 02 May 2025 10:54:42 GMTShopify in Prague 💚

If you read last month’s newsletter, you’ve probably had a chance to listen to our latest podcast with Lucas Walter from Shopify. That was not the last of it!

In April, we’ve had our first micro-event with Shopify in Prague!

News for Merchants

  1. Shopify has introduced the ability to copy and paste sections between pages within the editor. This new feature allows users to duplicate sections across different pages of their online store.
    Video by one of the first people to notice this feature in the wild: Michael Thomas from Clean Canvas - one of the best theme developer teams out there)

  2. Shopify can now automatically split a single item order across multiple locations if one is out of stock, preventing overselling for merchants with multiple warehouses and specific inventory settings.

    The image displays a section titled "How split orders occur." It lists the conditions under which a single line item's quantity in a Shopify order can be split across multiple fulfillment locations at checkout.
    Conditions for automatic order splitting in the developers documentation.

  1. Shopify now lets you limit the maximum quantity of a single item customers can add to their online cart to better control inventory visibility; this limit is pre-set based on your order history and adjustable in Checkout settings, excluding draft orders, POS, and certain B2B scenarios.

    A modal window titled "Add-to-cart limit" is displayed on a light gray background with a purple gradient visible around the edges of the window. The modal's purpose, indicated by the text below the title, is to "Set a maximum quantity per item that can be added to a cart" and is labeled as "Recommended." A toggle switch in the top right corner is currently enabled (dark). The modal explains that this limit "Protects your available inventory quantities from being revealed whenever they are higher than this limit." Below this explanation, there is a field labeled "Limit" with the number "60" entered. Further down, the modal presents three key metrics: "Your recommended limit," "Highest item quantity in your past orders," and "Products protected by your set limit." Each metric has a corresponding value displayed below it: "60" for the recommended limit, "30" for the highest past order quantity, and "34%" for the percentage of products protected. At the bottom right of the modal, there are two buttons: "Cancel" on the left and a highlighted "Done" button on the right, indicating the user can either discard changes or save the set limit.
    Shopify's new add-to-cart limit setting interface.

  2. Shopify Plus merchants using Checkout Blocks can now establish minimum and maximum order value limits, applicable to all customers or specifically to B2B companies, to control which orders can proceed to checkout

    Shopify's Checkout Blocks feature now allows merchants on the Shopify Plus plan to define upper and lower spending thresholds for orders, preventing checkouts that fall outside these specified amounts, with the flexibility to apply these restrictions to all buyers or only business-to-business clients.
    Shopify Plus users with Checkout Blocks can now control order limits.

  3. Merchants can now refund customers with both store credit and their original payment method on Shopify, with an option to over-refund the original method after issuing store credit (requires enabling a setting); this works with customer accounts enabled and uses updates to the refund API.

    A person's hands are shown holding a smartphone displaying a mobile payment interface for an online plant store. The screen shows payment options including "Apply store credit" with a balance of $141.89, and various credit card icons (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) with a $75.56 amount pre-filled next to the Visa option. Overlapping the phone screen is a smaller pop-up labeled "Payment" with an option to "Apply store credit" showing a balance of $75.50 and an "Apply" button. To the right, a partially visible "Order summary" shows details including a "Monstera plant" in a "Concrete pot" priced at $160.00, and an additional unspecified item at $175.00. Below these items, the subtotal is listed as $275.00, shipping at $11.65, estimated taxes at $15.15, store credit applied as -$75.50, resulting in a total of USD $226.30. A prominent blue "Pay now" button is at the bottom of the order summary. The background is blurred, suggesting a home setting with a colorful, round object partially visible.
    Applying store credit during mobile checkout on Shopify.

Tip of the month

tweet from Kurt Elster (@kurtinc) announces a new feature in Shopify Flow that allows users to tag orders by campaign source natively, without the need for third-party apps. The tweet mentions a "one-click template using the new Run code action" and includes a link to Shopify admin apps/flo.... Below the tweet text is an embedded image showing a Shopify Flow workflow titled "← Tag orders with associated UTM campaign." The workflow is visually represented as a series of connected boxes outlining a process: Start when... Order created: This is the trigger for the workflow. Then Wait for...: This step is configured to wait for 5 minutes for campaign information to be associated with the order. The description suggests increasing the wait time if data is often missing when the flow runs. Then Do this... Run code: This step contains a code block (indicated by "//") and is described as iterating through all line items in an order and extracting any UTM campaign names found. The output can be used in subsequent steps. Then For each... Item in RunCode.campaignValues: This step iterates through each unique campaign value identified in the previous "Run code" step. Then Add order tags: (This step is partially visible with an icon of tags). This action applies the campaign value as a tag to the order. The workflow is labeled as "Active" and indicates it was last updated on April 3, 2025, at 04:21 PM. Buttons at the top right of the workflow allow for "Edit," accessing "More actions," and the option to "Turn off workflow."
Courtesy of one of the Shopify OGs: Kurt Elster.

AI corner

Shopify doesn’t only set the trends for Commerce! They’re doing the same with AI! After Tobi leaked memo on AI, other tech companies are following suit. This time, it’s Duolingo:

A screenshot of an all-hands email from Luis von Ahn, the CEO of Duolingo, shared on the Duolingo LinkedIn page. The email announces that Duolingo is now an "AI-first" company, drawing a parallel to their earlier shift to being "mobile-first" in 2012. The email details what will and will not change. It emphasizes that Duolingo will remain a company that cares deeply about its employees. Von Ahn explains that while the company has been incorporating AI for some time, this marks a significant acceleration and prioritization of AI in all aspects of their work, from content creation to building new features like AI-powered video call tutors. The email outlines several constructive constraints to guide their AI-first approach, including gradually adopting AI with human oversight, using AI to augment rather than replace humans in performance reviews, and focusing AI on tasks that don't fundamentally change how employees work. Von Ahn reassures employees that while some roles may evolve, the company will support them with training, mentorship, and tooling for working with AI. He expresses confidence that this transition will ultimately lead to better outcomes for both users and the Duolingo team. The email concludes with his name, Luis.
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn announces the company's shift to being "AI-first" in an all-hands email, emphasizing the strategic importance of AI while reassuring employees about the company's continued commitment to them.

And Chat GPT has officially announced their Shopping features! As the rumours of Shopify’s integrations and cooperation with Open AI kept flooding our feeds, we didn’t had to wait too long to see what exactly they’re working on. Still on the early days - but look forward to see what comes next.

A close-up view of the right-hand panel within the ChatGPT 4o interface highlights its shopping functionality. The panel displays details for the "Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro," including a product image and a 4.1-star rating from 1,500 reviews. Below this, multiple "Purchasing Options" are listed from different retailers: "Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare," "FSA Store," and "Amazon.com - Seller." Each option shows the price as $455.00 and features a prominent "Buy" button, indicating the ability to purchase the product directly through these integrated channels within the OpenAI interface.
ChatGPT 4o's integrated shopping feature, showcasing purchasing options.

Shopify Community

This is why Shopify is different than any other “tech giant” 💚 Congrats Julia!

graphical user interface, text, application
Shopify is so busy shipping new features, so it took them some time to change their “mid-plan” name from “Shopify” to “Grow”. No more confusion selecting the “Shopify Shopify tarif” 😂

Shopify POS

Shopify POS version 10 introduces a refined visual design with updated navigation for quicker access to key functions on both tablet and mobile, smarter inline search across various sections, enhanced cart visibility, and new branding options for the lock screen and POS Terminal idle screen, all aimed at improving efficiency and the in-store customer experience.

A close-up shot shows a Shopify POS interface displayed on a tablet, likely an iPad, mounted on a stand. The interface features a dark mode theme with various elements visible. On the left, a vertical navigation bar displays icons for Home, Products, Orders, Customers, Drafts, and More. The "Products" icon is highlighted, suggesting the user is currently in that section. A search bar at the top reads "Q Search." In the center of the screen, a grid of product categories or quick actions is visible, including options like "Add custom sale," "Ship to customer," "Attribute sale," "Load draft order," "Email to customer," "Add gift card," and "Add tile." A "SPRING SALE" banner indicates a 10% off spring collection. Overlapping the right side of the screen is a "New order" panel. This panel displays customer information ("Liana Remington"), shipping details, and line items in the cart. Two items are currently added: "Mattie Mascara" in Black, priced at $39.00 (originally $42.99 with a -10% SPRING SALE discount), and "Mattie Lip Gloss" in Soft Pink, priced at $32.50. A "Ship" tag is visible under the lip gloss. The subtotal is $71.50, and a prominent blue "Checkout" button is at the bottom. In the foreground, slightly out of focus, is a small brown jar with a label, and a translucent blue search bubble originating from it reads "Q Moisturizing balm," indicating a recent search query. The overall scene suggests a retail environment where a sales associate is using the Shopify POS system to process a customer order.
Shopify POS interface on a tablet.

For Developers

  1. Shopify is updating its app developer revenue share model, ending the annual reset of the $1 million exemption introduced during the pandemic; starting June 16, 2025, developers will retain an exemption on the first $1 million USD of their lifetime revenue and receive 15% on earnings beyond that, with earnings before January 1, 2025 not counting towards this threshold, and the increased revenue will be reinvested in developer tools and platform improvements.

  2. The deprecation of Shopify Scripts is now delayed until June 30, 2026, giving merchants more time to migrate to the improved Shopify Functions for customizations in discounts, shipping, and payments; using the Shopify Scripts customizations report is recommended for migration planning.

  3. Shopify app ratings now incorporate trust signals, giving less weight to reviews from shops deemed lower-trust, which may also lead to review unpublishing and potential adjustments (positive or negative) to an app's star rating to better reflect feedback from more trusted merchants.

  4. Shopify's editor gets opacity controls for theme colors on May 12th, requiring developers to update Liquid and CSS to support transparency using new syntax (e.g., / for alpha in Liquid, rgba and color-mix in CSS); testing is available in development stores.

]]><![CDATA[Shopify March Madness ⛹🏽‍♂️]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/shopify-march-madnesshttps://www.davidjose.net/p/shopify-march-madnessTue, 01 Apr 2025 11:02:08 GMTVision & Long-term

Lucas Walter from Shopify discusses e-commerce trends in the 41st Exec Talks episode, highlighting Shopify's European expansion, AI integration, rapid platform integrations like TikTok, and successful large-scale migrations, offering valuable insights for businesses and e-commerce enthusiasts.

In another recent podcast, Shopify's president, Harley Finkelstein, emphasized the company's commitment to delivering practical AI solutions for entrepreneurs, focusing on tangible outcomes rather than hype. Shopify's AI strategy centers on empowering businesses to grow, prioritizing impactful innovation over mere buzz.

Platform Updates

  1. Shopify's Admin API enables custom ID lookups for more resources, including collections and orders, simplifying integrations and improving data management.

