EP338 - Amazon Q1 2026 Earnings

Chapters 0:32 Welcome to the Jason and Scott Show 1:36 Spring Break Reflections 3:20 Upcoming Events and Workshops 5:47 Healthcare Insights 8:00 Amazon's Prime Day Changes 9:58 Amazon's Q1 Earnings Overview 20:04 Amazon's Retail Performance Analysis 28:28 Fulfillment and Delivery Innovations 30:26 Global Instant Commerce Trends 31:32 Revenue Breakdown Insights 35:01 Whole Foods Performance 42:47 Advertising Business Growth 46:34 The Future of Agentic Commerce 54:05 UCP Developments and Strategy 1:04:41 Closing Thoughts and Reviews

In this episode, hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg and Scot Wingo dive into Amazon's strong Q1 2026 earnings, highlighting a 17% year-over-year revenue increase and its rise as the second-largest grocer in the US. They discuss Amazon's significant investments in AI and AWS, which achieved 28% revenue growth, and the expanding advertising division competing with giants like Google and Meta. Tune in for insights into Amazon's strategies in the evolving landscape of retail and commerce.

Episode 336 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Friday, February 6th, 2026

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

**The Future of Agentic Commerce**

In Episode 337 of the Jason & Scot Show, recorded on March 10th, 2026, hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg and Scot Wingo explore the transformative impact of agentic commerce, as discussed during a panel at Citi's 2026 Global Consumer and Retail Conference. Joined by experts Ron Josey and Paul Lejuez, they examine how AI technologies are reshaping retail, leading to impressive traffic growth for companies like Target and Amazon. The discussion highlights the balance between online and physical retail strategies, the rise of retail media networks, and the potential of AI-driven partnerships. Jason and Scott also analyze emerging market players, particularly in beauty and fashion sectors. Tune in for critical insights on the future of retail technology, and if you enjoyed this episode, please like our Facebook page and leave us a review on iTunes. Thank you for listening to Episode 337 of the Jason & Scot Show!

EP336 - Amazon Q4 Earnings

Chapters 0:31 Welcome to the Jason and Scott Show 3:28 NRF Highlights and Personal Updates 5:54 Upcoming Conferences and Events 9:15 Anthropic's Super Bowl Ads 16:11 Claude Bot and Agentic Technology 16:42 Amazon Earnings Overview 23:32 Meta's Advertising Strategies 27:32 Google's AI Developments 35:45 Amazon's Earnings Call Insights 44:29 Retail Growth and Essentials 48:20 Marketplace Dynamics 49:42 AWS Performance and Challenges 54:26 Amazon's Advertising Business 1:00:31 Agentic Commerce and Future Predictions 1:13:43 Walmart Leadership Changes and Implication

Welcome to a new installment of the Jason and Scot Show! In this special episode recorded on February 6th, 2026, hosts Jason Goldberg and Scot Wingo reconnect for an enlightening discussion following their experiences at the NRF and share key industry insights. This episode is packed with updates on Amazon's recent earnings call, the advertising landscape, and the emerging role of agentic commerce in the retail world.

Join Jason and Scot as they kick off the episode by reflecting on their time at NRF, where Jason delivered an impactful keynote that had listeners buzzing. In a light-hearted banter, they dive into personal stories, including the often-asked question about Jason's son's sunburn during their recent Hawaiian vacation. From there, the conversation takes a deep dive into the evolving nature of retail, where both hosts express their excitement over how businesses are embracing the latest innovations in technology and AI.

The duo then brings their focus to Amazon's latest earnings report, which revealed a robust growth in retail despite an ominous forecast for capital expenditures. While they discuss the implications of Amazon's projected $200 billion in investments—including expansion into AI infrastructure, fulfillment centers, and essential goods—Jason and Scot analyze whether Wall Street's reaction of an 8% drop was justifiable considering Amazon's overall performance in retail and advertising.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on how Amazon's grocery strategies and its dominance in everyday essentials have created a competitive landscape that mirrors historic retail expansions, like Walmart's grocery initiative. The hosts also emphasize the relevance of the Amazon Marketplace, where third-party sellers are taking up 62% of total units sold, highlighting the synergistic effect between advertising and retail performance.

