Remember, remember, the fifth of November... 🔥

Remember, remember, the fifth of November…not just for bonfires, but for eCommerce insights! 🔥 As we approach Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, here’s what’s lighting up the industry this week:

• AI shapes Thanksgiving shopping: Get the latest on consumer trends powered by AI.

• Walmart's holiday personalization: See how Walmart uses AI to tailor the shopping experience.

• DHL’s U.S. Shopper Report: Fresh insights into American online shopping habits.

• Brand comms strategies: Tips to make your brand messaging resonate.

• Ecommerce business ideas: 22 profitable ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Let’s dive into the week’s top stories + some strategies this time around!

ECOMMERCE TRENDS

DHL eCommerce Publishes US-Focused E-commerce Shopper Report

Ahead of peak season, DHL eCommerce released its latest Online Shopper Trends Report, focusing on U.S. shoppers. According to Lee Spratt, CEO of DHL eCommerce Solutions Americas, the report provides insights into how Americans shop online, their delivery preferences, and the platforms they use.

Key Trends:

• Frequent Shoppers: 61% of U.S. consumers shop online weekly, with 63% purchasing clothing and footwear, and 33% buying electronics.

• Delivery Options: 94% of U.S. shoppers value varied delivery choices, and 45% abandon carts if their preferred option is unavailable.

• Subscription Services: 43% subscribe to online services, especially for pet food, with 44% adoption in the U.S. vs. 25% globally.

• Social Media Influence: 61% look to social media for shopping ideas, and 26% buy directly on these platforms.

• Marketplace Dominance: Amazon, Walmart, and eBay lead as 99% of shoppers use marketplaces.

• Cross-Border Shopping: 37% buy internationally, mainly from China, the UK, and France.

• Sustainability: While 58% prioritize sustainable options, most aren’t willing to pay extra.

For full insights, see the Online Shopper Trends Report at DHL’s website.

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ECOMMERCE AI RETAIL

Walmart Taps AI to Add Personalization to Holiday Shopping Experience

Walmart is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its holiday shopping experience with personalized recommendations. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Walmart announced several ways it plans to use AI and generative AI (GenAI) to tailor shopping suggestions for customers.

• In the U.S., customers who previously searched for items like board games may now see deals, new game releases, or gift ideas.

• Walmart also plans to create customized homepages for individual shoppers in the coming year.

• Internationally, Walmart is rolling out a GenAI-based feature in Mexico for broader product recommendations.

AI is additionally helping Walmart vet influencers to feature on its platform, enhancing authenticity in its content. Other AI features include:

• Generative AI-powered shopping assistance at Walmart stores.

• AI-driven exit technology at Sam’s Club locations.

According to PYMNTS, Walmart and Amazon are in fierce competition to integrate AI into retail, though their approaches differ. Walmart focuses on AI’s impact on the shopper journey.

CEO Doug McMillon recently underscored the importance of AI, saying, “We’re finding tangible ways to leverage generative AI to improve the customer, member, and associate experience.”

Small AI models are also gaining ground, enabling cost-effective solutions for inventory management and customer service for both large retailers and SMBs.

ECOMMERCE AI

As Consumers Plan Their Thanksgiving Shopping, AI Stirs the Pot

Thanksgiving has come a long way from its pilgrim origins — this year, robots are taking over. Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how consumers prepare for the holiday season, from shopping to travel plans. Studies show that 90% of consumers are using AI for holiday shopping, with 30% relying on it for trip planning.

Guides are circulating to help shoppers use AI for Thanksgiving, covering everything from budgeting to recipe adjustments based on guest counts and dietary needs. A PYMNTS Intelligence survey reveals 44% of U.S. consumers are interested in AI-assisted shopping, rising to 60% among Gen Z.

AI tools are expanding beyond shopping. Adobe, for example, has a Thanksgiving AI coloring page generator where families can create custom activity sheets. Some guides even suggest using AI to handle holiday stress or family disagreements.

Not all consumers are enthusiastic. PYMNTS Intelligence finds that 35% are uninterested in AI for shopping, while 34% avoid AI in entertainment. Still, nearly half view AI as a quick way to access information, with high interest among Gen Z.

As Thanksgiving evolves, AI offers tools to reduce holiday stress and enhance convenience. Many consumers are open to these digital aids, which may reshape seasonal traditions.

ECOMMERCE BRANDING

Brand Communication Strategies for Ecommerce Stores

Brand communication defines how a business speaks with its customers across various channels. Done well, it can transform casual buyers into loyal advocates.

What is Brand Communication?

Brand communication involves all interactions between your brand and its customers, encapsulating brand identity, product or service details, and messaging. These communications occur across a range of channels—digital (social media, email) and traditional (print, TV)—aiming to inform, engage, and build loyalty.

Core Elements of Brand Communication:

1. Channels: Include digital platforms (e.g., Instagram, website blogs) and traditional media.

2. Target Audience: Defines who the brand is speaking to.

3. Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Highlights what sets the brand apart.

4. Desired Customer Actions: The goal, like making a purchase or leaving a review.

5. Brand Identity: Includes visual elements (logos, color schemes) and voice.

Key Benefits:

• Brand Recognition: Makes the brand memorable in a competitive market.

• Trust Building: Consistency in tone and message establishes reliability.

• Authority: Brands that engage through education and entertainment create lasting industry authority.

Pro Tip: Use social media’s casual tone to connect authentically, fostering engagement and relatability. Check the full guide by Shopify here!

ECOMMERCE IDEAS

22 Profitable Ecommerce Business Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Starting a business often begins with the challenge of finding the right idea. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or want to work from home leveraging existing skills, this guide highlights 22 ecommerce business ideas with strong potential for profit.

Key Business Ideas:

• Dropshipping: Low-investment; sell products through suppliers who handle inventory and shipping. Great for items like coffee, books, and CBD products.

• Private Labeling: Capitalize on the $37B beauty industry by creating custom makeup and skincare with a private manufacturer.

• Handmade Products: From jewelry to candles, sell your crafts through platforms like Etsy and Shopify.

• Niche Subscription Boxes: Set up monthly recurring revenue with items like pet grass patches, cosmetics, and toys.

• Online Courses: Turn your expertise into income by creating courses on in-demand skills, from cooking to coding.

• Affiliate Marketing: Promote other brands’ products for a commission; social media and blogs are great platforms for this.

• VR/AR Educational Tools: If you’re tech-savvy, explore immersive learning tools like VR headsets and apps for educational markets.

• Sustainable Products: Eco-conscious consumers seek eco-friendly alternatives. Create greener versions of popular products, from tote bags to homeware.

Explore these ideas and start a side business or build a full-time venture today!

Signing off,

The Merchant @CartHustle