Screenshot of a Shopify developer update announcement titled "Using custom ids to look up collections, locations, orders, and product variants". It lists four new API functions and explains the use of a new metafield type "id" for custom identifiers.
Shopify's 2025-04 API enables custom ID lookups for more resources, simplifying data management with a new "id" metafield.

  1. Shopify's new Unified Markets simplifies global sales with features like market inheritance and regional catalogs, requiring API 2025-04 updates for app compatibility. Rolling out in April to compatible apps, with full access by July 2025, it may disrupt outdated apps. Plus merchants can choose their opt-in date (credit for the video bellow to Youness).

  1. Shopify has updated its SEO capabilities, allowing merchants using Shopify Markets to customize their robots.txt file with specific crawling rules.

Screenshot of a Shopify developer update titled "Customize robots.txt rules by domain". It explains how to create custom crawling rules for different domains in Shopify Markets using the robots.txt.liquid template.
Shopify now allows domain-specific robots.txt rules for better control over search engine crawling in Shopify Markets.

  1. Shopify's AI store tool creates custom themes from business descriptions, simplifying store setup for entrepreneurs. Available on Basic plans and up, it accelerates launches and empowers branded online presence, prioritizing sales over web design complexity.

  1. Shopify's "Sign in with Shop" allows customers to log in using their Shop app credentials, simplifying the process by eliminating separate passwords or email entries for merchants using new customer accounts.

Screenshot of a Shopify login page with the "Sign in with Shop" button highlighted with a red rectangle.
Shopify's "Sign in with Shop" option on a merchant's login page.

  1. Shopify is continuously improving its checkout experience, including smoother step transitions, without requiring any effort from brands. This is notable given the checkout page's critical role and complexity (video at 1x speed).

  1. Shopify's new GraphQL APIs and webhooks for Inventory Transfers, now in testing, integrate with external inventory and ERP systems. They simplify transfers (creation, editing, shipping) for improved control and automation, with a stable release planned by July 2025.

Screenshot of a Shopify developer update titled "New GraphQL APIs for Inventory Transfers Management". It details the new APIs and webhooks for managing inventory transfers and shipments, currently in an unstable version for testing.
Shopify introduces new GraphQL APIs for inventory transfer management, currently in testing for future release.

  1. Shopify now supports third-party vaulted credit cards on gateways like Authorize.net, aiding B2B merchants in restricted sectors unable to use Shop Pay, thus broadening payment options.

  2. Liquid's new OKLCH support enables richer color control, smoother transitions, and a wider color range for Shopify themes.

Screenshot of a Shopify developer update titled "Liquid support for OKLCH colors." It lists new Liquid features for working with OKLCH colors, including the color_to_oklch filter and enhanced color object properties.
Shopify Liquid now supports OKLCH colors.

  1. Shopify Flow now includes "Get data" actions to retrieve information about gift cards, locations, and cash tracking sessions for use in workflows. These actions, which return up to 100 matching resources, allow for filtered data retrieval, enhancing workflow automation capabilities

    Screenshot of a Shopify developer update titled "Flow: New actions to get data about gift cards, locations, and cash tracking sessions." The text describes new "Get data" actions within Shopify Flow for retrieving information about gift cards, locations, and cash tracking sessions.
    Shopify’s native automation tool Shopify Flow keeps getting better and better

Shopify Partners Highlights

  1. PayU's new Shopify plugins, PayU GPO and PayU GPO - BLIK, simplify online payments. GPO allows payment customization, while BLIK enables direct BLIK payments on order confirmation, popular in Poland, streamlining secure payment integration for merchants.

PayU GPO logo and Shopify logo on a light background with a diagonal line separating them.
PayU GPO integrates with Shopify for simplified online payments.

  1. Openthinking released Etheryx, a unique Shopify theme, continuing their innovative design after the success of Bullet, highlighting independent developer talent.

A head-and-shoulders profile shot of a person with a shaved head and light skin wearing futuristic silver sunglasses. They have a nose ring and a small stud earring. The background is a gradient from white at the top to a blurry light gray at the bottom. The text "Etheryx" is centered at the top of the image between "Menu" and "Cart" links. A small up arrow is at the bottom of the image. The phrase "Buy now or regret later" is at the very top.
The Etheryx theme displayed with a modern, edgy profile image.

  1. Shopify formalized its bug bounty program, enhancing platform security by inviting ethical hackers to find vulnerabilities. Following 2024's success with 850+ hackers, 2300+ reports, and $2.7M in bounties, this program reinforces security through community collaboration and rewards, demonstrating Shopify's commitment to proactive risk management.

Screenshot of the Shopify Bug Bounty program website, showing a section about score-based rewards and a chart displaying potential payouts for critical vulnerabilities, ranging from $90,000 to $200,000.
Shopify's Bug Bounty program offers substantial rewards for reported vulnerabilities, with critical issues earning between $90,000 and $200,000.

  1. Commerce-UI explains how they used Shopify's Hydrogen to rebuild Lady Gaga's store, creating an immersive experience with 3D showcases and dynamic backgrounds, demonstrating Hydrogen's ability to create highly customized storefronts.

New Shopify Plus Case Studies

Business News (stock + M&A)

]]><![CDATA[#34 - MMA meets Ecommerce: A week of insight and inspiration]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/34-mma-meets-ecommerce-a-week-ofhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/34-mma-meets-ecommerce-a-week-ofFri, 01 Mar 2024 09:32:14 GMTHey there 👋

This week I was at the Czech Online Expo. Sure, I made a lot of interesting contacts and had a bunch of fascinating conversations. But one of the highlights was to see the MMA fighter Jiří Procházka and have the chance to take a selfie. What an inspiring person to be around!

David Simões, founder of Sounds Good Agency, and Jiri Prochazka, MMA fighter and champion
I met a real fighter this week! Go support his foundation here.

Hope to be able to inspire you and your business today too, with the Ecommerce Insights of the week. Before we get to them, please 🙏 for me:

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5 - B2B CMOs embrace Ecommerce

In the B2B marketing world, CMOs face a big challenge: adapt to online sales or fall behind. With digital natives entering decision-making roles, there's a growing expectation for seamless online buying experiences in the professional world. Companies slow to embrace e-commerce risk losing to more agile competitors.

B2B CMOs Ecommerce Strategy Diagram

What should CMOs do? They must lead their companies in embracing digital sales, ensuring the entire organisation is aligned towards providing easy and satisfying online shopping experiences. This involves focusing on what customers really want and creating smooth online buying processes. A clear plan for moving to online sales is crucial for success.

4 - Marketplace platform economy growth

The platform economy, which includes online shops and dropshipping, grew really fast in 2022, much faster than the rest of the online shopping world. This growth is because lots of businesses are starting to sell on these platforms to reach more customers and find new opportunities. A big study by Mirakl looked at 1,500 retailers from countries like the USA, UK, Germany, France, and Spain. They also looked at data from 65,000 sellers who offer 125 million products and make nearly $5 billion in sales every year.

Seller Report Blog 2023 Graph
Sellers look for high traffic and low commission from operators

Here's what they found out:

  1. More and more businesses are starting to sell on online marketplaces because they see a good chance to grow.

  2. Sellers are not just sticking to one marketplace; many are expanding to sell on more platforms within a year.

  3. Sellers have different strategies, like selling all their products or just a few special ones on these platforms.

  4. Sellers like to use marketplaces that have lots of visitors, a wide range of products, low fees, and are easy to use.

  5. Sellers do a great job handling customer questions and issues, making things easier for the marketplace.

Read the Mirakl report

3 - Zalando sustainability commitments

Zalando has agreed to stop using misleading green symbols and the word "sustainability" on its website after talks with European authorities. From 15 April 2024, they will clearly state how much recycled material is in their products instead. This move is to make sure shoppers get the true story on how eco-friendly products are.

Products with sustainability-related attributes accounted for 58% of our private label GMV. In 2022, our private labels designed and produced about 775,000 items in line with circular design principles. From 2023 onwards, 100% of our direct suppliers will be assessed annually on human rights risks, based on their location, industry, and our spend with them.
Zalando’s Sustainability Progress Report 2022

Zalando will:

  • Remove green symbols and "sustainability" labels.

  • Provide clear details on the eco-friendly aspects of products.

  • Update their website with more information on their eco-friendly actions.

They will report on their progress, and a special group will check to make sure Zalando keeps its promises. This is part of larger EU efforts to ensure companies are honest about their products being good for the environment.

Press Release from the EU Commission

2 - Wish jumps in the Recommerce trend.

Wish is starting a new service in Europe where people can trade in their old tech stuff like phones and laptops for cash. This starts in the Netherlands and will spread to other countries. They're working with a company called Remarketed to check the items' condition and give instant cash offers. People can send their items for free and get paid after their things are checked. The service helps customers get some money back and reduces waste by reusing tech products. Wish also sells refurbished electronics, which are like new but cheaper. Other companies are doing similar things because many people in Europe like buying used items to save money and help the environment.

The Recommerce Landscape Graph
This move highlights the growing trend of Recommerce, where buying and selling used items is becoming more popular for its cost savings and environmental benefits.

Article from Ecommerce News

1 - Ecommerce trust report

A Chubb report reveals different trust concerns between shoppers and sellers in social commerce. It shows consumers trust social media shopping more (85%) than traditional online shops (48%). This study, done by iResearch in November 2023, included feedback from 500 consumers and 525 merchants, uncovering top issues like fraud and delivery problems for buyers, with 75% having faced financial fraud.

Retailers, on their part, feel less confident about social media for selling, especially with managing inventory and ensuring smooth payments and deliveries, with trust scores under 40%.

Chubb global report: “Crossing the E-Commerce Trust Divide,” which delves into the differing views of trust by consumers and e-sellers.
Consumer trust, an online seller’s most precious asset, is being frayed to the limit. Whole report here.

The report underlines the importance of a trustworthy and easy shopping experience to keep customers loyal. It also points out that online shopping is highly trusted in Latin America, more so than in other regions, highlighting the different levels of trust across the globe.

Article from Digital Commerce 360

From Monolithic to Microservices

In software development, debates often center around two styles: monolithic, where applications are built as a single unit, and microservices, which divide applications into smaller, independent services. This conversation has evolved to include how and when to migrate from monolithic to microservices, prompted by their growing appeal since 2014. High-profile companies like Netflix and Amazon initially drove interest in microservices, showcasing benefits like enhanced scalability and agility. However, some businesses found the approach didn't always meet expectations, leading to a reconsideration of architecture strategies.

Monolithic architectures offer simplicity and ease of maintenance but can struggle with scalability and flexibility. Microservices, while promoting independent scaling and faster development cycles, introduce complexity and higher operational costs.

Microservices vs Monolithic Architecture
Monolithic to Microservices: Advantages, Disadvantages, and the Real Reason Companies Migrate

The industry response has been towards adaptable solutions that blend the advantages of both. Shopify, for example, provides a mix of commerce solutions that aim to reduce complexity and accelerate market readiness, supporting businesses with scalable and customizable options. This shift indicates a move towards more flexible architectures that can be tailored to a company's evolving needs.