The podcast also delves into the broader context of the e-commerce space, touching on AWS growth dynamics, the challenges posed by capacity constraints, and how they contribute to the narratives surrounding AI integration. With mentions of Anthropic's recent ad campaigns and competitor movements, listeners will appreciate the comprehensive look at the competitive dynamics shaping the industry.

Throughout the episode, Jason and Scot maintain an engaging dialogue on the potential of agentic commerce, discussing the opportunities for businesses to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing environment. Their analysis of the demand for AI-driven tools and the importance of maintaining consumer experiences culminates in a call to reflect on the value of assortment and the implications of shifting consumer behaviors.

In conclusion, Episode 336 serves as both a detailed recap of Amazon's recent performance and a broader commentary on the evolution within the e-commerce sector. With thought-provoking insights and a playful rapport, Jason and Scot ensure that listeners walk away with both the latest news and a deeper understanding of where the retail industry is headed.

Episode 336 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Friday, February 6th, 2026

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

http://jasonandscot.com

EP335 - Kevin Ertell The Strategy Trap

http://jasonandscot.com

In this electrifying episode of the Jason & Scot Show, recorded on Friday, October 10th, 2025, hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg and Scot\t Wingo welcome a very special guest and longtime friend, Kevin Ertell. With over 30 years of combined history, the duo dives into Kevin's impressive career trajectory, his extensive experiences in retail and strategy execution, and the valuable insights behind his newly released book, "The Strategy Trap: Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right."

Kevin's impressive background spans from starting at Tower Records to holding senior positions at iconic companies like Borders, Nike, and Sur La Table. He discusses his evolution in the retail space, the intricacies of establishing the first TowerRecords.com site, and his current role advising various businesses, including helping the Minnesota Timberwolves with their ticketing operations. As he unveils his book, listeners learn about the core theme: effective execution is the linchpin of successful strategy.

Kevin breaks down the key concepts of his book, structured around the "six C's" that are critical for avoiding common pitfalls in strategic execution—co-creation, clarity, capacity, communication, coordination, and coaching. He emphasizes the importance of bringing teams together in the co-creation phase to ensure buy-in and alignment on the strategy, a central pillar in fostering commitment across the organization. The conversation touches on the significance of clarity in communication and the necessity of creating a space for people to provide feedback and understand their roles.

Throughout the episode, Scot and Jason explore Kevin's practical strategies and actionable advice for leaders looking to strengthen their execution capabilities. Kevin offers insights on leveraging constraints creatively, encouraging listeners to view limitations as opportunities for innovation, much like how companies like Costco manage to maintain low prices while driving efficiency.

As the discussion unfolds, the trio delves into the nuanced nature of workplace culture, highlighting the benefits of psychological safety, the impact of social incentives, and the importance of regular communication channels to keep everyone aligned within the execution framework.

Moreover, they touch on fascinating concepts such as pre-mortems, a proactive method of anticipating potential failures before launching a project, differentiating it from the traditional post-mortem analysis. This mindset shift encourages teams to address concerns upfront, minimizing the likelihood of catastrophic missteps in execution.

As the episode wraps up, Kevin shares his hopes for the book's impact, inviting listeners to access "The Strategy Trap" at their local bookstores or online. He emphasizes the vital interplay between strategy and execution, urging leaders to recognize that a well-crafted strategy is only as strong as its execution plan.

Join us for this enlightening discussion filled with practical lessons, captivating anecdotes, and a wealth of insights from an industry veteran. Tune in, and let's embrace better execution practices for a thriving business landscape!

Episode 335 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Friday, October 10th, 2025

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

For this episode we have an experiment for you. The NRF big show concluded Tuesday Jan 13th and Jason was invited to 'tie the bow' on the conference in the last keynote:

Commerce Disrupted: Rise of the AI Native Consumer.

For this podcast, we recorded the keynote's audio so you can experience the keynote. If you'd like to see the video we shot as well as the audio it's available here->

https://www.youtube.com/@Retailgentic

The slides are available for you to download in PDF Format here.

