Hey there! Welcome to CartHustle, the ecommerce newsletter that's as good as the 'cha-ching' sound of a cash register.

Your order this week:

• eCommerce tool of the week 🪛

• Silicon Valley ignores eCommerce 🛒

• Klarna's game-changing 'Shopping Lens' 🔎

• Automotive eCommerce on the rise 🏎️

• Apple launches online store in Chile 🍎

• eCommerce Book of the Week 📚

eCommerce Tool of the Week

(not a sponsor just a tool we like)

Jungle Scout is the leading all-in-one platform for selling on Amazon. They help entrepreneurs and brands build successful businesses on Amazon through product research, market intelligence, brand and listing management capabilities, and more.

Silicon Valley missed the next wave of eCommerce

In Silicon Valley, a growing sense of pessimism prevails, with innovation appearing to stall. Recent years have witnessed a series of tech trends, such as virtual reality, the metaverse, and tokenized blockchains, hailed as groundbreaking disruptions.

Despite substantial investment, few truly transformative ideas have emerged over the past decade, with excitement often short-lived.

However, beyond the Western tech landscape, a different narrative unfolds. Rest of World has identified 40 dynamic tech companies globally that are outpacing their Western counterparts. Notably, the eCommerce sector is undergoing a significant transformation.

Shein, a household name, and its rival Temu have redefined online retail, making it faster, cheaper, and deeply integrated with social platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Shopee has pioneered shoppertainment, blending influencer marketing and direct sales, achieving remarkable success in Asia and Latin America.

These enterprises represent new, disruptive approaches that have yet to gain traction in Silicon Valley, raising questions about why the tech hub seems to have stagnated. It's not a lack of opportunities; it's a decline in the energy devoted to finding them. Read More.

Klarna's game-changing 'Shopping Lens': a snap to shop revolution

Klarna, the Swedish fintech giant, has flipped the script on visual search by integrating it into its eCommerce platform. Klarna's AI-driven "shopping lens" allows users to snap photos of items, then search, compare, and purchase them directly through Klarna.

This innovative tool was part of a broader update, which also introduced shoppable videos, in-store product barcode scanning for online information retrieval, and sustainability features.

While visual search isn't new, Klarna is taking a unique approach. Companies like Google, Pinterest, and Snapchat have explored AI-powered visual search, but Klarna's "Shopping Lens" provides a fresh angle. Its success hinges on encouraging behavioral change, prompting users to scan items they want to find.

Klarna's CMO, David Sandstrom, noted the potential appeal of the tool, citing a survey that revealed 85% of respondents expressed interest in purchasing items they spotted but had difficulty finding. He described it as a "party trick product" that influencers and creators could easily incorporate into their content.

Klarna's AI endeavors don't stop here. They encompass content creation, image recognition, and recommendation engines. Sandstrom envisions these various AI elements converging, potentially leading to a future where everyone has a personal AI assistant at their fingertips.

The rise of automotive eCommerce

In a recent interview on CBT News, Paulo da Silva from Cox Automotive discusses the growing importance of eCommerce in the automotive industry.

He highlights that consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms to research and purchase vehicles. With the advancement of technology and changing consumer preferences, dealerships are recognizing the need to adapt to the digital landscape.

According to da Silva, automotive eCommerce allows consumers to shop from the comfort of their homes, saving time and effort while providing transparent information about pricing and vehicle specifications. This online shopping experience delivers convenience, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Additionally, a lot of emphasis leans towards the importance of a seamless and personalized digital journey for customers. Dealerships must invest in robust online platforms that offer tools to aid research, provide accurate pricing, and even enable virtual test drives.

Da Silva also addresses the challenges that dealerships may face in implementing eCommerce strategies, such as adapting business processes and changing employee mindsets. However, he emphasizes that embracing eCommerce is crucial for dealerships to remain competitive in the ever-evolving automotive market.

Automotive eCommerce is rapidly becoming a vital aspect of the industry. Dealerships that leverage online platforms to meet customer needs will be better positioned to succeed in the digital age.

Apple launches online store in Chile, offering full product lineup and personalized support

Apple has unveiled its online store in Chile, providing customers across the country access to Apple's complete range of products and services.

Customers can now visit apple.com/cl or use the Apple Store app to make direct purchases, including the pre-order option for the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, available from October 20.

Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, emphasizing the commitment to create exceptional experiences for Chilean customers. The online store provides personalized services, fast and free delivery, flexible financing options, and participation in the Apple Trade-In program for device upgrades or recycling.

Customers can personalize their devices with the Apple Watch Studio, offering a carbon-neutral option, and enjoy free engraving on select products. For Mac users, configure-to-order options allow customization.

Online experts are available for customer support and assistance, with AppleCare+ available for various products. The Apple Store app offers a personalized shopping experience with product recommendations and order tracking.

Apple's online store in Chile is set to redefine the Apple shopping experience, providing an extensive lineup of products, personalization options, and expert support for customers throughout the country.

Visit apple.com/cl for the latest updates.

eCommerce Book of the Week

The Amazon Way: Amazon's 14 Leadership Principles

In his business guide, “The Amazon Way”, former Amazon executive and expert advisor John Rossman provides an unrivalled view into Amazon’s unique culture and management practices.

Sprinkled with entertaining and enlightening firsthand anecdotes from his time working with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Rossman reveals the lessons that propelled Amazon from a simple online bookseller to a global “everything store”. This book is an invaluable source of expert advice for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and investors looking to emulate the Amazon way.

GET THE BOOK ON AMAZON

Signing off,

The Merchant @CartHustle