Article from Shopify

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]]><![CDATA[#33 - Small world keeps getting smaller]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/33-small-world-keeps-getting-smallerhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/33-small-world-keeps-getting-smallerFri, 23 Feb 2024 13:37:49 GMTHello 👋

Yesterday at this time, I was sitting in the Old Bazaar in Skopje (North Macedonia) having Turkish tea and Baklava. It was amazing! My wife and I were needing some time-off and I did my best to stay offline.

The world keeps getting smaller and smaller, so even within our Ecommerce bubble is more important than ever to take a look beyond our borders and explore what’s going on. Where’s the next growth opportunity? What players like Amazon, Shopify and even Wish have to say about it?

You know that my goal is to bring these fresh updates to you on a weekly basis and that’s what we’re going to get at right now!

But before we actually do it, please 🙏 for me:

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5 - Reflecting on Amazon's 30 Years

As Amazon reaches its 30th anniversary, people are wondering about the future of online shopping. While Amazon grew rapidly, recent data suggests that the amount of shopping done online might not be growing as quickly anymore. This could be because more people are going back to shopping in physical stores. Changes in how companies advertise online after the pandemic might also be a factor. To stay competitive, businesses need to understand how people shop now and make decisions based on that.

Article from Forbes

4 - Consumers want simpler Checkout Processes

A study, which surveyed over 3,500 U.S. consumers, discovered that 50% of shoppers prioritise the ease of the checkout process when deciding where to shop online. This highlights the importance of businesses streamlining their online purchasing experiences. Additionally, it's worth noting that while online sales are expected to continue growing, the rate of growth has slowed down recently. This means businesses need to work even harder to attract and retain customers. Companies like Bean Box and Sonos understand this and constantly strive to make online shopping as simple and stress-free as possible. By making small adjustments to the checkout process, such as transitioning to a three-step design, they can significantly improve user experience and increase sales conversion rates.

Article from PYMNTS

3 - Sale of the Ecommerce Platform Wish

(NASDAQ: WISH) has sold Wish to Singaporean e-commerce company Q0010 for approximately $173 million in cash, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter of 2024. This strategic move marks a new phase for both companies in the global e-commerce sector. Wish, known for its affordable products, faced challenges post-IPO, leading to a decline in stock price. By selling to Q0010, Wish aims to explore growth opportunities through strategic partnerships, while Q0010 expands its reach into North America and supports Wish's operational enhancements. Wish will retain its brand and listing status, operating independently but benefiting from Q0010's expertise in supply chain management and market expansion. Analysts view this as a pivotal move for both companies to capitalise on evolving e-commerce trends and drive growth.

Article from Equal Ocean

2 - Lessons from the Retail World

Jérôme Poussin & David Simões speaking about Omnichannel Commerce in the Ecommerce Prague 2024 event
Jérôme Poussin being interviewed by me at Ecommerce Prague about Retail Trends and Omnichannel Strategies

The retail industry is swiftly changing due to economic uncertainties, digital proliferation, and a shift towards prioritising customer experiences over sales generation. Amidst this evolution, e-commerce brands and marketplaces are striving to innovate to stay competitive. Lessons drawn from industry leaders underscore several key strategies:

  • Harness live shopping for customer engagement and interaction.

  • Infuse digital experiences with personalized human touch to foster lasting loyalty.

  • Prioritize instant commerce to meet consumers' demand for faster delivery options.

  • Embrace circularity by offering refurbished products and promoting sustainability.

These insights highlight the importance of differentiation and innovation in delivering memorable shopping experiences that resonate with customers long-term.

Article from Forbes

1 - Shopify’s Future is Global
(I’m looking at you, EMEA)

In a recent CNBC interview, Shopify's President, Harley Finkelstein, discussed the company's global expansion strategy. Harley highlighted Shopify's commitment to providing tools that simplify international sales for businesses of all sizes. He also highlighted Shopify's success in attracting prominent brands such as Everlane and Nike Strength to its platform. Additionally, Finkelstein mentioned Shopify's focus on B2B online sales, indicating potential growth opportunities through partnerships with companies like Carrier. This interview reflects Shopify's ongoing efforts to innovate and support businesses on a global scale.

Article from CNBC

Case study: from Magento to Shopify Plus

An interview with Anis Tayebali, VP of engineering at Lulu and Georgia, by Ali Orr, head of consumer goods at Shopify
The challenge: Magento stifled growth

In a recent interview, Anis Tayebali, VP of engineering at Lulu and Georgia, discussed their transition from Magento to Shopify:

Migration Benefits:

  • Enabled business growth and scalability.

  • Leveraged Shopify's robust app ecosystem.

  • Utilised Shopify API for efficiency.

  • Implemented a versatile checkout system.

About Lulu and Georgia:

  • Family-owned business founded in 2012.

  • Offers over 40,000 home furnishings and accessories.

  • Collaborates with local artists and designers.

  • Exciting product launches draw a surge of activity.

Challenges with Magento:

  • Site performance and scalability issues.

  • Lack of automation tools and ecosystem maturity.

  • Difficulty integrating back-office operations.

  • Limited app ecosystem and seamless integrations.

Transition to Shopify:

  • Chose Shopify for scalability and performance.

  • Streamlined migration process with specialised tech.

  • Reintegrated functionality quickly using Shopify's ecosystem.

  • Leveraged Shopify's API for automation and efficiency.

Results with Shopify:

  • Enhanced scalability and stability.

  • Simplified integrations and optimised operations.

  • Leveraged Shopify's app ecosystem for enhancements.

  • Unified checkout solution for B2B and DTC needs.

Future Plans:

  • Expand B2B offering and improve shopping experiences.

  • Explore 3D technology for product visualisation.

  • Diversify product offerings and involve customers in customisation.

  • Excited about scaling further with Shopify.

Watch the interview

Czech On-line Expo 2024 | 27-28th February

Meet David Simões at Czech Online Expo in Prague
Are we going to see each other in Prague at the Czech On-line Expo? Write me, to make sure we can grab a coffee.

DM & we'll grab a coffee

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]]><![CDATA[#32 - Trends, Trends & Trends]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/32-trends-trends-and-trendshttps://www.davidjose.net/p/32-trends-trends-and-trendsFri, 16 Feb 2024 14:33:37 GMTHey there 👋

First of all I need to apologise to all the 830 readers, who missed my newsletter last week. It was the first time, since the launch of this publication when I missed a Friday. My excuses? Half of the week I was sick, and another half I was fully busy with our event: Ecommerce Prague (which by the way was incredibly successful).

This week as usual, I’ll share my top 5 insights and articles about Ecommerce from the last weeks and as an extra, I’ll share a few fascinating case studies about merchants who have just upgraded to Shopify Plus. Hope you enjoy it!

Before we get into this week’s insights, please 🙏 for me:

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5 - Apple Vision Pro use cases in Ecommerce

J. Crew Apple Vision Pro app

Apple has launched Vision Pro, which is a type of glasses that let you see and interact with computer images as if they were part of the real world. It's the first new kind of product from Apple since the Apple Watch in 2014 and costs $3,499. Before it even hit the stores on February 2, 200,000 of these glasses were sold. Retailers are getting creative with how they use the Vision Pro for shopping online. For example, Lowe’s has made an app that lets you design your kitchen in 3D. J. Crew has an app where you can try on clothes virtually and mix and match outfits. E.l.f. Cosmetics offers an app where you can shop for beauty products and enjoy relaxing activities. These apps show how shopping is changing, making it more fun and interactive with the help of the Vision Pro glasses.

Article from Digital Commerce 360

4 - How 3PLs Can Elevate E-commerce to Satisfy Modern Shoppers

Infographic: Going green in ecommerce
Sustainability report in shipping to download here.

The online shopping world is getting more competitive. In the UK, which is one of the top countries for online shopping, customers expect a lot from retailers. This includes having many delivery options, getting things shipped quickly, being eco-friendly, and making returns easy. Third-party logistics (3PL) companies help retailers by managing how products are stored, shipped, and returned. To keep up with what shoppers want, these companies need to offer a wide range of services, like faster delivery and greener options. If they don't, retailers could lose sales because customers might not complete their purchases if they're not happy with the delivery or return options. So, 3PLs play a big part in making sure customers are satisfied and keep coming back.

Article from Tech HQ

3 - Globalisation: Four Logistics Trends Shaping 2024

AI adoption rate in supply chain and manufacturing Worldwide in 2022 and 2025
Graphic source: Statista

DHL eCommerce's 2024 E-tailers’ Almanac highlights key trends in the e-commerce industry:

  1. E-commerce Growth: Despite economic uncertainties, e-commerce is poised for steady growth, driven by consumer spending on low-cost items, particularly apparel, from Asia.

  2. Stronger Logistics Companies: Established logistics providers have emerged stronger post-Covid, benefiting from investments in automation, increased capacity, and competitive pricing.

  3. Shift in E-tailer Preferences: Online merchants are prioritising speed and quality of delivery over cost, reflecting a strategic shift towards enhancing business expansion and customer satisfaction.

  4. Human Touch in Customer Service: Despite advancements in AI for customer service, there's a strong preference for personal human interaction among e-tailers for resolving logistics and transportation queries.

These insights underscore the resilience and growth potential of the e-commerce sector, offering valuable guidance for online merchants.

Article from DHL

2 - Key Technological Innovations Shaping Online Shopping

2024 e-commerce trends
Are you ready for 2024? Image credit.

The e-commerce sector is rapidly evolving, and staying ahead of technology trends is crucial for reaching customers effectively. Here are some key innovations shaping the future of e-commerce:

  • Augmented Reality (AR): AR is making online shopping more realistic, allowing customers to visualise products in their own space, enhancing the decision-making process. This is especially transformative in fashion and home decor sectors.

  • Diverse and Secure Payment Options: Providing a variety of secure payment methods is essential to avoid losing sales. Options that allow customers to save their payment information can also speed up future purchases.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: These technologies are revolutionising customer insights, offering personalised shopping experiences by analysing shopping habits and preferences.

  • Chatbots: Chatbots improve online customer service by providing immediate assistance, much like a salesperson in a store, making shopping more enjoyable.

  • Livestream Shopping: Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, livestream shopping is turning into a billion-dollar industry, driven by the popularity of online buying.

  • Voice Recognition: With a significant portion of the global population using voice search on mobile devices, this trend is expected to grow, making it easier for customers to find and purchase products using voice commands.

These technological advancements are set to continue driving the e-commerce industry forward, making innovation and adaptation more important than ever for businesses.

Article from Tech Guide

1 - Temu’s Super Bowl Commercials

After Temu aired five commercials during this year's Super Bowl, many people got curious about this new e-commerce platform. Temu offers super low prices on everything from sneakers to electronics, promising deals that make you "shop like a billionaire." It's an online discount marketplace that ships items directly from suppliers, cutting down costs. Despite being new in the U.S. since September 2022, Temu has quickly gained popularity, even though some question the quality of its products. Its parent company is PDD Holdings Inc., based in Shanghai. While Temu says it prioritizes privacy, there have been concerns about data collection and the use of forced labor in their supply chain. However, Temu claims these accusations are baseless and emphasises their commitment to privacy and ethical standards.