EP333 - Jason Del Rey The Aisle

http://jasonandscot.com

Chapters 0:39 Welcome to the Json and Scott Show 2:23 The Amazon Book Debate 7:43 Inside Jason's Media Journey 10:50 Jason's New Venture 11:14 Launching The Aisle 19:25The Name Game 21:53 Blocking Bots on The Aisle 24:53 Sneak Peek of Upcoming Interviews 32:05 Is It a Bubble? 39:00 Exploring Conversational Commerce 46:10 Upcoming Event Insights 49:31 How to Subscribe to The Aisle 50:12 Closing Thoughts and Thanks 50:24 Predictions for AI Integration 54:02 Closing Thoughts on Industry Standards

Welcome back to the Jason and Scot Show, where we celebrate episode 333 with a truly special guest. Recorded on Thursday, November 19th, this episode features Jason Del Rey, a prominent e-commerce journalist and the author of the acclaimed book, *Winner Sells All: Amazon, Walmart, and the Battle for Our Wallets*. Jason is launching a new paid newsleter about AI era of commerce "The Aisle." With a staggering combined history of over 30 years between Jason Goldberg, Scot Wingo, and Del Rey, this conversation dives deep into the evolving world of commerce and the exciting new venture that Del Rey is embarking upon.

Kicking off the episode, Jason G and Scot share their long history with Del Rey, discussing his illustrious career covering e-commerce for major publications like Inc. Magazine, Ad Age, and Fortune. They reminisce about Del Rey's past appearances on their show (episodes 67 and 183) and set the stage for his latest project, an independent media company called "The Aisle." Del Rey recounts his trajectory into the e-commerce world, starting from covering digital media companies at Ad Age to eventually becoming an Amazon expert while working under media icons Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at All Things D.

Del Rey reflects on his experiences as a journalist, highlighting his strong relationships with leading figures in the retail space, including interviews with Jeff Bezos, Doug McMillan, and Mark Lurie. He discusses the events he hosted—particularly the Code Commerce series—where he connected influential retail CEOs and tech leaders. As the conversation progresses, Jason G and Scot delve into Del Rey's motives for launching The Aisle, underscoring both personal and professional motivations. Del Rey candidly shares his views on mortality and the urgency to pursue one's passions, a perspective deepened by the early loss of family members and friends.

Transitioning into the specifics of his new venture, Del Rey reveals that The Aisle will cover the future of commerce through the lens of AI and technology. He outlines his plans for a paid subscription newsletter focusing on everything from product discovery and conversational commerce trends to disruptive changes in online advertising. With features like intimate dinner events designed to foster candid dialogue among industry leaders, Del Rey aims to create a community that engages deeply with the evolving landscape of commerce.

Listeners also learn about The Aisle's structure, including tiers of membership which offer a variety of benefits, from exclusive newsletters to off-the-record consultations with Del Rey himself. As the discussion unfolds, Del Rey emphasizes his experience-based approach to journalism, believing that deeper connections with his audience will allow for richer reporting and analysis.

In a light-hearted exchange, the hosts discuss the nuances of conversational commerce and the evolving nature of how consumers interact with brands. Del Rey shares insights from his discussions with industry leaders, exploring the distinctions between textual and voice interactions in commerce. The guests speculate on the future of these trends, engaging in a spirited conversation about the balance between hype and genuine innovation in the AI commerce landscape.

Before closing the episode, Del Rey enthusiastically introduces listeners to his first interview for The Aisle, featuring John Collison, co-founder of Stripe, discussing the future of payments and commerce. The episode wraps up with Jason G and Scot reflecting on Del Rey's journey and the exciting future that lies ahead for him and The Aisle, inviting their listeners to engage with the new publication that promises to deliver valuable insights into the world of commerce.

As always, if you enjoy the show, consider subscribing and leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Join us next time for more engaging discussions about the future of commerce and technology!

Episode 333 of the Jason and Scot Show was recorded on Thursday, November 19th.

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

EP327 - Kelly Goetsch Order Network eXchange (onX) Standard

http://jasonandscot.com

In this episode of the Jason & Scot Show, recorded on Thursday, November 6th, hosts Jason Goldberg and Scot Wingo welcome back Kelly Goetsch, now the President of Pipe17. They dive deep into the evolving landscape of e-commerce, order management, and the impact of AI on consumer experiences, taking us on a journey through the dynamic developments of the industry.

