Juphy’s Weekly E-Commerce News Express – 13-17 January 2025
Ceyda Duz
In this week’s edition of all things e-commerce and AI, we’re unpacking the biggest stories shaping the industry! From standout highlights at NRF’s Trade Show 2025 to the buzz around a potential TikTok ban, plus product updates from Amazon, Microsoft, and BigCommerce, we’ve got everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.
Transforming Retail: Key AI Highlights from NRF 2025
The 2025 National Retail Federation (NRF) annual trade show, held at New York’s Javits Convention Center, brought together 40,000 attendees, including retail executives, technology innovators, and industry leaders. The central theme this year? The transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on retail.
A Shift Toward AI-Driven Retail
This year’s event marked a pivotal moment for AI in retail, following the first holiday season where AI-powered tools directly influenced consumer behavior. Retailers observed a significant surge in AI-driven website traffic, with Adobe Analytics reporting a 1,950% increase on Cyber Monday alone. These insights have spurred retailers to explore AI’s potential to enhance customer experiences, increase revenue, and streamline operations.
Top Insights and Trends in AI Adoption
- High AI Adoption Rates: A recent NVIDIA survey revealed that 89% of retailers are either already implementing AI or piloting new projects, a jump from 82% in 2023.
- Operational Benefits: Among surveyed retailers, 94% reported reduced operating costs due to AI, and 87% credited AI with revenue growth.
- Expanding Applications: AI is being used for tasks ranging from inventory management and analytics in physical stores to personalized recommendations and marketing content in e-commerce.
Innovations in AI Content Creation
One of the highlights at the NRF was Adobe’s introduction of Firefly Bulk Create. Designed to streamline content production, this tool allows retailers to automate repetitive tasks such as resizing assets or applying creative updates across thousands of pieces of content. This innovation addresses the increasing demand for scalable, personalized digital content while freeing up creative teams for higher-value work.
The Future of AI in Retail
With over 17 companies in the Innovation Showcase spotlighting new AI-driven technologies, it’s clear that the future of retail is increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence. From hyperpersonalized shopping experiences to automated food preparation systems, the event demonstrated that AI is no longer a luxury—it’s becoming a necessity for retailers aiming to stay competitive.
As the industry embraces these advancements, the NRF 2025 underscored a crucial message: AI is not just enhancing retail operations but reshaping the way businesses connect with and serve their customers.
TikTok Ban Looms: US Sellers Brace for Disruption
As the January 19 deadline for TikTok’s compliance with a divest-or-ban law approaches, uncertainty is mounting among US merchants relying on TikTok Shop, the platform’s e-commerce tool. With millions in monthly sales and record-breaking results like $100 million on Black Friday in 2024, TikTok Shop has become a vital channel for many businesses. However, its potential shutdown is sparking widespread anxiety and strategic pivoting.
TikTok Sellers Scramble for Alternatives
- Paused Operations: Many merchants have halted sending free samples to creators and shipping products to US warehouses, opting to wait for clarity on TikTok’s fate.
- Contingency Plans: Brands are drafting contract carveouts to protect against losses and exploring alternative platforms such as Flip, Instagram Live, Amazon Live, and YouTube Shopping.
- International Focus: Some businesses are exploring expansion into markets where TikTok Shop continues to operate, safeguarding against a potential US blackout.
Agencies and Sellers Adjust Strategies
E-commerce agencies are also feeling the strain and described the response as “doomsday prep”, with businesses bracing for turbulence in their sales and marketing strategies. They also emphasized the difficulty of replicating TikTok’s unique blend of algorithmic engagement and native shopping features on other platforms.
The Road Ahead
With no clear resolution yet from the Supreme Court or federal leadership, TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain. While some sellers hold out hope for a last-minute intervention, others are already transitioning away from the platform. For merchants reliant on TikTok Shop, the coming weeks could reshape their strategies and priorities for years to come.
Amazon’s Retail Ad Service to Boost E-Commerce Visibility
Amazon Ads has launched its new Retail Ad Service, offering online retailers the ability to showcase product ads across search, browse, and product pages. These ads leverage real-time information, including product availability, pricing, and shopper behavior, to enhance targeting. Retailers have full control over the ad formats, placement, and frequency, while also determining the post-click experience for visitors. This new tool aims to provide more personalized and effective advertising opportunities, helping businesses drive engagement and sales.
Microsoft Advertising’s New Tools for Retailer Marketing
Microsoft Advertising has rolled out two new tools aimed at retailers: “Curate for Commerce” and “Sponsored Promotions by Brands”. Curate for Commerce allows retailers to monetize their first-party data, boosting revenue by delivering targeted ads from partners. Sponsored Promotions by Brands helps businesses connect with shoppers across Microsoft Edge, Bing, and retail partner sites, offering personalized, data-driven experiences that enhance engagement and drive sales. These tools aim to empower retailers with advanced marketing capabilities and deeper customer connections.
BigCommerce’s Catalyst for Seamless Storefront Creation
BigCommerce has unveiled updates to its Catalyst storefront technology, allowing marketers to launch and design optimized stores with a single click from the control panel. Integrated with core BigCommerce features, Catalyst supports customizable checkouts, APIs, catalog and inventory management, multi-storefront capabilities, and B2B functionality, offering a streamlined, all-in-one solution for e-commerce businesses. These enhancements are designed to simplify storefront creation while providing flexibility and scalability for diverse business needs.
Transforming Shopify Experiences with Juphy’s Customizable AI Agent
Your online store’s aesthetics and appearance are a reflection of your brand. Adding a 24/7 AI chatbot that seamlessly blends into your website isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for delivering an exceptional customer experience. But finding a chatbot that truly fits your brand can be challenging. Despite the rise of AI-powered tools, many options lack the flexibility and customization needed to align with your store’s unique identity. That’s where Juphy’s AI Agent for Shopify comes in. Recognized with the ‘Built for Shopify’ badge—awarded to only the highest-quality apps on the Shopify App Store—Juphy AI is designed to meet Shopify’s exacting standards. With just a few clicks, you can fully customize your AI Agent, from its appearance to its functionality, ensuring it blends perfectly with your store’s design. Make your online store not only functional but visually stunning with Juphy AI. Ready to elevate your customer experience? Try Juphy AI now: apps.shopify.com/juphy
Key Takeaways
Key AI Highlights from NRF 2025: AI takes center stage at the NRF 2025, showcasing its transformative impact on the retail industry. Key insights and trends demonstrate how AI is revolutionizing customer experiences and operational efficiency.
TikTok Ban Looms: With TikTok’s compliance deadline fast approaching, US merchants face uncertainty. Sellers are exploring alternatives and adjusting strategies to mitigate the potential disruption of TikTok Shop’s shutdown.
Amazon’s Retail Ad Service: Amazon’s new Retail Ad Service enhances targeting and personalization for retailers. This tool allows businesses to drive more engagement by leveraging real-time data for ad placements across various platforms.
Microsoft Advertising’s New Tools: Microsoft’s new marketing tools empower retailers to create data-driven, personalized experiences for customers, helping them enhance engagement and drive sales across multiple platforms.
New Updates for BigCommerce’s Catalyst: BigCommerce introduces Catalyst, a technology that simplifies the storefront creation process, allowing retailers to launch optimized stores with a single click. This solution offers flexibility and scalability for diverse e-commerce needs.
