This Week In Ecommerce

By Ecom NationBusiness

This Week In Ecommerce episodes

January 28, 2025Lunar New Year, Catch’s Collapse, and Kogan’s Comeback Story
From celebrating Lunar New Year to the fall of an Australian ecommerce pioneer, episode 72 unpacks the highs and lows of a rapidly evolving retail landscape. Plus, a closer look at what Kogan’s sharp turnaround can teach retailers about smart strategy in tough times.
Lunar New Year’s Growing Impact on Retail: How brands like Burberry and Allen’s are embracing cultural diversity with targeted collections and campaigns.

Puma and Adidas’ Restructuring Plans: Efficiency programs and job cuts as they scramble to compete with fast-rising brands like ON and Hoka.

Kogan’s Impressive Comeback: A 17.5% EBITDA jump shows how aggressive strategy and smart product selection can deliver big results.

The Fall of Catch: What went wrong with one of Australia’s ecommerce pioneers—and what today’s marketplaces can learn from their mistakes.

💡 Key Takeaway: Success in today’s ecommerce world requires a clear value proposition, a strong understanding of your market, and the ability to adapt to both cultural shifts and competitive pressures.
Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com
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Website: ecomnation.com.au
24 min
January 21, 2025TikTok's Wild Week, New Balance's Comeback and Amazon's Layoffs
In this solo episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal dives into the rapidly changing retail landscape, reflecting on cultural shifts, digital transformation, and the high-stakes drama surrounding TikTok. From New Balance’s exceptional growth story to Amazon’s latest organisational shake-up, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate eCommerce in 2025.
Cultural Shifts in Retail: How Australia Day marketing strategies are evolving to align with cultural expectations and values.

Amazon’s Layoffs: What 200 redundancies mean for the tech giant and how their Buy with Prime program could evolve in Australia.

New Balance’s Comeback: Lessons from a brand that went from dad sneakers to a 20% sales increase, thanks to digital transformation and sports partnerships.

TikTok’s Ban and Return: The rollercoaster week for TikTok in the U.S., the implications for ecommerce discovery, and what brands should do next.

Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com
Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com
Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
20 min
January 14, 20252025 Predictions: The Trends Shaping Ecommerce This Year
Welcome to the much-anticipated 2025 Predictions episode of This Week in Ecommerce! Mal and Paul reflect on their predictions for 2024, celebrate what they nailed, and admit where the crystal ball was a bit murky. Then they dive into the big trends, challenges, and opportunities ahead for 2025.
From evolving consumer behaviours to the rise of AI agents and the domination of Temu, this episode lays out the roadmap for ecommerce success this year. Whether you’re a scrappy startup or a seasoned retailer, these insights will set the tone for your strategy in 2025.
What We Got Right in 2024: Margins over growth, omnichannel expansion, and the rise of creator-led brands.

What’s Ahead for 2025:

Why Generalists Are the New Specialists: As teams shrink, flexibility and cross-functional skills become essential.

💡 Key Takeaway: Staying ahead in 2025 will require agility, strategic diversification, and a focus on creating meaningful experiences for customers.
Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com
Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com
Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
Highlights:
27 min
January 07, 2025IKEA’s Meatball Empire, True Classic’s Omnichannel Bet, and Seoul Tonic’s Startup Grit
Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Mal reflects on the importance of hitting the ground running, tidying up last year’s loose ends, and making bold moves to ensure growth in the year ahead. From eCommerce legacy brands pivoting to inspirational stories of hustle, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to kickstart your new year.
The Resurrection of Godfrey’s: After going into administration, the iconic vacuum retailer returns with an online-only model. Will it thrive in a crowded space?

IKEA’s Surprise Success: How meatballs and soft serve outpaced furniture sales, driving a massive turnaround and new opportunities in the quick-service restaurant space.

True Classic’s Next Chapter: The men’s basics brand is launching into 460 Target stores across the U.S., demonstrating the power of omni-channel strategy at the right time.

Sophie Hood’s Seoul Tonic Hustle: When strikes threatened her product’s rollout, Sophie delivered stock to 40 Woolworths Metro stores herself, proving that true entrepreneurship means doing the work that doesn’t scale.

💡 Actionable Takeaway: Start 2025 strong by learning from brands that pivot, adapt, and seize opportunities. Whether it’s embracing new channels or hustling for exposure, the key is to take bold first steps.

Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com
Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com
Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
23 min
December 17, 2024Shopify's Big Ad Move, AI Shopping Trends, and Meg's $1M Fine
It’s a solo show this week as Mal holds the fort while Paul tackles a busy wrap-up to 2024. In this fast-paced and packed episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal breaks down the latest in the world of retail and ecommerce - just as the industry gears up for its holiday hibernation.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
$1M Fine for Misleading Ads: Meg's Flowers got hit hard by the ACCC for misleading customers about physical store locations. Mal highlights what brands can learn about trust, transparency, and playing fair in the digital age.

AI is Shopping’s New Normal: A staggering 52% of US shoppers now use AI tools like virtual assistants and try-on tech. Mal shares insights on how AI isn’t slowing down anytime soon - and why you should care in 2025.

Shopify’s Ad Power Play: Shopify is going toe-to-toe with Amazon by pushing into ads. Learn how their Shop app could transform into the world’s largest marketplace, but also why it may drive up your advertising costs.

Plus, a quick nod to Boxing Day prep, winding down for the holidays, and a tease for next week’s predictions episode - don’t miss it!

Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com
Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com
Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
Website: ecomnation.com.au
15 min
December 12, 2024Adapt or Go Extinct? Lessons from Katie’s, Lululemon, and Black Friday
This week, Mal and Paul tackle the hottest topics in ecommerce, from legacy brands shutting their doors to the record-breaking growth of global giants. Packed with insights, analysis, and actionable advice, Episode 67 is a must-listen for anyone navigating the fast-paced world of eCommerce.
The End of Katie’s: After 90 years, Katie’s is closing its doors alongside 160 Mosaic Brands stores. Mal and Paul discuss what went wrong and the critical need for innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

Dean Salakas’ Farewell: The Party People founder exits the business with a well-earned sale, leaving a legacy of transparency and impact in Australian retail.

Lululemon’s Comeback: How a refreshed women’s range helped boost net income by over 40%, and why getting your core product mix right is key to sustainable growth.

TikTok Discovery Boom: With 55% of consumers using TikTok for product discovery, the duo explores why brands need to rethink their strategies for top-of-funnel growth.

Black Friday Wrap-Up: Mixed results across the Tasman as New Zealand retailers report a flat event, while Australian Shopify merchants see double-digit growth. Is this trend evenly distributed, or are global players like Amazon and Shein dominating the market?

💡 Key Takeaway: The ecommerce landscape is changing faster than ever. To thrive in 2025, brands must focus on innovation, customer acquisition, and the right product strategies to stay relevant and competitive.

Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com
Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com
Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
34 min
December 10, 2024[Bonus] Scale vs. Incrementality: What Growth Really Means in Ecommerce
In this special bonus episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal takes the mic solo to tackle a term that’s thrown around all too often: scaling. What does it actually mean, and why are so many ecommerce businesses using it the wrong way?

Mal breaks down the origins of scaling, how it’s been co-opted by the ecommerce world, and why blindly “scaling” your ad spend could be sabotaging your profitability. Instead, he makes a compelling case for focusing on incrementality - the key to driving growth that truly moves the needle.
Scaling vs. Incrementality: Why scaling isn’t just about spending more on ads and the hidden costs of chasing growth at all costs.

Lessons from Silicon Valley: How blitzscaling tactics from companies like Uber and Shopify shaped today’s eCommerce strategies—and why they don’t always work.

Post-iOS Challenges: Why scaling is harder than ever with rising competition and evolving ad algorithms.

Metrics That Matter: Understanding MER (Marketing Efficiency Ratio) and how it reveals whether your growth is incremental or just burning cash.

Actionable Takeaways: Testing creative, audiences, and markets to optimise for efficient growth without sacrificing profitability.

💡 Mal’s Big Question: Are you growing your business sustainably, or are you hitting a ceiling and losing profitability?

Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com
Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com
Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
14 min
December 03, 2024Black Friday Fatigue, Supermarket Fines, and the Future of Ecommerce
In this week’s episode, Mal and Paul dissect the aftermath of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, exploring whether the biggest sales days of the year still hold their allure. From record-breaking sales for strong brands to buyer fatigue and lacklustre urgency, this episode is packed with real-world examples, sharp insights, and practical advice. Plus, the duo tackles some of the most pressing issues facing small businesses in ecommerce, including the Temu and Shein effect on escalating advertising costs.
Black Friday Results: Who smashed it? Standout brands like Who Is Elijah, Geedup, and Muscle Republic share their winning formulas.