Article from USA Today

New Shopify Plus Case Studies

Decor Steals switched to Shopify in 2023, leading to quicker site launches, reduced costs, and better sales metrics like a 10% increase in conversion rates. This move highlights Shopify's benefits for expanding sales channels and improving customer experiences efficiently.

Replatforming from Salesforce

Since starting on Shopify Plus in 2016, Polysleep has grown into a global multi-million dollar mattress business. They've tripled revenue since 2020, increased organic traffic by 900%, and expanded internationally with a lean team, leveraging Shopify Plus for quick launches, innovation, and efficient scaling.

Tripling revenue with Shopify Plus

Bared Footwear adopted Shopify POS, enhancing efficiency and customer experience. This integration simplified inventory management, enabled seamless promotions, and facilitated new sales methods, streamlining their retail operations significantly.

Switching to Shopify POS

More Shopify News

In case you haven’t heard, Shopify has launched their new pricing. You can discover all the updates about how much Shopify Plus costs now on this post.

Shopify Plus Pricing 2024
Read all about the latest Shopify Plus pricing update here.

Shopify doesn’t simply increase their fees out of nowhere. You need to see it within the context of all the updates they keep launching on their platform. If you want to read all the news about the latest Shopify Winter Edition 2024, you can see everything they announced in this article.

Shopify Winter Editions 2024

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]]><![CDATA[#31 - Shopify Foundations in the spotlight!]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/31-shopify-foundations-in-the-spotlighthttps://www.davidjose.net/p/31-shopify-foundations-in-the-spotlightFri, 02 Feb 2024 10:26:01 GMTHello hello 👋

What a week! What a week! So much happened, that I won’t be able to give you all the details in one single post. Shopify Editions on Wednesday was fantastic! There are a bunch of B2B new features which I already showed to some clients and will save us a bunch of development time and costs. But today isn’t only about Shopify updates, we have other exciting news and insights to share so make sure you read it all and leave your feedback and ideas in the comment section.

Before we dive into it, please 🙏 for me:

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5 - PayPal First Look

In the competitive e-commerce landscape, PayPal's recent announcement of AI-driven innovations seems more reactionary than revolutionary. Despite being a once dominant player, PayPal's latest features, including a revamped checkout experience, AI-personalized receipts, and an updated consumer app, appear to lack originality and creativity. Critics argue that these updates are merely catch-up attempts to Shopify's more complete checkout offerings. PayPal's strategy suggests an underlying concern about its waning relevance in an industry where speed and innovation are key.

Article from FinTech Magazine

4 - Solar Energy is (finally) getting Online

The solar industry is increasingly recognizing the potential of e-commerce, a trend we've observed firsthand at our agency. In the past three months, there's been a noticeable surge in solar companies seeking robust B2C and B2B e-commerce solutions. This shift aligns with the industry-wide movement towards e-procurement, as highlighted by Kadeer Beg of Sunhub. With solar installations soaring globally, the demand for efficient, online procurement platforms is more pressing than ever. Our experience has shown that these platforms not only simplify procurement processes but also open up new avenues for competitive pricing and broader market access.

Screenshot from Sunhub Marketplace
Sunhub aims to streamline solar procurement with its new B2B e-commerce platform.

Article from Solar Power World

3 - Temu welcomes international sellers

Temu, an online retailer affiliated with Pinduoduo's parent company, is expanding its market by welcoming U.S. and European sellers onto its platform, a move confirmed by a company spokesperson and initially reported by Chinese media. Since its U.S. launch in 2022, Temu has quickly risen to prominence, outpacing apps like TikTok and Instagram in download charts, thanks to its low-priced offerings ranging from apparel to household goods. With over 100,000 China-based merchants, Temu claims its direct-to-consumer model eliminates middlemen, offering lower prices. However, this strategy has faced criticism for pressuring sellers on pricing and has attracted scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers over potential exploitation of trade loopholes and concerns about forced labor in its supply chain. Amidst growing tensions, Temu has engaged in legal disputes with rival Shein, highlighting the competitive and contentious environment of e-commerce.

A page from the Temu website is seen, June 23, 2023, in New York
Chinese Temu is opening its doors to U.S. and European sellers, confirmed by a spokesperson on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Article from NBC NY

2 - Ecommerce in Emerging Markets

The "Beyond Borders 2024" report by Ebanx forecasts a significant expansion in the digital economy of emerging markets, predicting an addition of 109 million consumers globally in 2024, with India leading by contributing 31%. This growth is outpacing that in developed regions, with e-commerce in emerging markets growing at a 20% annual rate. The report also highlights the vital role of cross-border transactions in economies like Latin America and predicts that emerging markets will account for nearly 40% of global B2B digital payments by 2027. This underscores the increasing influence of emerging markets in the global e-commerce landscape, presenting substantial opportunities for international digital growth and a more balanced global economy.

New Consumers in 2024 by Country and Region as per the Ebanx's "Beyond Borders 2024" report
The report shows India leading with 34 million new consumers in 2024, followed by China and the rest of Asia, illustrating significant consumer market growth in emerging regions.

Article from Practical Ecommerce

1 - Shopify Winter Editions 2024

Shopify's Winter Editions 2024 was a BANG! A treasure trove of over 100+ electrifying updates, supercharging the e-commerce experience for merchants and customers alike. For a quick digest of the few announcements from the Walkthrough Demo (video bellow), check out my impromptu summary here. Soon I’ll go into the most thrilling updates in my upcoming LinkedIn monthly blog post, unpacking how these advancements can skyrocket your business, so make sure you subscribe there to get it on your inbox. These editions were themed with the "Foundations" label for its to underline their commitment to enhancing the platform's core for merchants to build upon, focusing on essential features that support growth and innovation. This update solidifies the underpinnings of Shopify technology, reflecting their never ending efforts to democratise commerce and make it more accessible even for B2B and Enterprise companies.

Explore all the 100+ new updates

App of the week: TheShop

This week I’ve had a very fruitful meeting with the founder of CEO of TheShop. I’m intrigued about their vision to make product management better and connecting external systems to Ecommerce platforms less chaotic and expensive. Definitely looking forward to test it out and see it in action!

Check out TheShop

Ecommerce Prague 2024 SOLD OUT!

We did it! 350 people are already making their plans to come to Prague on the 8th of February to learn about business internationalisation through Ecommerce. Not only that, but we’ve announced the final program for the whole event. Here’s what you can count with:

  • 15:00 - 16:00 Registration

  • 16:00 - 16:10 Opening

  • 16:10 - 16:30 Lily Chen (SHEIN) [EN – Live Stream]

  • 16:30 - 17:00 Petr Andrýsek (MADMONQ)

  • 17:00 - 17:30 Jérôme Poussin (Maisons du Monde) [EN]

  • 18:00 - 18:20 Alexandre Bonvin (Audacia) [EN – Live Stream]

  • 18:20 - 18:40 Benjamin Lang (Shopify) [EN]

  • 18:40 - 19:10 Štěpánka Vílová (Factcool)

  • 19:55 - 20:15 Yildiray Bilcig (TePe) [EN – Live Stream]

  • 20:15 - 20:45 Tomáš Braverman

  • 21:00 - 22:00 Masterminds and guided networking

  • 21:00 - 00:00 NOTINO Afterparty

Benjamin Lang is the Head of Benelux & Nordics Expansion at Shopify
I’m super stoked we were able to get a Shopify speaker to join us in person! This will be 🔥🔥🔥

Ecommerce Prague Program

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]]><![CDATA[#30 - Winter is coming ❄️]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/30-winter-is-cominghttps://www.davidjose.net/p/30-winter-is-comingFri, 26 Jan 2024 16:46:54 GMTHey there 👋

These last few days have been crazy busy, so let's get straight to all juicy Ecommerce news!

5 - Visual AI Search

Visual AI is reshaping eCommerce search by tackling the challenge of finding visually complex products. With 80% of users abandoning sites due to search difficulties, Visual AI employs image recognition and machine learning, allowing image-based searches to enhance accuracy and speed up the shopping journey. Beyond efficiency, it taps into shoppers' subconscious reactions, offering personalized recommendations and adapting to the visual nature of shopping. This innovation builds trust, loyalty, and satisfaction, ushering in a visually-driven, user-centric era in digital retail.

Article from Retail Merchandiser

4 - 60 years of Nike’s marketing success

Celebrating six decades, Nike's global dominance is a testament to its brilliant marketing strategy. The iconic swoosh, a versatile symbol since 1971, signifies simplicity and adaptability across spaces, impacting not just fashion but also retail and Ecommerce. The "Just Do It" slogan, born in 1988, directly connects with consumers, embedding itself in everyday lives and influencing retail choices. Athlete endorsements and calculated risks not only shape Nike's image but also impact retail partnerships and ecommerce collaborations.

60 years ago Nike was founded!
Nike's 60th Anniversary (1964 - 2024)

Article from Raconteur

3 - Shopify's Enterprise Push

Shopify has shifted its focus towards attracting enterprise retailers. The introduction of Commerce Components facilitates selective integration into existing tech stacks. Spearheaded by President Harley Finkelstein, the strategy aims to attract enterprise retailers into exploring Shopify's offerings, encouraging the adoption of specific components like Shop Pay or the point-of-sale system. The ultimate objective is to provide flexibility, enabling enterprise retailers to tailor their use of components and foster long-term relationships. Finkelstein anticipates a surge in adoption from larger businesses, reinforcing Shopify's status as a versatile solution for retailers of all sizes in 2024.

How Harley Finkelstein is trying to recruit more enterprise brands to Shopify
At NRF’s Big Show in early January, Finkelstein moderated a panel with Béis founder Shay Mitchell and Glossier CEO Kyle Leahy.

Article from Modern Retail

2 - Top NRF 2024 takeaways

The National Retail Federation's Big Show brought together industry leaders, sparking discussions on the latest trends. Here are seven crucial insights from the event:

  1. Unified Commerce: Retailers are abandoning the divide between in-store and online sales, embracing an omnichannel approach for consistent customer experiences.

  2. AI Takes Center Stage: Artificial Intelligence dominates discussions, with a focus on the game-changing potential of generative AI tools, exemplified by Salesforce's latest offerings.

  3. Data's Pivotal Role: Quality data is the backbone of successful AI applications, as seen with FedEx's new commerce platform, utilising insights from its extensive package deliveries.

  4. Physical Presence Matters: Online retailers, like Chewy, recognize the value of physical locations, responding to changing consumer preferences, particularly among Gen Z.

  5. Sustainability as a Priority: Retailers, such as Under Armour, emphasize sustainability, aligning with younger consumers' values by adopting eco-friendly practices.

