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AR Try-on reduces returns

Zara’s action plan vs SHEIN

The billion dollar question

Wix eCommerce just got worldwide

Seagate’s new U.S eCommerce store

AR Try-on reduces returns for beauty brands

Perfect Corp. champions augmented reality (AR) as a game-changer in eCommerce returns. Wayne Liu, president at Perfect Corp., highlights how AR try-on features not only drive sales but also reduce return rates, bolstering merchants’ profits.

Virtual try-on ensures customers receive products they love, curbing waste, especially in the beauty industry where returns are common. According to the National Retail Federation, beauty retail’s return rate is 4.3%, a significant concern for online purchases.

As beauty shopping shifts online, AR technology enhances the browsing experience, doubling site engagement and increasing add-to-cart rates. Liu sees AR as a solution to eCommerce friction, offering convenience and informed choices.

Despite challenges in color replication and texture, Liu anticipates AI and 3D modeling advancements to broaden virtual try-on applications, fostering deeper consumer engagement and personalized experiences. With generative AI, Liu envisions limitless opportunities for consumers to explore and confidently discover products.

Zara’s action plan vs SHEIN

Inditex, the parent company of Zara, is strategically addressing the growing influence of Chinese-based rival Shein.

As Shein’s rapid expansion in the online market pressures major retailers like Inditex and H&M, the Spanish fashion giant is responding by amplifying its budget-friendly brand, Lefties.

Initially serving as an outlet for Zara’s surplus stock, Lefties now operates in 17 countries, offering affordable products such as jeans for 17.99 euros, dresses starting at 7.99 euros, and handbags priced at 5.99 euros.

While Zara remains Inditex’s flagship, Lefties’ growth reflects the company’s effort to capture the value-conscious market segment, especially amid Shein’s competitive pricing strategy. In Spain alone, Lefties has attracted nearly 5 million customers in 2023, rivaling Shein’s estimated customer base.

Inditex strategically navigates Shein’s impact, aiming to counter its disruptive pricing while sustaining profitability and market share in the fast-paced fashion industry.

The billion dollar question

Temu’s recent Super Bowl ad splurge signals its ascent, topping charts on Google Play and Apple’s App Store with over 100 million downloads and a stellar 4.7-star rating.

Yet, beneath the surface, a dichotomy emerges: while hailed for affordability, consumer sentiment reveals qualms about quality and addictive tendencies.

Kathy Gianone, a Chicago suburbanite, acknowledges Temu’s allure but laments faulty purchases and relentless marketing emails. The Better Business Bureau’s C+ rating and a flood of complaints, including 3,323 recorded by the FTC, cast shadows on Temu’s success.

Professor Melissa Gamble questions Temu’s pricing ethics, challenging its labor practices. Temu counters, asserting ethical sourcing and oversight.

Despite legal skirmishes and consumer discontent, Temu remains resolute, combating fraudulent imitations. Its future hinges on navigating regulatory scrutiny and evolving consumer sentiments. As Temu navigates choppy waters, its journey still unfolds.

Wix new partnership opens your doors to the world

E-commerce solution Wix has teamed up with Global-e, a cross-border software provider, offering sellers enhanced features such as a localized checkout, multiple currencies, and region-specific pricing.

Wix, renowned for its website building capabilities and e-commerce tools, now integrates Global-e’s cross-border functionalities. Users can now conduct business in over 100 currencies, allowing customers to purchase in their preferred currency.

Merchants can customize payment methods, checkout processes, shipping options, and language translations per market. Additionally, they can tailor pricing to regional markets and optimize cross-border operations with end-to-end international logistics solutions.

Oren Inditzky, VP of Online Stores at Wix, emphasizes, “Our collaboration with Global-e removes the complications involved in selling online internationally, enabling Wix merchants to maximize their reach globally, breaking down barriers to international commerce.”

As the e-commerce landscape evolves, Wix’s partnership with Global-e underscores its commitment to empowering sellers in the increasingly competitive cross-border market.

Seagate launches new eCommerce store in the U.S

Seagate Technology launches its new e-commerce website in the United States, providing direct access to industry-leading storage solutions at www.seagate.com.

With live chat customer support and exclusive promotions, consumers enjoy a seamless shopping experience.

Lance Ohara, Seagate’s Vice President of Marketing, emphasizes the platform’s value proposition, stating, “The website strengthens our relationship with end users, delivering more value.”

Early registrants access special pricing and free shipping, including discounts on top gaming storage drives like the Xbox Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB at $129.99 (from $219.99) and the Game Drive PS5™ NVMe SSD at $89.99 (from $124.99).

Expansion to other regions is slated for later this year. Register at www.seagate.com for exclusive promotions and news updates.

Signing off,

The Merchant @CartHustle