Juphy’s Weekly E-Commerce News Express – 20-24 November 2023
Ceyda Duz
In a world that is constantly evolving, it can be a struggle to stay on top of everything – from managing our daily lives to keeping up with the latest advancements in our industries. And let’s face it, sometimes it feels like there’s just too much going on to keep track of it all. But fear not! We’re here to help you stay in the know. So, let’s take a quick peek at the most exciting and important trends and news that are shaping the e-commerce world.
In this week’s noteworthy product updates, the focus shifts to e-commerce giants Shopify and Amazon, with exciting developments about ads, campaigns, and firsts.
In the world of Shopify, Diginius has introduced Diginius Shopping for Shopify, a tool designed to streamline Microsoft Shopping campaigns for Shopify store owners advertising on Bing. This represents a notable development for Shopify’s integration with Bing.
Turning our attention to Amazon, the latest update caters specifically to Gen Z shoppers. Amazon has integrated shopping ads on Snapchat, allowing U.S. users to make direct purchases from Amazon ads on the Snapchat platform. The noteworthy aspect here is the added convenience – users can complete the entire checkout process without leaving the Snapchat app, a significant enhancement.
In a notable development, Amazon is poised to become the first e-commerce platform to sell Hyundai cars. This initiative marks a new direction in e-commerce, expanding into car sales through an online marketplace. The project is planned to go live next year in U.S. stores. It will be fascinating to follow this unconventional feature.
Continuing with Amazon, the e-commerce giant has recently taken an admirable and environmentally conscious step. This week, Amazon took steps toward sustainability by adopting a 100% recyclable packaging initiative in Europe. This impactful decision covers a range of packaging, from boxes and bags to envelopes, providing a reduced environmental footprint and minimal waste. A particularly striking development in Europe is the 50% increase in products shipped without additional packaging.
In addition, Amazon has introduced the ‘Ship in Product Packaging’ system, another environmentally conscious step that involves excluding the use of outer boxes during shipping. While some may raise concerns about potential damage during shipping caused by the lack of additional protection, it appears that Amazon has carefully considered such factors in its decision-making process. Currently, this innovative system is implemented in the Netherlands. As we applaud Amazon’s commitment to sustainability, we keep our fingers crossed that these improvements will be a success and expand into other countries soon.
Now, let’s turn to a popular topic in e-commerce: the challenge of cart abandonment. As many e-commerce businesses know, abandoned shopping carts can be a dreadful situation. According to a study conducted by Radial, an impressive 75% of consumers think shipping options are crucial during their shopping journey.
This problem doesn’t have only one root that causes it. Various elements are influential when it comes to card abandonment. One such factor is the cart value falling below the shipping fee threshold.
But keep your hopes up, we have some good news. A recent survey by First Insight has discovered a notable shift in consumer behavior and willingness. Interestingly, consumers are now more open to accepting some shipping costs. Specifically, a promising 75% of both Gen Z and Boomer consumers express a willingness to pay between $10 and $20 for shipping. This new willingness suggests a growing consumer awareness and an understanding of pricing strategies, including the transparency of shipping costs.
However, it’s essential to recognize persistent logistical challenges, particularly in returns and related charges. These problems still cause customers and businesses a great deal of problems concerning purchase decisions. Still, we remain optimistic and expect positive changes in this issue.
A delightful new update on the front of Google is worth mentioning. Google launched a new search feature that includes a dedicated page for deals and proactive features in Chrome where you can hunt down discount codes, get pricing insights, and see available coupon codes in the address bar. If it turns out like everybody imagines it, online shoppers are going to love it!
As we conclude this week’s exploration, we leave you with an interesting holiday insight into the growing impact of artificial intelligence. A recent survey by Talkdesk revealed that 76% of U.S. shoppers anticipate making fewer returns this year. The reason behind this tendency is exciting — almost 90% of consumers are now turning to AI as a guide for their purchase decisions.
This innovative use of AI can be seen all around the world. Even in e-commerce, tools like ChatGPT and AI chatbots are just the tip of the iceberg. And not just for businesses, AI is expected to transform the holiday shopping experience even on the customer side. With the use of AI assistants, shoppers start to consult on topics like personalized gift cards, seek out the ideal presents for loved ones, and find discounts and coupons. However, like in any other topic, a note of caution is essential. While consumers are increasingly placing trust in AI, this trust is fragile and can be shattered by poor recommendations, potentially leading to brand abandonment.
That’s all for this week’s most important updates. Keep an eye on next week’s hot topics and more updates on all things e-commerce!