  6. DTC Strategy Evolution: Direct-to-Consumer brands, like Bombas and Ritual, navigate the post-pandemic landscape by finding a balance between retail and DTC sales.

  7. Shein and Temu's Rise: Low-cost Chinese competitors gain prominence with efficient supply chain models and on-demand production, signalling a challenge for US retailers.

Article from Digital Commerce 360

1 - Shopify Winter ’24 Edition

On January 31, Shopify is dropping its Winter '24 Edition, showcasing over 100 updates to boost your business. Expect streamlined global selling, AI integration, and a vibrant developer ecosystem. It's more than a platform; it's a toolkit for success. From user-friendly design to leveraging scale, Shopify's got your back. Stay tuned and don't miss out on the latest upgrades!

Shopify Winter ’24 Edition is coming – here’s the why behind the build
You can register here!

Coming soon

After the Shopify Editions, Youness’ X Space

Join me in this Twitter Space hosted by @blanklob to dive into the announcements and their implications for developers. Exciting times ahead!
Register here

X Space

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]]><![CDATA[#29 - Welcome to the future]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/29-welcome-to-the-futurehttps://www.davidjose.net/p/29-welcome-to-the-futureFri, 19 Jan 2024 10:01:25 GMTHello hello 👋

This week we’re talking about the future, covering topics like this year's Omnichannel growth and FedEx's upcoming Ecommerce platform. To gain insights into what lies ahead, we must delve into the past, examining the history of Omnichannel and recent developments on Everland's online store. Coming back to the present, we discuss unique news, such as people in Paris changing clothes in post offices and Aviator Nation's full embrace of Shopify.

Stay tuned for a journey through time and trends in the world of commerce! But before we time travel all over these insights, please 🙏 for me:

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5 - Omnichannel growth in 2024

In 2024, expect a rapid acceleration of omnichannel retailing, driven by immersive customer experiences like augmented reality fitting rooms. Online-first brands are venturing into physical spaces through pop-ups and partnerships. Despite a mixed U.S. consumer outlook, retailers are adapting by prioritising either physical or online channels. Shopper behavior leans heavily towards online research, with over half using search engines for purchase decisions. This trend is expected to strengthen, prompting physical retailers to enhance their online presence in 2024. Finally, organizational structures are aligning for true omnichannel retailing, with e-commerce and brick-and-mortar managers collaborating for a unified sales channel.

Revolutionizing Omnichannel E-Commerce Experiences through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Image from IONX.digital

Article from Practical Ecommerce

4 - Everlane has Shop Pay without Shopify

Now, Shop Pay, the internet's best performing checkout, works with any online store setup. You can add this high-performing checkout to your current system, just like how Everlane did. This change hints at a possible shift for quick checkout businesses. Shop Pay is answering the request from big retailers, offering its fast checkout to major brands worldwide, even if they're not on Shopify. This means big brands can easily use Shop Pay in their setup, getting fast access to a reliable checkout used by over 100 million eager shoppers, all without changing their whole online store solution.

ShopPay spotted on non-Shopify website as clothing retailer Everlane adds solution to homegrown CMS
Shopify's Shop Pay is now available on Everlane's non-Shopify website.

Shop Pay Component

3 - Try new clothes in the post office

France's post office, La Poste, is piloting in-store changing rooms, resembling bright yellow French mailboxes, in selected branches including two in Paris, one in Lannion, and another in La Rochelle. Customers receiving parcels at these branches can try on their online purchases inside these booths, simplifying the return process by immediately returning ill-fitting items at the counter, eliminating the need for a separate trip. La Poste aims to enhance customer convenience and attract more foot traffic to its branches, addressing the decline in visits due to reduced letter sending. While some retailers express concerns about potential impacts on sales, experts suggest the initiative could benefit them by speeding up returns and minimizing damage to goods.

A woman stands near a retry booth set up in a La Poste French post office to allow people to try on clothes purchased on the internet in Paris, on January 10, 2024. Try on a piece of clothing purchased online in a post office and possibly return it immediately: La Poste is experimenting with fitting rooms in a few agencies in France, upsetting certain traders who point to "serious risks" for "local shops".
The changing room in a La Poste branch in Paris lets people try on their online purchases.

Article from Business Insider

2 - FedEx new Ecommerce Platform

FedEx is set to launch a new e-commerce platform called fdx, scheduled for this fall, offering online merchants end-to-end solutions for supply chain management, customer sales, and delivery coordination. The platform integrates existing FedEx commerce tools, including those from ShopRunner, acquired in 2020, with upcoming features like a "custom post-purchase experience" for accurate shipment information. In response to Amazon's growing influence in logistics, FedEx emphasizes that it provides digital capabilities and insights to businesses, allowing them to maintain control over the customer experience. The move reflects FedEx's strategy to stay competitive and enhance its services amid challenges from major players in the industry.

A process graphic depicting all steps in the consumer journey, including demand, conversion, optimized fulfillment, carbon footprint, visibility, post-purchase, and returns.
fdx plans to transform consumer experience, connecting every stage of the journey for growth, conversion, and efficient fulfillment.

Article from The Verge

1 - Aviator Nation on Shopify Plus

Aviator Nation, a 1970s-inspired apparel brand, upgraded from Magento and Lightspeed to Shopify, streamlining their operations and enhancing customer experience. The move resulted in a 10% revenue growth, efficient handling of 2,000+ monthly online orders, and improved customer service. Shopify's flexibility allowed easy website customization, reducing dependence on external developers.

The brand further improved checkout with integrations like Checkout Blocks and embraced Shopify Plus for lower fees and advanced features, unifying online and in-store transactions. During a recent music festival, they processed over 2,500 orders seamlessly. Same-day shipping for in-stock retail items ordered online became possible, contributing to increased sales.

In summary, Aviator Nation's shift to Shopify marked a transformative moment, empowering them to adapt, grow, and provide a seamless customer experience across channels.

Testimonial about Shopify Plus from Curtis Ulrich, Director of Ecommerce at Aviator Nation
Aviator Nation's switch to Shopify, backed by Curtis Ulrich, increased revenue by 10%, streamlined operations, and improved omnichannel experience.

Read case study

When did “Omnichannel” started?

Preparing for our interview with Jérôme Poussin at Ecommerce Prague (8.2.2024), I discovered an insightful article about the relatively young history of omnichannel. Emerging around 2010, the concept aims at seamless customer experiences across communication channels. Coined by Best Buy in 2003, the term gained momentum in 2010 and became crucial for marketing. By 2015, data revealed strong omnichannel strategies retained up to 89% of customers. Despite predictions of its demise, the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced its importance in maintaining connectedness. In 2023, omnichannel is a standard in consumer-enterprise relationships, continually evolving to enhance the customer experience.

Jérôme Poussin, an experienced retail professional, discusses the significance of physical presence for online success, digitizing in-store experiences, key factors for profitable retail expansion, and future omnichannel trends across various European countries.
In our interview, we'll discuss physical presence, in-store digitisation, retail expansion factors, omnichannel customer experience, data leverage, country nuances, and future trends.

The history of Omnichannel

Latest podcast I spoke at:

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]]><![CDATA[#28 - Must-know trends, smart tips, and exciting updates]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/28-must-know-trends-smart-tips-andhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/28-must-know-trends-smart-tips-andFri, 12 Jan 2024 10:12:11 GMTHey Ecomm Buddies 👋

Ready for another roundup of the hottest trends in Ecommerce? I sure am! This week was super productive and filled with opportunities. I hope that not just for me, but for you as well. How are your New Year Resolutions going? If you forgot about yours already (or didn’t even set up any), don’t worry - we’re just getting the year started, and I believe you can reach your dreams!

Before we get into this week’s insights, please 🙏 for me:

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5 - Ecommerce & Retail at CES 2024

CES 2024 brought together retailers and tech leaders to explore key trends in ecommerce. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon's keynote highlighted the retailer's tech vision. Newegg tested its presence on TikTok Shop, and Instacart announced AI-powered advertisements on smart carts. Discussions focused on Ecommerce's future, emphasising authenticity and customer loyalty. L'Oreal discussed the transformative impact of technology on their business. These insights reflect the dynamic evolution of Ecommerce at CES 2024.

Article from Digital Commerce 360

4 - Spending mistakes in Ecommerce

In the busy world of online selling, it's super important for businesses to spend their money wisely. This helps them handle their cash well and make some profit. Even though online shopping is growing fast, there are some mistakes that businesses should avoid. The Ecommerce industry is expected to grow by about 24.25% from 2023 to 2028. Here are some common mistakes:

  • relying too much on paid ads

  • focusing too much on getting new customers instead of keeping the old ones happy

  • forgetting to make the website work well

  • not paying attention to security and rules

  • ignoring the data they get

  • stocking too much stuff

  • and not making the website responsive for mobile devices.

To do well, businesses need to spend smartly, care about customers, use data, and always try to improve.

Article from Forbes

3 - Cookie banners suck (no shit, Sherlock)

The annoying "cookie permission" banners that pop up on websites might see some changes in the European Union. Currently, websites have to ask for your permission before using cookies to track your data. While this gives you more control, it has also flooded websites with these annoying pop-ups. The EU is thinking about fixing this issue. Didier Reynders, the EU Justice Commissioner, said they know these banners are a pain and are discussing a solution. The idea is to make sure websites remember your preferences, so you only see the permission once a year. They also want big platforms like Meta and X to be transparent about cookies to reduce annoyance. Balancing privacy and advertising is tricky, and even Google is trying to change how Chrome deals with cookies. It's a challenge for them as advertising is a big part of their business. Other companies like Mozilla and Apple, less dependent on ads, have already taken steps against advertising cookies. It's a tricky balance for everyone.

Article from Techspot

2 - Luigi’s Box & Persoo

The Slovak company Luigi’s Box had a big win by acquiring its Czech competitor, Persoo, rounding off a successful year. Specializing in enhancing online stores through personalised search and AI-driven product recommendations, Luigi’s Box has been profitable for four years and consistently ranked in Deloitte’s Fast 50 in Central Europe. This acquisition cements its position as a leader in search optimization in the Central Europe markets. The move is expected to bring new innovations and optimizations to the Ecommerce market. Luigi’s Box has seen significant year-over-year growth and serves over 3,500 e-shops. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their position in both western and eastern Europe.

LUIGI’S BOX ACQUIRES PRAGUE-BASED PERSOO, STRENGTHENING ITS POSITION IN THE EUROPEAN MARKET
Gejza Nagy, co-founder and CEO of Luigi’s Box (on the left) & Pavel Pinkas, co-founder and CEO of Persoo (on the right)

Article from Startup Kitchen

1 - Shopify engineering crushed 2023!

Shopify is all about top-notch technical excellence. They've spent 2023 simplifying and speeding up their systems, removing unnecessary code, and making their platform faster. From an 80K list loading in 400 milliseconds to 3 million lines of code removed, they're obsessed with performance. AI tools like GitHub Copilot help them write over 20,000 lines of code every weekday. During Black Friday-Cyber Monday, they hit over 99.999% uptime, handled massive data, and their sellers raked in $9.3 billion in sales. Shopify's commitment to excellence is evident in their constant efforts to provide an efficient and seamless experience for their sellers.

