This Week In Ecommerce

This Week In Ecommerce

By Ecom NationBusiness
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This Week In Ecommerce episodes

  • What Trump 2.0 Means for Ecom, Domino’s Legacy & Klaviyo’s Stock Shock

    In this episode, Mal and Paul tackle the excitement and nerves of ecommerce’s peak season as Black Friday looms large. From tips to survive the busiest time of year to deep dives into major industry shake-ups, this episode covers it all. Mal’s analogy? For some retailers, this season is just the icing, but for others, it’s the whole cake. Here’s what’s baking this week:


    • Countdown to Black Friday: The lads discuss the sense of anticipation and stress across the retail world as massive deals start rolling out. With shoppers ready to spend, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
      • Farewell to a Pioneer: Domino’s CEO Don Meij, who brought robot pizza delivery and app tracking down under, is retiring. Paul and Mal reflect on his 40-year legacy of innovation and customer-first approaches.
      • Klaviyo’s Surprising Stock Drop: Klaviyo posted incredible 54% growth, yet the market punished their stock. Mal and Paul dive into what might be behind the numbers and why this isn’t the first time strong earnings failed to impress investors.
      • Fast Fashion’s Climate Cost: New mandatory climate reporting is coming, and fast fashion giants are squarely in the spotlight. With penalties looming for unsustainable practices, Mal and Paul discuss how this could shift the industry’s biggest players.
      • Trump’s Trade Policy, Round 2: As tariffs loom for Australian brands selling into the US, retailers face a 25% duty on made-in-China goods. How can Aussie brands adapt? Paul shares ideas for minimising the impact, from pricing to currency hedging.
      • The Calm Before December’s Storm: After the Black Friday buzz, retailers should brace for a slowdown in December. The advice? “Think like a squirrel” and prepare for leaner months.

        • Join us for a jam-packed episode full of insights, strategies, and stories from the world of ecommerce!


        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

        26 min
      • Crocs on Top, Amazon’s Surge & Optus in Hot Water

        In this episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal and Paul return refreshed from their holidays to tackle the hottest stories as we head toward Black Friday. From Amazon’s jaw-dropping numbers to the ongoing Optus controversies, they break down the latest news and what it all means for the world of Ecommerce. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:


        • Black Friday Strategies Heat Up – Mal and Paul discuss which brands are launching sales early and why some retailers, like Muscle Nation, are taking the high-discount approach to kick-start sales. They share their own perspectives on whether steep sitewide discounts are smart or risky, especially in the current climate.
        • Crocs’ Continued Success – Even as HeyDude lets them down, Crocs remains the world’s fastest-growing apparel brand. Mal, a proud Crocs owner, and Paul chat about how the quirky footwear’s unstoppable rise defies investor expectations.
        • Amazon’s Big Win – Amazon stuns with a 54.5% rise in net income and its best Prime Day sales ever. Mal and Paul dive into how the retail giant’s ability to offer lower-cost options helps it fend off competition from Tmoo and Shein.
        • Optus Scandal Strikes Again – With 429 vulnerable customers allegedly mis-sold products, Optus is back in the ACCC’s crosshairs. The guys dig into how Optus’ latest woes could impact the brand and what it says about maintaining customer trust.
        • Mosaic Brands Goes Under – After months of speculation, Mosaic Brands (home to Rivers, Millers, and others) enters administration. Paul and Mal examine the factors that led to this collapse, including rising costs and an outdated business model, and what this could mean for the future of brick-and-mortar retail in Australia.


          • Plus, hear about the upcoming Ecommerce awards and events where Ecom Nation could take home some wins!


          Join Mal and Paul as they dissect the highs and lows in Ecommerce this week!


          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

          29 min
        • Ultra Football Scores, Temu Blocked in Southeast Asia, and Ghost’s Billion-Dollar Buzz

          In this packed episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal Chia is back with special guest Arabella Clare, while Paul takes a well-deserved break. Together, they tackle the latest stories shaping the ecommerce world—from luxury fashion’s downfall to innovative brand growth. Here’s what you’ll discover:


          • Harrold’s Fashion Retailer Goes Bust
            Australia’s luxury fashion staple, Harold’s, has gone into liquidation with debts over $16 million. Mal and Arabella dissect the causes, from the cost-of-living crisis to online retail competition. Could fast fashion and changing shopping habits have led to this collapse?

          • Temu Blocked in Indonesia
            Temu's Southeast Asian expansion hits a wall as Indonesia rejects their registration. What does this mean for the future of ecommerce giants in emerging markets? We explore how protectionism might reshape the landscape.

          • Ultra Football’s Next Big Play
            Ultra Football is revolutionising retail with immersive experiences and grassroots initiatives. Mal shares why this brand isn’t just selling football gear but actively growing the sport in Australia.