The conversation kicks off with a nostalgic nod to a previous episode, highlighting the rapid shifts in technology and market dynamics since Kelly last joined the show during the height of the microservices boom in July 2021. The discussion emphasizes the transformation of order management systems (OMS) and how current customer expectations have been reshaped by giants like Amazon, pushing brands to adapt to new fulfillment models. Kelly explains how Pipe17 positions itself uniquely in the OMS space, competing not just with traditional systems but also embracing a network-based approach, citing their aim to redefine order operations for the modern era.

Throughout the episode, listeners learn about the innovative concept of the Order Network Exchange (ONX) and the Commerce Operations Foundation, which aims to standardize communications between selling channels and fulfillment systems. Kelly describes the vision of a seamless, integrated environment where data flows between systems in real-time, vastly improving responsiveness to customer orders and effectively managing inventory across various platforms. The team delves into the significance of the Model Context Protocol (mCP), which allows AI to interface more effectively with various applications in real-time, exemplifying the transformative potential of AI within commerce settings.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as the hosts discuss the current state of e-commerce, focusing on how emerging technologies and shifts in consumer behavior are influencing future sales trends. Kelly expresses a bold prediction that more than 50% of e-commerce transactions will be influenced by AI in the near future. The dialogue also spans the evolution of payment solutions, summarizing the landscape of competing systems and the potential for disruption.

Jason and Scot further probe the notion of the web's declining dominance compared to new AI-driven shopping experiences. Kelly shares insights about the changing nature of discovery channels and how AI can reinvent customer interactions in meaningful ways, potentially replacing traditional web browsing models. Amidst these discussions, Kelly highlights the importance of fostering collaboration within the industry, illustrating how cooperation can lead to overall growth and improved customer experience.

As the episode wraps up, the conversation touches on the necessity for companies to become agile, moving away from prolonged evaluation processes towards a model that values continuous improvement. The discussion reinforces the idea that standards may provide the needed flexibility for businesses to adapt more readily to accelerating changes in technology.

Tune in for this captivating episode, filled with rich insights into the future of e-commerce, AI's pivotal role in shaping customer experiences, and the transformative efforts underway at Pipe17!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform, and don't forget to subscribe for more engaging discussions and industry insights!

Episode 332 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Thursday, November 6th, 2023.

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

EP331 - E.L.F. Beauty CDO, Ekta Chopra

http://jasonandscot.com

0:42 Welcome to the Jason and Scott Show 0:57 Live from Las Vegas 1:09 Guest Introduction: Ekta Chopra 1:51 The Best Panel Ever 3:06 Ekta's Journey to Elf Beauty 4:26 Understanding Elf Beauty 6:28 From Cosmetics to Multi-Channel 8:02 AI in Retail: The Future 14:22 Maintaining Company Culture 22:30 The Impact of TikTok Shop 25:31 Attribution in a Multi-Channel World 29:19 Implementing AI at Elf 34:52 The Future of AI and Retail 40:53 Balancing AI with Humanity 46:21 The Importance of Loyalty Programs 48:04 Conclusion and Farewell

Welcome to a special live edition of the Jason & Scot Show!

In this episode, recorded live from Groceryshop in sunny Las Vegas on September 30, 2025, hosts Jason Goldberg and Scott Wingo celebrate the return of in-person podcasting after three years, reminiscing about their origins in the live podcasting scene and the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the show. Together, they welcome special guest Ekta Chopra, the Chief Digital and Innovation Officer of Elf Beauty, who shares insights into the fast-changing landscape of beauty and eCommerce.

Ekta discusses her journey to Elf Beauty, a brand that has consistently emerged as a bold disruptor in the cosmetics industry. She explains how Elf was innovative from the start, selling $1 cosmetics online at a time when digital platforms were still developing. She proudly notes how the brand has evolved from its original direct-to-consumer model to a successful omnichannel powerhouse with a portfolio that now includes elf Cosmetics, elf Skin, and collaborations with other beauty brands.