Buyer Fatigue and Sales Gimmicks: Are endless promotions eroding urgency? Listener insights suggest sales fatigue is real, and Paul shares his SMS inbox woes.

Survival Tactics for Small Businesses: Why building a unique value proposition is non-negotiable in the face of rising costs and cutthroat competition from giants like Shein and Temu.

Spotlight on Supermarkets: ACCC fines for Coles and Woolworths’ price manipulation—are they enough to curb the behaviour?

Banking on Bigger Profits: Mal and Paul call out the banks for offering less while raking in more.

💡 Actionable Takeaway: As competition intensifies, focus on differentiation, quality, and customer experience to thrive in 2025.

Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com
Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com
Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
Highlights:
24 min
November 26, 2024 Shein Takes Over & Jaguar's Rebranding Controversy and Black Friday Looms
Mal and Paul kick off Black Friday week by swapping shopping stories, from sneaky sneaker deals to sleepwear overloads. But it’s not just about scoring bargains. The duo dissects major Ecommerce trends and controversies dominating the headlines. Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

Black Friday Trends
Paul and Mal reflect on how this year’s Black Friday feels slower to start, with many brands holding back until the big day. Are consumers waiting for better deals, or are brands scaling back on marathon sales strategies?
Shein Surges in Australia
Shein is now the most-visited apparel site in the country, overtaking iconic players. Mal and Paul discuss how this fast fashion giant is reshaping Australian retail and why their tax and supply chain practices remain a hot topic.
Business Closures at Record Highs
Creditor Watch reports that consumer-facing businesses are closing at the fastest rate since the pandemic, with some sectors facing a 9% failure rate. The guys share tips on how brands can adapt to survive tough conditions.
Jaguar’s Polarising Rebrand
Jaguar’s new logo and ad campaign spark heated debate. Paul, a lifelong fan, weighs in on why losing its iconic heritage could cost the brand dearly in the long run.
Labour’s Social Media Ban Proposal
Mal and Paul dig into the Australian government’s vague plan to ban under-16s from social media. They question the feasibility of the policy and its potential impact on users and platforms.

From fast fashion takeovers to Black Friday tips and Jaguar nostalgia, this episode is packed with insights, rants, and a touch of humour.

Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com

Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com

Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
28 min
November 19, 2024 Early Black Friday Wins, Quadlock’s Big Payday, and Vuori’s Billion-Dollar Ascent
In Episode 64 of This Week in eCommerce, Paul and Mal kick off with a heated discussion on the recent Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight on Netflix. Was it a masterclass in marketing or just a sorry excuse for a fight? From there, they dive back into the retail world with triumphs and insights, covering everything from Black Friday strategies to billion-dollar brand moves. Highlights include:

Boxing, but Make It Marketing:
The Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight drew massive attention, even from non-boxing fans. Paul and Mal discuss why the real winner wasn’t in the ring but behind the marketing machine that turned it into a global spectacle.
Black Friday Brilliance:
Who Is Elijah and Maison de Sabre are raking in millions thanks to killer campaigns, precise planning, and well-timed hype.
How ecommerce brands are perfecting their Black Friday strategies by building momentum weeks in advance.
Quadlock’s $500M Success Story:
From humble Kickstarter beginnings to an industry leader, Quadlock just sold for half a billion dollars. Mal and Paul unpack what makes their products and branding irresistible.
Vuori’s Billion-Dollar Athleisure Play:
Meet the brand giving Lululemon a run for its money. With a $5.5B valuation and a focus on premium activewear, Vuori is proving that consumers are willing to pay for quality—and style.

Tune in for sharp insights, banter, and plenty of actionable takeaways as we gear up for next week’s Black Friday prep special!

Follow Mal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malchia/
Website: malchia.com

Follow Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulwaddyecommerce/
Website: learnecommerce.com

Follow Ecom Nation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecom-nation/
Website: ecomnation.com.au
27 min

About This Week In Ecommerce

From the publisher's feed

🎙️ This Week in Ecommerce is your weekly download on the headlines shaping Australian retail. Hosted by industry legend Mal Chia and rising star Alex Ross, each episode dives into the biggest stories—from billion-dollar deals to platform updates, policy shifts, and consumer trends. Sharp insights, no fluff, and plenty of honest takes. New episodes every Wednesday.

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This Week In Ecommerce

This Week In Ecommerce episodes

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