Category: News

News

TikTok’s Logistics Network and Impact on the Competitive Environment

In my opinion, one of the main reasons behind Amazon’s success is its attractiveness for 3rd party sellers. The large amount of traffic and the easy way to generate sales (profitability is another story) certainly helped. Another big reason is their fulfillment network, notably their FBA program. When I didn’t know much about Ecommerce, I thought the idea of 3rd party logistics programs was genius and a huge opportunity for ecommerce entrepreneurs. It is no surprise that Walmart, a serious contender in the US Ecommerce space, launched their marketplace along with their WFS (Walmart Fulfillment Services) program.

News

Amazon Now Sells Cars: A New Era of Growth or a Road Full of Potholes?

Amazon sells millions of different products: clothes, food, lawnmowers, toilets, and even houses. Not much is missing, especially now that we’re almost able to buy cars on Amazon. Starting in 2024, Amazon plans to revolutionize car buying by enabling customers to purchase Hyundai vehicles online directly from its platform. Amazon’s latest move, in partnership with Hyundai, may significantly impact the auto industry. The news was strong enough to impact the stock prices of companies like Carvana and Autotrader in mid-November. This move is a natural progression for Amazon and its digital showrooms, presenting an unprecedented offer to consumers.

News

Halloween’s Sweet Treat: Record-Breaking Consumer Spending

It is estimated that consumers will spend $12.2 billion on this year’s spooky season. This would be the highest amount ever recorded, and a massive growth of 8% compared to last year. It is interesting to notice that the increase over the last 10 years is similar to inflation between 2013 and 2023 (35% vs 32%), although most of the inflation happened in the last three years. Even accounting for inflation, consumers spent less in the last three years, but Halloween is still a very popular holiday. Customers are shopping weeks ahead. According to Phil Rist, Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy  “Younger consumers are eager to begin their Halloween shopping, with more than half of those ages 25-44 planning to shop before or during September.”