The discussion naturally transitions into the role of AI in eCommerce and how Elf is leveraging AI tools to revolutionize customer engagement and product development. Ekta emphasizes the importance of being where their community is by adopting new platforms such as TikTok, where Elf has successfully engaged consumers through authentic connections with content creators. The episode also dives into how the brand is navigating the evolving landscape shaped by AI, including enhancing search capabilities and content strategy to stay relevant and connected with younger consumers.

As the conversation progresses, the hosts discuss the importance of data and customer-centric strategies in the age of AI. Ekta shares the significance of the Elf loyalty program in creating a seamless customer experience and maintaining relationships with consumers. The commitment to "human-in-the-loop" processes ensures effective integration of AI technologies while addressing ethical concerns.

Listeners are encouraged to check out Ekta's informative Substack, "AI Chef," for insights into the intersection of AI and commerce, where she shares her ongoing learning journey and best practices for integrating AI into business operations.

This exciting episode wraps up with a nod to the future of commerce, the balance between technology and humanity, and the continuing evolution all brands must undergo as they adapt to the changing marketplace.

Join us for this engaging conversation filled with wit, humor, and a valuable glimpse into the future of beauty and eCommerce.

**Episode 330 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded live from Groceryshop on September 30th, 2025.** Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review on iTunes, and follow us on social media for more exciting news and updates!

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of GetSpiffy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

EP330 - GroceryShop and ChatGPT Instant Checkout

0:38 Welcome to the Json and Scott Show 2:34 Catching Up After Two Months 2:59 Insights from NRF Europe 7:04 Retail Club Experience 13:22 Key Takeaways from Grocery Shop 24:09 Sampling Experiences at Grocery Shop 38:48 AI Trends in Retail 52:11 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Join Jason and Scot as they celebrate recording their first live episode in three years for the Jason & Scot Show! Recorded on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, this episode captures the excitement of being back together in person and highlights their dynamic discussions on the current state of retail and upcoming trends.

From reminiscing about their podcasting journey since its launch in November 2015, Jason and Scot dive into the latest happenings in the retail space, especially from the two shows they recently attended: NRF Europe and Retail Club. Jason shares insights from his time at NRF Europe in Paris, where he participated in engaging discussions about retail innovations and the necessity of multi-lingual capabilities in a diverse market. With impressive attendance and notable exhibitors, he reflects on the event's success and the importance of adapting to multiple regional markets within Europe.

Meanwhile, Scot delves into the Retail Club event held at Huntington Beach, California, highlighting its unique vibes with a beachside setup and a focus on AI-driven retail discussions. The event offered a refreshing departure from traditional conferences, focusing on interactive workshops and relationships rather than panels. Together, they explore the implications of AI in retail, including its transformative power over various operational aspects, and the importance of adapting to the evolving marketplace landscape.

Jason and Scot also engage in a lively discussion about AI's role in shaping customer experiences, their predictions for the future, and how retailers can effectively harness these technologies while remaining competitive. They examine innovations such as electronic shelf labels, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in stores. Scot can't help but reference his ongoing obsession with the concept of "Agentic Native Vertical Brands," hinting at the evolving terminology in the retail sphere.

In the latter part of the episode, they discuss their experiences at GroceryShop, where significant trends are emerging in grocery retail—especially regarding macroeconomic conditions, emerging AI technologies, and the vital role of retail media networks. The conversations shed light on how AI can enhance not only the customer experience but also the operational efficiencies of retailers. The broad-impact implications of GLP-1 medications on consumer habits are discussed as well, marking a notable trend in grocery shopping behaviors.

Towards the end of the episode, Jason raises his anticipation for the upcoming trends in commerce, making it clear that the integration of AI into the shopping experience will continue to redefine how retailers operate. From discussions around inventory management, product recommendations, and dynamic pricing to the emergence of social commerce, this episode encapsulates the cutting-edge of the retail landscape.

Tune in for this inspiring and enriching episode filled with insights and excitement around retail innovation! If you haven't already, subscribe to the Jason & Scot Show for more engaging discussions and updates on the future of retail.

This episode was recorded on September 30th, 2025, at the GroceryShop conference, a fantastic gathering of thought leaders and innovators in the retail space, where Jason and Scot share their unique perspectives and observations on the fast-evolving landscape of retail.

