Top 5 this week

1. Updates: AMZ to Send Traffic to DTC Sites, Policy Changes, Fee Increases

“More and more developments in retail diversification conversation. Amazon sending traffic to DTC sites is like Miracle on 34th Street when Macy’s sends customers to Gimbals in a seemingly selfless move that ultimately increases their own customer base. It worked for Santa Claus (and Mr. Macy) in the movie; it will be interesting to see how it plays out for the self-proclaimed ‘Everything Store’ in real life.” ~Shannon Curley

‍2. TikTok challenges Amazon as it tests a new subscription model for Shop

“After a minor hiccup being shut down for all of…a day, TikTok is back at it and going toe-to-toe with Amazon with the latest Shop update – the platform’s version of Amazon’s Subscribe & Save model. Much like with SnS, a Shop subscription lets customers save on repeat orders and not have to worry about re-ordering between cycles. Good for customers, and just like with SnS, good for sellers who want to be able to better predict their revenue and manage inventory.” ~Clayton Atchison

3. Amazon Steers Third-Party Seller Share To All-Time High

“Amazon’s strategic pivot has led to third-party sellers accounting for 62% of units sold in Q4 2024. This shift isn’t just organic growth; Amazon is intentionally moving from direct retail back to a platform model, focusing on high-margin services like seller fees and advertising.” ~Vanessa Hung

4. Amazon Ad Revenue Rises 18% to $17.3 Billion in Q4

“Amazon crushed their numbers in Q4 ads and it’s easy to see why: holiday season sales were at a record high, and behind the scenes, Amazon’s AI-powered ad tools kept getting smarter, fine-tuning targeting and bids to make sure brands saw real ROI. Put it all together, and Amazon’s ad machine just keeps getting stronger, pulling more ad dollars away from traditional TV and other digital platforms.” ~Clayton Atchison

5. Amazon kicks off Q-commerce service in select areas of Bengaluru

“Quick commerce is a term we will begin hearing much more of as the race for speed continues to heat up between the giants. I imagine these other markets will help to stress test some of the best methods of delivery for other markets to adopt. We’re not likely to ever get to ten minute delivery here in the states but 1-2 hour delivery has been successful in many major cities.” ~Chelsea Cohen

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