Highlights of Shopify Engineering success in 2023
Performance👆, complexity👇- Congrats to Farhan Thawar, VP & Head of Engineering at Shopify

Article from Shopify

Ecommerce Prague 2024 almost SOLD OUT!

If you’re leaving under a rock and haven’t heard about Ecommerce Prague, this may be your last chance to get tickets. I've wrote a whole article here about what you can expect from it (in Czech). If you’re unsure if you should come, just write me or leave a comment and I’ll answer any questions you may have!

Plans for the first Ecommerce Prague edition

Last tickets here

Quick question…

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]]><![CDATA[#27 - Are you ready for 2024?]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/27-are-you-ready-for-2024https://www.davidjose.net/p/27-are-you-ready-for-2024Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:54:05 GMTHappy New Year 🥳

Hope you’ve rested and took some deep breaths, over the holidays - because this year will be wild!

Not sure if you’re used to use that time to reflect over the past and plan for the future. I was feeling a bit lazy to do it, but I got the impulse I needed from Jeremy on Linkedin, so I decided to put together my own list of goals and aspirations for next year. You can read them on LinkedIn, Twitter/X or even on Threads. Let me know what you think and share your ambitions too, so we can inspire each other.

Now it’s time to get back to business as usual and grow together in our journey. Let’s check out this week’s insights.

David Simoes Christmas Photo
Obligatory Christmas photo with super natural smile, that definitely my wife didn’t force me to take 😅

5 - Consumer preferences in shipping

Shipping holds paramount importance in consumers' online purchasing choices and satisfaction levels. Statista's September 2023 survey of 6,000 U.S. consumers highlights free delivery as the top priority, shaping buying decisions. The data reveals that 89% of respondents emphasize free delivery, surpassing other factors like easy return shipping (65%) and next-day delivery (36%). Gender-wise analysis indicates that 92% of female respondents highly value free shipping compared to 85% of males. Additionally, Ryder's September 2023 survey of 1,077 U.S. online shoppers suggests that younger consumers exhibit greater patience for online order deliveries, with 67% of 18-29 year-olds willing to wait longer. Notably, free shipping remains a key influencer in consumers' choice of where to make an online purchase, standing at 64% according to the Ryder survey respondents.

What U.S. Consumers Value Most about Shipping When Ordering Products Online, 2023
In the US is becoming more and more unacceptable to pay for the shipping costs. What do you think this mean for the rest of the Ecommerce world?

4 - New EU cross-border payment rules against VAT fraud

From January 1, new transparency rules in the EU aim to combat Value-Added Tax (VAT) fraud, especially in e-commerce, where such fraud is prevalent. These regulations require payment service providers (PSPs) handling over 90% of EU online purchases to monitor and transmit information on payees receiving more than 25 cross-border payments quarterly. This data will feed into the new European database, CESOP, accessible to Member States via Eurofisc, aiding in identifying non-compliant online sellers and strengthening fraud prevention efforts. The initiative seeks to address VAT non-compliance, particularly by businesses operating outside the EU, ultimately safeguarding tax revenues that fund crucial public services. Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni emphasizes these rules' pivotal role in curbing VAT fraud and restoring lost government revenues, applauding the collaboration with payment service providers to tackle e-commerce fraud effectively.

VAT Carousel Fraud explained by ASD Group
You can learn more about the dangers of VAT Fraud here

3 - Livestream commerce insights

Livestream commerce is on the rise in the US, driven by initiatives like TikTok Shop. Coresight Research projects potential sales of $50 billion by 2023, constituting over 5% of US ecommerce by 2026. Currently, only 12% of Americans have made live shopping stream purchases, led by Gen Z and millennials. Brands can enter this space through social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, built-in livestream platforms such as Amazon Live, and comprehensive third-party integrations like Bambuser and Livescale. As this trend gains traction, brands should gauge customer interest before fully committing.

2 - 2024 Forecast: Shopping trends and strategies

In 2024, expect ecommerce and retail to offer expanded shopping avenues driven by AI innovations, blending digital and physical experiences seamlessly. Marketers leverage AI to create versatile retail landscapes, bridging online feedback gaps for brick-and-mortar stores. AI-driven chat aims to emulate in-store warmth online, emphasizing tone and consistency for effective brand communication. Shoppable ads gain traction, particularly among Gen Z, enhancing brand recall and interaction on streaming platforms like Roku. Additionally, retailers are shifting towards flexible, composable commerce systems, offering agile and innovative customer experiences across various touchpoints, crucial for extensive product catalogs and complex customer journeys.

Retail Predictions for 2024
Let me know in the comments what are your predictions for Ecommerce and Retail in 2024.

1 - Shopify prepared for competition in retail sector

In 2024, Shopify ventures into big retail commerce, eyeing larger enterprises. Despite a stock dip in 2022, strategic moves boosted its value, though it's yet to reach peak levels. Targeting larger clients with Shopify Plus, the company competes by offering cost-effective and swift solutions. However, this shift brings challenges, demanding proof of increased sales from bigger clients and possibly slower decision-making. Ecommerce expert Rick Watson highlights this risk, emphasising that Shopify's enterprise venture needs substantial sales to offset fewer merchants, despite its agile offerings.

Leave a comment

App of the week: LOCO

Yesterday I’ve had a very interesting meeting with the company behind this app. LOCO is an e-commerce app that blends AI and human oversight to streamline content creation, translation, and integration directly into online stores. It offers AI-driven content creation, translation, and management for product categories, catering to startups, large enterprises, and translation agencies seeking efficient multilingual content management. It’s still on its early days, but their potential is huge. If you are selling internationally more than 500 SKUs, you should probably connect with them to save some time and resources.

Diagram explaining how the LOCO solution works
AI and human collaboration effortlessly provide quality multilingual content directly exported to your online store.

Ecommerce Prague 2024

The time is getting closer and closer. If you haven’t yet, make sure you grab your tickets before we sell out. If you were afraid this would be one more Ecommerce conference with plenty of SaaS companies and agencies trying to sell their fish, don’t be afraid. You’ll be in very good company, with some of the most successful Ecommerce brands in our region.

Logos of brands that are coming to the Ecommerce Prague 2024 event.
You’ll be able to meet and network with some of these awesome brands who already registered to the event. Don’t wait too long!

Buy your ticket (while you can)

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]]><![CDATA[#26 - It's the final countdown! ]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/26-its-the-final-countdownhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/26-its-the-final-countdownFri, 29 Dec 2023 07:20:30 GMTHello 👋

We’re almost in 2024! I’ll be lucky if you even open your inbox today… Before saying goodbye to 2023, I need to send you as usual my top 5 Ecommerce insights of the week. I believe you’ll get plenty of value from it, so make you read until the end.

Wish you an awesome beginning of 2024! Feel free to comment with your new year’s business resolutions and I’ll be happy to support you on your journey!

5 - Social Commerce Evolution

Social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram have transformed global shopping experiences, influencing trends. Despite 43% browsing for goods, only 14% make purchases through social media due to trust and security concerns. Established sectors like beauty and clothing excel, while pet products and toys show rapid growth. Generation Z leads in social media shopping (68% search, 22% purchase), highlighting its appeal to younger demographics. Credit/debit cards dominate payments, followed by PayPal, cryptocurrency, and digital wallets. To boost sales in 2024, addressing trust issues and adapting to consumer payment preferences are crucial for retailers.

Stats on the products consumers buy on social media
How do you think social commerce will evolve in 2024? Let me know in the comments.

4 - Omnichannel is the future

In an age dominated by Ecommerce, brick-and-mortar stores are thriving by leveraging their established brand and loyal customer base. Seamless integration of offline and online stores is key to survival and growth in today's retail landscape. Maintaining consistent brand identity, cross-promoting between physical and online spaces, and leveraging customer data through CRM systems are pivotal strategies. Omnichannel approaches, offering click-and-collect options, and unified inventory management enhance customer experience. Building online communities, implementing personalised marketing, and embracing mobile optimisation bridge the digital-physical divide. Businesses benefit from analysing data, adapting strategies, and implementing click-and-collect to drive foot traffic. The integration of physical and online strategies fosters sustained success, offering growth opportunities and empowering retailers to navigate the commerce landscape effectively. In the ever-evolving retail scene, success lies in the seamless blend of physical and digital resources, guiding the future of retail.

an illustration of omnichannel marketing
If you haven’t started to integrate all your sales channels to provide a seamless experience, you’re behind the curve and should focus on in 2024.

3 - Web3 arrives to Ecommerce

Web3 integration in Ecommerce signals a shift towards transparent, user-centric online transactions. From decentralized structures fostering transparency to pioneering marketing tools like AR and faux OOH ads, the landscape evolves. AR enhances decision-making by visualizing products, reducing returns, while faux OOH ads create interactive, globally resonant campaigns. User-friendly Web3 platforms blend innovation and familiarity, enabling virtual storefronts and AI-driven assistance. Immersive commerce augments shopping reality with sensory feedback, fostering communal online experiences. Crafting compelling brand narratives and immersive storytelling guidelines resonate with audiences. This evolution redefines user engagement, creating dynamic, multidimensional spaces that transcend traditional online interactions, shaping the future of digital commerce.

Future of FOOH (Fake Out of Home) Advertising
A giant virtual model of Barbie standing in an enormous box next to Dubai’s iconic landmark. Yep, faux OOH is crazy!

2 - Commerce Trends 2023

Shopify’s Commerce Trends 2023 report encapsulates the dynamic commerce landscape, reflecting resilience amid global challenges. Economic obstacles, amplified by geopolitical tensions, prompt businesses to prepare for potential inflation and recession. Despite online shopping surges and the shift towards meaningful connections, slowed commerce growth and inflation concerns prevail. The report delves into supply chain crises, evolving marketing strategies, the rise of social commerce, and innovative retail experiences, emphasizing the need for adaptability and interconnectedness in navigating these transformative times. Curated from diverse insights, this report serves as a compass for businesses aiming to navigate the evolving commerce landscape.

Commerce Trends 2023: Industry Report - Shopify Plus
Go download the full report here.

1 - Packeta got acquired

A consortium of CVC Capital Partners and EMMA Capital, led by Jiri Smejc, is set to acquire Zasilkovna, a prominent Czech package delivery company under the parent entity, Packeta. The acquisition, pending competition approvals, aims to secure 100% ownership, anticipating completion in the first half of 2024. Although financial specifics weren’t disclosed, speculation suggests a sale price between 350 to 380 million euros. CVC will hold a 65% stake, with an expected minority investment by Czech investment group R2G within CVC's share. The goal is to elevate Packeta into a significant player in the European parcel delivery sphere, leveraging its current 15,000+ pick-up points across the region. This acquisition represents a strategic move towards expansion and market dominance in the parcel delivery sector. If you’re curious about it, you can check our app integrating their services with Shopify here.

