
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


This week, Mal and Alex break down the biggest stories shaping Australian ecommerce and retail. From AI slip-ups to collapsing kids’ brands, booming APAC Black Friday numbers, and a world-first social media ban, this episode covers the signals founders need to be watching as we head into 2026.
Bunnings AI Illegal Advice — Their chatbot gave unsafe electrical guidance, highlighting the risks of AI deployments without proper guardrails.
Step One Sales Slump — The underwear brand forecasts a 31–37% drop as overexpansion and category fatigue collide with cost-of-living pressure.
Go-To Winds Down Gro-To — Zoë Foster Blake quietly closes the kids’ line to refocus resources and protect the core brand.
Smiggle Struggles — Premier Retail flags weak sales as parents trade down on non-essential kids’ stationery.
Loyalty Shift to Recognition — Points are losing power; emotional recognition, identity and belonging now drive true loyalty.
BFCM 2025 Data — APAC sales surge, POS grows 54%, and Australia ranks #3 globally as Black Friday becomes an omnichannel event.
Under-16 Social Media Ban — Age verification wipes out teen audiences on major platforms, reshaping youth marketing and influencer ecosystems.
By Ecom NationThis week, Mal and Alex break down the biggest stories shaping Australian ecommerce and retail. From AI slip-ups to collapsing kids’ brands, booming APAC Black Friday numbers, and a world-first social media ban, this episode covers the signals founders need to be watching as we head into 2026.
Bunnings AI Illegal Advice — Their chatbot gave unsafe electrical guidance, highlighting the risks of AI deployments without proper guardrails.
Step One Sales Slump — The underwear brand forecasts a 31–37% drop as overexpansion and category fatigue collide with cost-of-living pressure.
Go-To Winds Down Gro-To — Zoë Foster Blake quietly closes the kids’ line to refocus resources and protect the core brand.
Smiggle Struggles — Premier Retail flags weak sales as parents trade down on non-essential kids’ stationery.
Loyalty Shift to Recognition — Points are losing power; emotional recognition, identity and belonging now drive true loyalty.
BFCM 2025 Data — APAC sales surge, POS grows 54%, and Australia ranks #3 globally as Black Friday becomes an omnichannel event.
Under-16 Social Media Ban — Age verification wipes out teen audiences on major platforms, reshaping youth marketing and influencer ecosystems.