          • Keurig Dr Pepper’s $1 Billion Ghost Deal
            The energy drink market is exploding, and Ghost’s distinctive brand identity has caught the eye of beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper. What’s behind the billion-dollar move, and could energy drinks be the new face of mainstream retail?

            • Plus, a quick update on Mosaic Brands heading into voluntary administration. Is this another victim of the tough retail climate, or is there hope on the horizon?

            Don’t miss the latest insights, retail news, and witty banter—get the scoop on what’s happening in ecommerce!

            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

            30 min
          • Passion, Dirt Bikes, and 89% Growth: Inside SKDA’s Rise with Sam Morton

            In episode 60, Paul and Mal are both away so we'll play you an interview with Sam Morton, the founder and creative director of SKDA Moto Creative, a brand that has taken the motocross industry by storm with custom vinyl sticker sets. Sam shares his journey from designing stickers for his own bike to building an internationally recognised brand with an average 89% growth year-on-year over the last 13 years. We explore his deep passion for motocross, how he turned a niche hobby into a thriving global business, and the importance of keeping the customer at the heart of it all.


            Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with insights into:


            • How SKDA went from a small passion project to a global player in motocross design.
            • The power of niching down and staying true to what you love.
            • Navigating international growth and conquering the US market.
            • Sam’s unique approach to business that focuses on passion over profit.


              • If you’re an entrepreneur or ecom enthusiast, this is a masterclass in building a brand through relentless dedication and creativity.


              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

              43 min
            • Fast Fashion's End Run, Foot Locker's AI Bet, and The Party People for Sale

              Ecommerce is heating up, and so is this episode! Mal’s back from Bali (and freshly inked) just in time to join Paul and cover the latest big moves shaping the industry. From fast fashion’s circular economy push to Footlocker’s new AI concept store, the duo breaks down whether these shifts are all jazz hands—or if there’s real value beneath the buzz. Get ready to take notes because the lads also dive into Klaviyo’s consumer spending report, providing crucial insights ahead of Black Friday.


              Here’s what’s on this week’s agenda:

              • Party People for Sale: Why Dean Salakas, the ‘chief party dude,’ is ready to hand over the reins.
              • Fast Fashion vs. EU Regulations: Are Zara, Decathlon, and IKEA making real changes, or just avoiding the 'Shein tax'?
                • Klaviyo’s 2024 Consumer Report: Inflation, early holiday shopping, and BNPL trends—how brands can prep for cyber month.
                • The Competitive Edge: Why building perceived value is more crucial than ever in a crowded marketplace.

                  • As Black Friday creeps closer, Paul and Mal stress the importance of sharpening your messaging and nurturing upper-funnel customers now. Whether you’re running discounts or banking on value-driven communication, there’s no room for last-minute mistakes this holiday season!


                  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


                  23 min
                • Step One's Surge, Kmart's Fashion Disruption, and Lululemon's Wellbeing Burnout

                  In this solo episode of This Week In Ecommerce, Mal keeps the wheels turning while Paul celebrates his birthday. As we approach Black Friday, Mal dives into some of the biggest retail stories of the week – from soaring stocks to surprising wellness trends.


                  This Week's Highlights:

                  • Step One's Stellar Rise: Step One, the Aussie underwear brand, has been on a meteoric rise, with its stock doubling over the last year. Mal breaks down why the founder sold a chunk of shares and why this doesn’t spell trouble – it might just mean enjoying the fruits of hard work!

                  • Mosaic Brands’ Big Moves: After being in the spotlight for some time, Mosaic Brands is making strategic cuts. Five brands are being wound down to focus on core performers like Katie’s and Rivers. The kicker? Kmart’s success in affordable fashion is one of the driving factors behind Mosaic’s restructuring. Is Kmart the quiet disruptor we didn’t see coming?

                  • Lululemon's Wellbeing Report: Lululemon's Global Wellness Report unveils a surprising trend – we’re more obsessed with wellbeing than ever, but it’s making us feel worse! Mal discusses the rise of wellbeing burnout, particularly in Australia, and what brands can do to genuinely help their customers feel better in a world full of conflicting information and societal pressures.

                    • Plus:

                    • Tips on how brands can distinguish themselves in a crowded market.
                    • The importance of creating community and simplifying messaging for customers overwhelmed by wellness trends.
                    • A sneak peek into Mal’s upcoming appearance at SXSW Sydney.


                      • ---


                      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
                    • Footy Fever, Coke & Oreo Collab, and Coles vs ACCC Showdown

                      In this week's episode of This Week In Ecommerce, Mal and Paul cover everything from footy finals to sweet (and strange) collaborations, and the retail industry’s latest shakeups. Paul's buzzing for his first-ever grand final at the MCG, thanks to a birthday treat. But it’s not all fun and games – the duo dives into pressing topics like the state of Mosaic Brands, the Coke and Oreo collab nobody expected, and the ACCC finally coming for Coles and Woolies over dodgy pricing.