Zasilkovna box in Novo Plaza
This is how Packeta’s Z-boxes look like. One of the amazing revolutions in last mile delivery they’ve produced successfully.

Leave a comment

Most popular posts of 2023

Since we’re about to close the year, I thought you could be interested in reviewing the top 3 most viewed articles I’ve put here over the year. Enjoy!

Early Bird last days: Ecommerce Prague 2023

From the 1st of 2024 the prices to our Ecommerce event in Prague are doubling. So if you want to take advantage of the Early Bird - this is your last chance.

Last chance before prices double

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]]><![CDATA[#25 - Stop checking your emails. It's almost Xmas! (Ok, I let you read this one...)]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/25-stop-checking-your-emails-itshttps://www.davidjose.net/p/25-stop-checking-your-emails-itsFri, 22 Dec 2023 09:32:05 GMTHello 👋

No more holiday shopping, at least online. The only exception is if you’re selling gift-cards, which is a much better idea than you may realise. But for most of the Ecommerce players, like you - now it’s time to relax a bit from the business, celebrate the wins from the past weeks and try to get some quality time with loved ones. If you can’t 100% turn off your business brain, this article can help you keep an eye on what’s going on in the world.

P.S. I highly recommend to take it easy next week. Make some time to collect your thoughts, look back to this 2023, plan for 2024, visit your family, friends and maybe business partners and colleagues. Use this week for union and peace ✌️🎄.

5 - Marketplaces: from China to the World

Shein and Temu, rapidly growing e-commerce platforms in the U.S., have amassed attention despite a notable absence of U.S.-based sellers. Shein's fast-fashion marketplace and Temu, similar to AliExpress, mainly host sellers from China. Despite efforts to attract U.S. sellers, these platforms predominantly feature Chinese sellers. While their growth projections are substantial, the lack of U.S. sellers could limit their expansion beyond China, posing a long-term challenge. These platforms represent a unique wave of Chinese commerce, yet their localization attempts currently face hurdles, remaining more theoretical than practical.

Made, Sold, Marketed by China
Ownership of the whole business journey by China.

4 - Ready for a Cookie-less Future?

Google's forthcoming move to block third-party cookies in Chrome from mid-2024 could revolutionize e-commerce and marketing strategies. Starting with a small subset of users in January, this change aims to enhance user privacy by restricting website access to such cookies. Despite potential benefits for both users and advertisers, concerns from competitors and regulators persist. Google's careful rollout reflects the significance of this shift, highlighting its profound implications for e-commerce and marketers worldwide.

laptop and android phone running Chrome with a bubble pop-up “browse with more privacy.”
You’ll get this notification if you’re selected for Tracking Protection. Image: Google.

3 - B2B Ecommerce Trending

B2B ecommerce trends in 2023 indicate a mixed satisfaction level among buyers. While 85% graded their experience positively, only 36% rated it as excellent, revealing room for improvement. The findings emphasize the rising expectations of digitally inclined customers and the need for B2B sellers to enhance their platforms to meet these standards. Notably, buyers conduct thorough research before making online purchases, with over 50% making daily transactions and favoring manufacturer ecommerce sites (57%) over other options like consumer sites (45%), Amazon Business (43%), search engines (40%), and distributor ecommerce sites (33%). A better user experience, crucial for buyers, involves access to comprehensive product information, competitive pricing, and efficient order management tools for quick and informed decision-making and transactions. This data highlights the evolving landscape of B2B Ecommerce, urging sellers to focus on enhancing user experience and meeting the evolving needs of digital buyers.

Reasons why more and more B2B buyers prefer ecommerce channels to purchase.
B2B ecommerce buyers do their homework before making an online purchase. But once they do commit, they place more frequent orders online.

2 - Understanding Total Cost of Ownership

Understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) in e-commerce is crucial for businesses evaluating their ROI. It encompasses license fees, implementation, operations, and innovation expenses. License costs involve platform fees and related software expenses. Implementation covers overlooked costs like non-technical salaries. Operations include infrastructure maintenance and user support. The often overlooked innovation cost involves post-implementation modifications. Managing these expenses effectively requires accurate forecasting, differentiation between operations and innovation, and considering future costs for major e-commerce initiatives. A clear grasp of these costs is vital for informed and profitable e-commerce investments.

Poll about the importance of TCO for Ecommerce.
You can participate in this poll here.

1 - Farfetch gets a second chance

Struggling luxury retailer Farfetch acquired by South Korean eCommerce giant Coupang for $500 million. The deal allows Coupang access to the luxury goods market while aiding Farfetch's ongoing operations. Farfetch's recent challenges, including the decision to discontinue beauty product sales, reflect industry competition against major players like Sephora and Ulta. This acquisition ends Farfetch's plan to acquire Yoox Net-A-Porter from Richemont, marking a significant shift in the luxury retail landscape.

Leave a comment

Ecommerce Prague 2024

Ecommerce Prague on the 8th of February 2024 in Prague.
The first Czech Ecommerce Conference with International Ambitions. Get more information to expand your business beyond Central Europe.

Buy Early Bird Tickets

Petr Andrysek, Jerome Poussin, Tomas Braverman and Alexandre Bonvin are some of the confirmed speakers at Ecommerce Prague.
Some of the confirmed speakers at Ecommerce Prague 2024.

Threads launched in Europe

Meta's Threads expanded into the EU last week, marking another move against Twitter/X. The launch, delayed by EU privacy laws, now allows browsing without an Instagram profile. Despite an initial surge, Threads faced user declines. However, Meta remains optimistic. Also, Meta aims for content interoperability, offering more interaction across platforms.

Join me on Threads

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]]><![CDATA[#24 - It's time to reflect about Retail & Ecommerce!]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/24-its-time-to-reflect-about-retailhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/24-its-time-to-reflect-about-retailThu, 14 Dec 2023 16:26:24 GMTHello everyone 👋

Christmas Countdown: 10 days! Do you have everything prepared? …me neither. There’s not time for gift shopping, when now it’s time to do some serious end-of-the-year reflection about the state of Ecommerce and Retail in the world. We may be at the end of the year, but most of us are already looking forward and planning to the next one.

As you should know by now, it’s not wise neither possible to plan and strategise without looking back to what we’ve achieved in the past. Today’s article is a mix of past analysis, present observations and future projections. Hope it helps you 🙏

5 - 9% growth in European Ecommerce

Forrester's recent report predicts a surge in online retail spending across major European countries. Highlighting Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, which account for 70% of Western Europe's GDP, the forecast suggests a 9.2% annual growth rate. Despite setbacks due to the pandemic and economic challenges, the report anticipates a return to pre-pandemic levels from 2024 onwards. It projects combined online retail sales to rise from 372 billion euros in 2023 to 579 billion euros in 2028. The forecast aligns with expectations of a 9% growth in European ecommerce by 2027. This outlook reflects an evolving retail landscape, emphasizing both online and offline dynamics until 2028.

global ecommerce value of transactions, 2016-2027
The European ecommerce market is expected to reach 1.5 trillion dollar by 2027, according to GlobalData in a new research report.

4 - Walmart’s CFO talks inflation

At the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer and Retail Conference, Walmart's CFO, John David Rainey, discussed consumers' resilience amid 2023's high prices, noting a shift towards prioritizing food spending over general merchandise. Despite a slight deviation in late October, Walmart anticipates adapting without drastic strategy changes for 2024. Rainey highlighted their focus on boosting higher-profit general merchandise sales while investing in automation for improved supply chains. Walmart aims for sustainable Ecommerce profitability, leveraging its extensive store network for cost-effective operations and prioritising convenience and value in the digital space.

Presentation for the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer and Retail Conference
Walmart CFO’s presentation at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer and Retail Conference

3 - Unionisation needed in Ecommerce?

Sociologist Steve Viscelli highlighted the gruelling physical demands faced by delivery workers during the holiday rush, emphasizing the strain of carrying hundreds of packages daily. He outlined the intricate journey of a package from factory to doorstep, noting the complexity involving multiple transportation modes and workers. The growth of Ecommerce intensified workloads, but Viscelli expressed concerns about declining job quality due to algorithmic management. He stressed the importance of unionization and policies for fair compensation and better working conditions. Viscelli remained optimistic about policy changes shaping a safer and more efficient transportation system, while emphasising the crucial role of policy decisions over individual consumer actions in this landscape. Lastly, he acknowledged Ecommerce's potential environmental benefits if coupled with fair job opportunities in delivery services.

Man walking through a city carrying packages
During the holiday season, about 3x as many parcels are shipped per day.

2 - Temu's Expensive Growth

The Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has rapidly secured a 17% market share in U.S. discount stores, challenging Dollar General and others with its affordable $4 home decor and $10 shirts. Using social media influencers, Temu attracts customers seeking better deals. Despite operational losses, it's expected to hit $16 billion in revenue this year. However, sustaining such growth and losses remains uncertain. Temu's disruptive approach could reshape retail, but questions linger about its financial sustainability and potential changes in consumer behavior.

Phone with Temu app
Have you already bought something from them? Besides the mixed reputation I’ve been hearing good feedback from my circles.

1 - Retail & Ecommerce Raconteur Report

In 2024, the Retail and Ecommerce landscape will be defined by significant trends aiming to meet evolving consumer expectations. Modern consumers seek seamless digital integration in their buying experiences, demanding exceptional customer service, personalized shopping suggestions, and competitive pricing. Loyalty remains elusive but pivotal. Retailers are set to intensify efforts in enhancing in-store experiences and expanding Ecommerce initiatives, adapting to changing market dynamics. Additionally, the influence of AI in retail is projected to grow substantially, revolutionising customer journeys and fostering deeper understanding of consumer behaviour.

Brands and retailers, therefore, face the challenge of winning and retaining customers amidst this shifting paradigm by embracing innovation, enhancing customer experiences, and exploring revenue-boosting avenues like retail media networks. Adjusting strategies to align with these trends will be key to thriving in the competitive retail landscape of 2024.

Full Report by Raconteur
1.66MB ∙ PDF file
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The Raconteur Retail and Ecommerce Report is a thorough analysis of trends, challenges, and innovations in retail and ecommerce. It covers consumer behavior shifts, technology impacts, and strategies for enhancing the shopping experience. Experts' insights and predictions offer a comprehensive overview of these industries' current state and future directions.
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Retail News Magazine Interview

In an interview with the Czech Retail News, I highlighted Shopify's significance for traditional retailers venturing into Ecommerce. The pandemic accelerated a foreseeable trend, compressing years of expected online retail growth into a shorter timeframe. For these retailers transitioning online, focusing on customer care, refining processes, and addressing technological debt are crucial. Shopify's flexibility, innovation, and scalability make it a preferred choice, offering an extensive ecosystem and API-first platform. Shopify's continuous evolution position it as a strong choice for retailers exploring Ecommerce.

David Simoes in the front-page of RetailNews.cz Magazine
You can see the whole magazine in Czech here.

