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Temu’s Ad blitz has started

Salesforce new integration with Buy with Prime

ShipBob’s 2024 ecommerce fulfillment report

Sephora for kids

Temu’s Unprecedented Ad Blitz

E-commerce newcomer Temu is making waves with a staggering 1,000% year-over-year surge in ad spend, as revealed by MediaRadar.

Allocating 76% of its budget to social media, Temu’s aggressive strategy focuses on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Google. The brand, known for its budget-friendly items, plans a second consecutive Super Bowl ad, emphasizing its commitment to high-profile events.

Launched in the U.S. in September 2022, Temu’s extensive advertising, exceeding $517 million from September to December 2023, has redefined e-commerce marketing.

Collaborations with over 10,000 influencers and a significant presence on TikTok, with 11 billion views under the #Temu hashtag, showcase the brand’s innovative approach.

Andrew Lipsman, an e-commerce analyst, notes Temu’s unparalleled strategy, challenging norms and reshaping customer acquisition costs.

While questions persist about long-term customer retention, positive indicators, including a notable increase in daily active users, suggest Temu’s disruptive tactics are leaving a lasting imprint on the e-commerce advertising landscape.

Amazon and Salesforce Revolutionize eCommerce with Buy with Prime Integration

Amazon has announced a transformative integration, bringing its Buy with Prime service to Salesforce Commerce Cloud. This strategic collaboration allows Salesforce merchants to seamlessly incorporate Amazon Prime benefits into their online stores.

The invitation-only integration, set to be available later this year, introduces features like searching and filtering for Prime-eligible items, enhancing merchant growth by tapping into fast, free delivery and easy returns.

Peter Larsen, Amazon’s Vice President of Buy with Prime, highlights how this collaboration empowers merchants to integrate a new purchasing option into their digital storefronts seamlessly. The integration becomes a powerful tool for Salesforce merchants, attracting millions of Prime members and fostering brand loyalty through the trusted Prime shopping experience.

Buy with Prime for Salesforce streamlines day-to-day operations by syncing with Salesforce Order Management, offering customization options across product, cart, and checkout pages.

The service includes 24/7 live chat support, increasing shopper conversion by 25% and fostering brand loyalty. Orders made through Buy with Prime leverage Amazon’s logistics network for efficient fulfillment, managing stock across multiple channels for faster delivery and reduced out-of-stock rates.

Interested merchants that visited the Buy with Prime booth at the 2024 National Retail Federation’s Retail’s Big Show were able to sign up for early sign-up access or explore details on the Buy with Prime for Salesforce page.

ShipBob’s 2024 Ecommerce Fulfillment Report Unveils Industry Trends

ShipBob, a leading omni-fulfillment tech platform, has released its third annual State of Ecommerce Fulfillment report, providing a comprehensive view of industry trends.

Drawing from data across thousands of customers and insights from 500+ ecommerce executives, the report sheds light on the performance and priorities of the sector.

Key Highlights:

83% of ecommerce brands witnessed growth in 2023.

In 2023, 52% of U.S. ecommerce orders concentrated in nine states.

48% of brands sell on three or more channels, with 64% planning new channel additions in 2024.

TikTok Shop emerges as a top 2024 sales channel, joining the ranks of branded websites, Amazon, and in-store retail.

21% of brands plan international order fulfillment in 2024.

46% incorporate order customization, from branded packaging to inserts.

ShipBob CEO Dhruv Saxena highlighted the entrepreneurial resilience reflected in growth figures and emphasized the platform’s commitment to using such insights for ongoing product development to meet evolving customer needs.

Sephora Faces Social Media Backlash Over Tween Influx

Sephora and Ulta Beauty are under fire as social media platforms witness a surge of complaints from teen and adult shoppers about an overwhelming presence of tweens (under 12) in stores.

Posts on TikTok and Instagram, under hashtags like #sephora and #sephorakids, depict disrupted stores and recount instances of rude behavior by young shoppers, including grabbing products from others.

Specific brands, such as Drunk Elephant, labeled a “tween obsession” by Glamour magazine, have been mentioned in connection with this trend. Drunk Elephant responded on Instagram, specifying kid-friendly products.

Despite the controversy, the influx aligns with a broader industry shift. Denish Shah, a marketing professor, notes a substantial increase in cosmetics sales, exemplified by e.l.f.’s 203% stock price surge targeting tweens. Industry data projects the baby and child skincare market to reach $380 million by 2028, reflecting a trend of brands targeting younger demographics.

As the beauty industry witnesses a notable change in consumer demographics, social media influencers contribute to marketing strategies, engaging with the self-consciousness of tweens about their appearance.

Sephora and Ulta have not provided official comments on the situation.

Signing off,

The Merchant @CartHustle