                      Here's what's in store:

                      • Paul’s Grand Final Fever: Paul is excited for his first trip to the MCG for the grand final – fingers crossed there are no flight hiccups! Mal shares his previous experience, and they both banter about footy, travel, and birthday celebrations.

                      • Mosaic Brands on the Brink: An update on the troubled retailer – leaked emails from the CEO reveal tense negotiations with creditors. The duo dissects the dire situation faced by suppliers, landlords, and employees as the retail giant struggles to survive.

                      • Coke-Flavoured Oreos?!: Yes, you read that right. The iconic brands have teamed up for a collaboration that has people talking... and tasting. Paul and Mal chat about this sugary marketing move and the wider trend of quirky brand partnerships.

                      • ACCC Takes on Coles & Woolies: Finally, some accountability! The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission cracks down on the supermarket giants for misleading pricing tactics. Is this the end of “down down” prices that aren’t really down?

                      • Interest Rates Steady: The RBA holds the line on rates, much to the relief of some – but with inflation stubbornly high, retail continues to brace for impact.

                      • Mustard & Monopolies: How price gouging impacts consumer trust and why smaller brands might hold the key to restoring faith through authenticity and transparency.


                        • 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


                        32 min
                      • The Fall of Tupperware & Nike’s Big Pivot – Lessons in Brand Survival

                        In this week’s episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal Chia is joined by James Byrne, standing in for Paul. After some technical hiccups, they dig into the latest developments in ecommerce, focusing on major brands in crisis and the ever-shifting consumer landscape. Buckle up for an episode packed with lessons on adaptability, branding, and staying relevant in a tough economy.


                        Instagram’s Teen Accounts: Instagram’s new teen accounts feature is finally here, but is it too late? The hosts share their thoughts on whether Instagram can claw back younger audiences from TikTok, and what this move signals for social media regulations.

                        Deloitte’s Holiday Retail Report: Australians are tightening their belts ahead of the holiday season, with 76% planning to cut back on spending. What does this mean for Black Friday and Cyber Monday? We discuss how brands should adapt their marketing strategies and focus on building desire early to survive the spending slowdown.

                        Tupperware’s Bankruptcy: The once-iconic Tupperware has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Mal and James debate whether the brand’s downfall is due to poor distribution or a failure to evolve in a digital age. Is there still hope for a revival?

                        Nike’s New CEO: Nike appoints a new CEO, Elliot Hill, leading to a massive $9 billion stock recovery following John Donahoe’s departure. The team breaks down Nike’s shift back to its roots and whether this pivot to a direct-to-consumer model will help them stay ahead of competitors.


                        Plus, debating whether Tupperware parties still have a place in today’s ecommerce world!


                        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

                        24 min
                      • Duty Calls: The Looming US Import Changes & What It Means for Aussie Brands

                        In this episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal and Paul tackle some of the most pressing changes facing the ecommerce world, with a side of witty banter and hard truths. From the Biden administration cracking down on US import loopholes to the subscription economy’s slow decline, they break down the implications for Aussie brands and global retailers. Here’s what to expect:


                        • US De Minimis Exemption Changes: What the end of duty-free shipping for goods under $800 means for brands selling into the US. Is it the death of affordable international sales, or just a bump in the road?
                        • Subscription Fatigue: As brands like Roxbox and Bellabox shut down, is the golden age of subscription services coming to an end? Paul and Mal explore how the cost-of-living crisis and lack of personalisation are leading to consumer burnout.
                        • Performance Marketing Shifts: Why businesses are moving away from Facebook and Google ads, and turning towards long-term brand value over instant results.
                        • Black Friday Mania: A reality check on the rush for peak season profits, and why many brands are rethinking their strategies to avoid December disappointment.
                        • Social Media Bans for Kids: Could Australia be on the verge of banning underage social media use? The duo weighs the pros and cons of parental vs platform responsibility.


                          • 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

                          26 min
                        • Temu's Reality Check, Sass & Bide Shutters Stores and Is Black Friday Killing Christmas?

                          Episode 55 of This Week in Ecommerce is packed with insights on the challenges retail is facing, from Sass & Bide closing its stores to Temu’s sharp decline in stock market value. Mal and Paul explore why some brands are saying ‘no’ to discount culture and what that means for their long-term success. They also dive into the larger battle between giants like Amazon, Temu, and TikTok in the online retail space.


                          In this episode, you’ll hear:


                          • Sass & Bide’s store closures and what it means for fashion longevity
                          • How Temu lost a third of its value despite a revenue surge
                          • Why Coles and Woolworths are thriving in a tough market, while others are struggling
                          • The impact of constant sales on retail margins and consumer behaviour
                          • How TikTok is entering the ecommerce battle and what it means for the industry


                            • Tune in to find out how these changes could impact your strategy in the upcoming retail seasons!


                            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

                            21 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.