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Retail and eCommerce sales stabilized
Thrasio envisions post-bankruptcy Growth
DHL and Reflaunt redefine fashion resale dynamics
B2B eCommerce is closing the gap
Gmail and Yahoo crack down on email
Retail and eCommerce sales stabilized
In the aftermath of the pandemic’s economic turbulence, a sense of stability is emerging in the retail sector. Projections for 2024 and beyond indicate a period of moderate growth, with retail sales expected to rise by 4-5% and ecommerce by over 8% globally.
Major markets like the US, China, and Western Europe are stabilizing, contributing to a positive outlook. The US economy is inching towards normalcy with retail sales projected to grow in the low-to-mid 3% range. China maintains a steady pace, matching the global retail growth average of 4.7%. Western Europe, though cooling from a vigorous streak, is set to outpace the US in retail growth until 2026.
Ecommerce growth, while expected to slow, remains robust. Despite initial forecasts, the surge in 2023 has tempered expectations, yet global sales are anticipated to surpass $6 trillion with an 8.8% growth rate.
In regional terms, Asia-Pacific remains resilient, though with some slowdown. India stands out as a fast-growing market. Latin America leads in ecommerce growth, while Central and Eastern Europe excel in total retail sales growth.
The retail landscape, buoyed by stability and cautious optimism, heads towards steady growth and adaptation in the coming years.
Thrasio envisions post-bankruptcy growth
Thrasio, a leader in acquiring and restructuring online brands, announced a bold financial restructuring plan.
With over $500 million invested in 200 brands since 2018, the company aims to slash $495 million in debt. It secured commitments of up to $90 million from lenders to sustain operations.
Under CEO Greg Greeley’s leadership, Thrasio navigates a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, seeking to eliminate a significant debt portion and defer interest payments. Despite recent challenges, Thrasio remains committed to introducing diverse brands to global audiences across various product categories.
Thrasio’s strategic maneuvers signify a commitment to sustainability and profitability. Brands like Beckham Hotel Collection and Veva in Home, Giggle ‘N Go and Chalkstatic in Kids Activities, and Willow & Everett and Thirteen Chefs in Culinary embody its diverse portfolio.
As Thrasio embarks on this transformative journey, stakeholders anticipate a renewed focus on resilience and innovation. With legal counsel from Kirkland & Ellis LLP and support from financial and restructuring advisors, Thrasio navigates these changes with confidence, heralding a promising future ahead.
DHL and Reflaunt redefine fashion resale dynamics
DHL Supply Chain partners with Reflaunt, a fashion resale technology platform, signaling a significant leap in European recommerce.
Addressing scalability challenges, the collaboration aims to redefine brand resale operations, integrating seamless logistics and cost management solutions.
Through the partnership, brands entrust Reflaunt with managing their resale endeavors. DHL’s meticulous handling and authentication processes within their facilities ensure top-notch quality standards. From product inspection to outbound distribution, DHL streamlines inventory management and fulfillment processes, bolstering Reflaunt’s Concierge and Takeback services.
Already operational with prestigious brands like Altuzarra and Balenciaga, Reflaunt’s services bridge the gap between ecommerce and recommerce, fostering a circular fashion ecosystem. With DHL’s logistical expertise, Reflaunt aims to maximize sell-through rates and simplify the complexities of the resale market.
For CEO Stephanie Crespin, Reflaunt’s mission transcends commerce; it’s about breaking barriers between first and second-hand markets, fostering sustainability. As the partnership unfolds, the vision of reshaping fashion’s future resonates, underlining a commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
B2B eCommerce is closing the gap
It’s no secret, B2B vendors lag behind their B2C counterparts in user experience and technological adaptation. While consumer brands flourish in online marketplaces, B2B companies struggle to provide seamless transactions.
According to the B2B Future Shopper Report 2023 by Wunderman Thompson, nearly half of global B2B buyers find online purchasing frustrating. Complex pricing structures and guarded contact access further hinder transparent transactions.
However, there’s optimism for transformation. Insights from McKinsey & Co suggest incorporating B2C-inspired features, enabling omnichannel accessibility and personalized interactions.
Craig Smith of Scayle advocates for agile digital strategies, departing from traditional IT structures towards more dynamic frameworks.
Innovation within B2B marketplaces offers hope, with platforms like Alibaba.com introducing user-friendly initiatives such as virtual tours and live-streaming events.
The trajectory of B2B ecommerce is poised for exponential growth, with market value projected to quadruple by 2030. Bridging the gap between B2B and B2C experiences and prioritizing customer convenience are essential for seizing this opportunity.
Gmail and Yahoo crack down on email
Gmail and Yahoo are implementing stricter email regulations in 2024, aiming to reduce unwanted messages. While recipients welcome the move, it poses challenges for ecommerce marketers heavily reliant on email campaigns.
Understanding “deliverability” is key: it determines whether emails land in inboxes or get flagged as spam. Factors such as domain consistency, authentication, reputation, and content quality influence deliverability.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like open rate, click rate, bounce rate, unsubscribe rate, and spam rate gauge email effectiveness. Elevated spam rates jeopardize deliverability.
As email giants tighten controls, ecommerce marketers must prioritize deliverability to maintain engagement and business success.
Signing off,
The Merchant @CartHustle