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]]><![CDATA[#23 - 2024 is almost here. What does that mean for the Ecommerce Market?]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/23-2024-is-almost-here-what-doeshttps://www.davidjose.net/p/23-2024-is-almost-here-what-doesFri, 08 Dec 2023 10:37:14 GMTHey there 👋

Before we delve into this week's insights, I want to shine a spotlight on a newsletter that's a game-changer for small e-commerce brands: Christine Corbin’s Add to Cart. She dives deep into practical tips for improving conversion rates, nailing email strategies, and mastering SEO—all with real-life examples to help your business grow steadily. Seriously, her content is a must-read for any entrepreneur trying to make it in Ecommerce. Subscribe now and thank me later!

Subscribe to Christine

Now let’s dive into the Ecomm news of the week 👇

5 - B2B Online is just getting started

In 2024, B2B online commerce is on the brink of a massive expansion. Currently valued at $7.7 trillion globally, it's expected to grow by 18% yearly until 2030, doubling DTC commerce. By 2025, around 80% of B2B sales will occur online. This surge is due to changing buyer demographics, with 64% being Millennials and Gen Z, demanding easy, seamless online buying experiences. Alibaba.com emphasises the transformative impact and advantages of B2B e-commerce, spotlighting its role in streamlining operations, reducing costs, and fostering growth opportunities.

$7.7 trillion in Global ecommerce B2B sales
Full opinion by Bobby Morrison, Chief Revenue Officer at Shopify 

4 - Global Ecommerce Trends

The 2024 trends indicate a shift towards mobile shopping acceleration, social commerce growth, and a focus on personalization through AI. As consumers demand more privacy and sustainability, zero-party data gains traction, while eco-friendly practices reshape shopping choices. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) enrich the shopping experience, while voice search and video content redefine how customers interact. Brands pivot towards omnichannel marketplaces and flexible strategies, acknowledging the need for both planning and adaptability. These trends paint a landscape ripe for innovation and adaptation, defining the future of Ecommerce in 2024.

Global Ecommerce Trends 2024
Global Ecommerce Trends 2024 by Alibaba

3 - Mobile Commerce is on the rise

Mobile Commerce has skyrocketed due to consumers’ preference for shopping on smartphones. In 2023, sales hit $2.2 trillion, making up 60% of global Ecommerce. Brands are honing in on mobile design to boost user satisfaction and engagement while apps trump websites, prompting more significant spending and stronger brand ties. Notably, companies like SwagMagic saw a 30% user engagement rise post-mobile optimization. Building a mobile app is becoming crucial for bigger brands as it enhances user engagement, encourages repeat visits without paid traffic, and offers personalized experiences, boosting loyalty and revenue in today's mobile-driven market.

Notino's app screenshots as prime example of great Mobile Commerce implementation
A prime example of great Mobile Commerce Implementation by Notino

2 - Omniful seed funding

Omniful, an e-commerce startup, has surfaced with $5.85 million in seed funding led by VentureSouq and supported by other investors. The company provides systems for merchants and logistics firms to streamline Ecommerce operations. It tackles common merchant issues, enhancing inventory management and order alignment across various sales channels. Omniful's tech has already been adopted by major retailers in markets like KSA and the UAE, aiming for global expansion into regions such as Africa and India. Its innovative approach promises to transform e-commerce processes, offering scalable solutions for businesses worldwide.

Omniful Dashboard
Omniful emerges from stealth with $5.85M seed funding

1 - Shopify Investor Day

At Shopify's recent Investor Day, the emphasis was on strategies aimed at empowering merchants and expanding their market reach. The company remains committed to providing tools and services that simplify the process of starting and growing online businesses. Additionally, Shopify highlighted its intentions for global expansion, suggesting improved accessibility and services for merchants in various regions. A significant focus was placed on technology, with investments in AI and software to enhance efficiency and scalability. This tech-centric approach indicates a dedication to fortifying the technological backbone of their services. Furthermore, Shopify's concentration on customer growth and retention suggests ongoing enhancements and features for merchants to attract and retain customers on their online stores. Overall, these strategies unveiled by Shopify reflect a commitment to empowering merchants, leveraging technology for efficiency, and sustaining customer growth.

Slide from Shopify's Investors Day Presentation
Don’t miss Rick Watson’s analysis

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STD! I mean… “Save the Date” 😅

What’s ECOMMERCE PRAGUE? A unique conference on Ecommerce trends, International Experiences, and Shopify!

📅 WHEN: 8th February 2024, from 16:00
📍 WHERE: WPP Campus, Prague

🔍 WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Expert international content

  • Guided networking

  • Mastermind groups

🎤 SPEAKERS:

  • Jérôme Poussin: Director Retail International, Maisons du Monde (formerly with Bonami, Notino, Celio, Carrefour)

  • Alex Bonvin, Founder & CEO at Audacia Group

  • Petr Andrysek, Co-founder & CBIO at MADMONQ®

  • Tomas Braverman, ex-CEO at Heureka

  • Jan Jelinek: CMO at Alensa

Get your ticket here!

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]]><![CDATA[#22 - Black Friday 2023 Review]]>https://www.davidjose.net/p/22-black-friday-2023-reviewhttps://www.davidjose.net/p/22-black-friday-2023-reviewFri, 01 Dec 2023 12:50:24 GMTHello 👋

Now, one week after BFCM, we’re able to see all that happened during the Black Friday boom and reflect about the evolution of the global Ecommerce market. Make sure you read the whole article, feel free to see the reference links for more details, and leave comments about your ideas and thoughts on these topics.

P.S. Btw, your window to shop for Xmas is closing in 😱 Today is the 1st of December. If you want to send me a gift, DM for an address 😜

5 - Go Mobile or Go Home

In 2023, American shoppers spent $5.3 billion via smartphones, representing 54% of online sales on Black Friday alone. Globally, nearly 80% of online purchases occur on mobile devices, mainly driven by the Asia-Pacific region. North America, historically slower in adopting mobile ecommerce, is expected to see a shift, with Adobe forecasting mobile to surpass desktop spending for the first time during the holiday season, reaching 51.2% of online spend. The trend underscores the need for merchants to focus on mobile app engagement, improving conversion rates, boosting average order values, and ensuring mobile optimization for enhanced user experiences as mobile shopping continues to dominate.

Screenshots of side-by-side Amazon mobile website and app
In 2018, more people opted for Amazon's mobile app over its website. Here are their 2023 homepages, with the website shown on the left.

4 - MercadoLibre’s Success

Uruguay-based MercadoLibre, listed on NASDAQ, surged by 28% in November, reaching its highest levels since 2021. Following an 80% growth in Black Friday sales compared to the previous year, selling 2.8 million items on November 23 alone, the company stands out. This success was aided by logistical investments and an expanding fintech unit, Mercado Pago. MercadoLibre's unique approach spans e-commerce, finance, and digital advertising, setting it apart from peers like Amazon and Alibaba. Analysts foresee a substantial 22% growth in Latin American e-commerce volume from 2023 to 2026, indicating increasing digital payments and advertising opportunities in the region.

Data Culture Strategy at Mercado Libre
You can read more from MercadoLibre’s team here.

3 - Marketplace Supports Otto’s Growth

Otto, the online department store, anticipates a slight revenue increase during the upcoming year-end period compared to last year, crediting their platform model for driving growth. Despite customers spending less per order (down by 7%), Otto saw a 14% increase in orders, attributing this growth to engaging online shoppers and gaining market share. The company's platform business model, now with 6,500 partners (up from 500 in 2020), has proven successful due to strategic investments. Similarly, major German retailers like MediaMarkt, Saturn, and Zalando are increasingly reliant on third-party sales. Ceconomy noted a decline in online revenue but a significant increase in marketplace revenues, while Zalando attributes 39% of its trading volume to sales partners, up by 4% from last year. These trends highlight the growing importance of third-party sales for leading retailers following the COVID-19 period.

Otto: Half-year balance
Otto’s Half-year balance: E-commerce revenues increase by ten percent The Otto Group claims an online market share of 11.1 percent.

2 - Shein filed for an IPO

Shein, a prominent fast-fashion retailer from China, has confidentially filed for an IPO in the United States. This move comes after the company addressed criticisms regarding its business practices. The IPO is anticipated to face scrutiny due to strained US-China relations. Shein has gained popularity among US consumers for its affordable trendy clothing, but it has also faced allegations of design copying, leveraging trade rules, and potential connections to Xinjiang cotton and Uyghur forced labor. Despite efforts to change perceptions by collaborating with designers and committing to sustainability, not all initiatives have been well-received, as seen with social media backlash against certain Shein events. The IPO filing reflects broader issues in the fashion industry regarding trade practices, labor concerns, and consumer perceptions.

1 - Black Friday Review

This year's Black Friday-Cyber Monday (BFCM) sales showcased remarkable growth in online purchases. In the US alone, Black Friday online sales reached a record-breaking $9.8 billion, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Salesforce reported even higher figures globally, totalling $16.4 billion in the US and $70.9 billion worldwide, with a record 79% of shopping activities conducted via mobile devices.

The surge in sales was attributed to substantial discounts and the increasing adoption of flexible payment options, including buy now, pay later services. Mobile sales, constituting 54% of all online sales, played a pivotal role in this trend, reaching $5.3 billion on Black Friday alone.

Shopify merchants were also part of this success, contributing significantly to the impressive figures with a record-breaking $9.3 billion in sales, a notable 24% surge from the previous year. The platform witnessed a peak sales rate of $4.2 million per minute during Black Friday. Apparel, accessories, health, beauty, and home and garden products emerged as the hottest categories, attracting global consumers.

Throughout the weekend, Shopify's infrastructure demonstrated exceptional performance, handling a staggering number of requests, queries, and data across its platform. The platform's scalability and resiliency enabled merchants to capitalize on the surge in demand, contributing significantly to the monumental BFCM sales figures.

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App of the week: Weaverse

Weaverse, the innovative solution simplifying Shopify development with a user-friendly visual editor on Hydrogen, Shopify's headless framework, recently debuted on Product Hunt. This launch highlights its commitment to making headless storefront creation more accessible and user-centric for Shopify merchants.

Self-Promo? Sorry, but I got featured 😅

The Yalla Let's Code Podcast featured me. I shared my journey, challenges, and key insights from the world of Shopify development and entrepreneurship. This episode offers valuable advice for aspiring developers and entrepreneurs, igniting inspiration and providing practical takeaways. Like, share, and join the insightful discussion.

Foxentry also asked me to contribute to their Czech article about loyalty programs. Here’s one of the small quotes I gave them:

Shopify as an API-first platform enables:

1) launching a loyalty program within a few hours through existing apps
2) implementing complex ERP tools, such as Microsoft Business Central.

This allows the operation of Omnichannel loyalty solutions that combine online stores with brick-and-mortar sales.

You can check the whole article here.

Last week we had our company Merge+Xmas Party. Here’s a quick look into how it went 🎅

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