**Episode 330 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Tuesday, October 30th, 2025.**

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

http://jasonandscot.com

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy.AI and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.

EP329 - Amazon Q2 2025 Results

0:38 Welcome to the Jason and Scott Show 12:57 Amazon's Mixed Earnings Report 18:07 The Impact of AWS on Retail 21:18 AWS Performance and AI Concerns 28:55 Amazon's Advertising Strategy 33:33 Amazon's Relationship with Google 35:24 The Future of AI Investments 39:44 User Experience and Advertising 42:42 Economic Uncertainty and Consumer Behavior

Welcome back to the Jason & Scot Show! In episode 329, recorded on August 1st, 2025, we dive into the highly anticipated Amazon Q2 earnings report alongside other critical tech giants' earnings results. Your hosts, Jason Goldberg (the retail geek) and Scott Wingo, bring their expert insights and analysis of a rollercoaster earnings season that saw mixed results across the board.

Kicking off the episode, Scot sets the stage with a review of Google's recent earnings results, which painted a mixed picture. While search revenue indicated a solid 12% growth, concerns about the impact of AI on search operations raised eyebrows. Google Cloud did not exhibit the explosive growth anticipated, leading investors to remain cautious. Following this, we turn our focus to the simultaneous announcements from Microsoft and Meta. Each company churned impressive earnings and strategic maneuvers, surpassing expectations and highlighting strong growth driven largely by their AI advancements.

Transitioning to Amazon, the top story emerges: the company reported Q2 earnings that, unfortunately, mirrored Google's mixed performance rather than the triumphs seen with Microsoft and Meta. Despite a revenue growth of 12% and operating income surpassing expectations, investors reacted negatively to AWS's performance, which failed to keep pace with its competitors. Jason and Scott dissect the factors leading to Amazon's stock drop post-earnings call and the implications for its sprawling empire.

Amazon's retail performance, particularly in North American and international markets, sparks a lively discussion. Notably, the North American retail business beat expectations by 2%, and international retail excelled by 7%. The hosts clarify that while the overall performance was commendable, it left much to be desired when juxtaposed against AWS's stunted growth and other tech players' successes.

Delving deeper, Jason emphasizes the company's continued enhancements to its supply chain, signalling improvements that strengthen their retail operations, crucial for maintaining growth amidst increasing competition. He also highlights an interesting trend: for the first time, first-party sales outpaced third-party sales, reflecting a noteworthy shift in Amazon's marketplace dynamics as consumer spending leans towards everyday essentials.

As the discussion progresses, Scott raises a critical point about the evolving landscape of online advertising and the pivotal role it plays in driving Amazon's growth. Despite a slight deceleration in year-over-year growth for the ads business, it remains a bright spot for Amazon, contrasting starkly with AWS's performance and hinting at the challenges faced in balancing user experience against monetization strategies.

The conversation pivots towards AWS, where the hosts dissect the figures that fell below investor expectations—the margins declining for the first time since the previous year, raising questions about structural issues. The ambiguity surrounding Amazon's ability to capture AI growth is a focal point, with analysts expressing concerns about lagging behind competitors.

Nearing the end of the episode, a fascinating turn occurs when Scott sheds light on Amazon's recent decision to withdraw its shopping ads from Google. This pivotal move sends ripples across both platforms, provoking various theories about strategic shifts and implications for competitors. The duo shares intriguing insights into how this action marks a significant stake in the ground regarding data ownership and market positioning.

As the episode wraps up, Jason and Scott reflect on the broader landscape of AI, retail, and shifting consumer behaviors, suggesting that while Amazon remains a dominant player, its approach and evolution will be crucial in navigating future market dynamics.

Be sure to listen in for their final takeaways from the earnings calls and nuanced observations regarding the tech landscape. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a five-star review on iTunes, and stay tuned for next week's insights!

**Episode 328 of the Jason & Scot Show was recorded on Thursday, July 23rd, 2025.**

http://jasonandscot.com

Join your hosts Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis, and Scot Wingo, CEO of ReFiBuy and Co-Founder of ChannelAdvisor as they discuss the latest news and trends in the world of e-commerce and digital shopper marketing.