This Week In Ecommerce

This Week In Ecommerce

By Ecom NationBusiness
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This Week In Ecommerce episodes

  • Mosaic's Meltdown, AI Anxiety, and What We Buy in a Cost-of-Living Crisis

    In this week’s episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal Chia is flying solo and delivering a bumper crop of headlines, from retail disasters to future tech warnings. Tune in as Mal unpacks the turbulent times for some of Australia’s biggest brands and explores the trends reshaping consumer behaviour amidst a cost of living crisis. Plus, an alarming prediction from an AI expert that could change everything we know about artificial intelligence.


    Mosaic Brands in Trouble: The owner of well-known retail names like Katie’s and Miller’s faces a trading suspension after missing key financial deadlines. What’s next for this retail giant as it struggles with internal missteps and market pressures?

    Dion Lee Bows Out: Another casualty in the fashion world as the once-prominent brand fails to find a buyer and prepares to shutter its operations. What does this say about the state of fashion retail?

    Consumer Trends: From the booming second-hand car market to the rise in home coffee machines and renovations, discover how Aussies are adjusting their spending in these economically tough times.

    AI’s Dark Future?: An AI expert predicts that by 2026, AI could start “getting dumber” as it feeds on its own data. What does this mean for the future of technology and content creation?


    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
  • The Battle for Booktopia, PE Nation Drama, and Paul Finally Buys a Mac

    In this lively episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal and Paul kick things off with some Paul’s big leap into the Apple ecosystem—Botox jokes included! But it’s not all about tech upgrades; they dive into some serious ecommerce drama and market insights.


    Here’s what’s on the agenda:


    Booktopia’s Big Buyout: We made a boo-boo! Mal admits he was wrong about Booktopia being sold for parts. Instead, DigiDirect swooped in and bought the lot. The guys speculate on what this means for the future of Australia’s once-mighty online bookstore and why just bringing it back to its old self might not cut it.

    PE Nation Shake-Up: With both founders stepping down, what’s really happening behind the scenes at PE Nation? Mal and Paul dissect the possible reasons for this major shift and whether the brand’s rebranding efforts will be enough to regain its footing in the competitive athleisure market.

    Baby Bunting’s Slump: The numbers are in, and it’s not looking great for Baby Bunting. Sales are down, profits have plummeted, and the guys discuss the tough retail environment the baby goods giant is facing, including competition from online marketplaces.

    Gen Z’s Digital Detox: Is Gen Z really ditching their smartphones for a more connected, offline life? Mal and Paul explore the surprising trend of digital detoxes among the younger generation and how brands are pivoting to meet this demand for real-world experiences.


    Join us for these stories and more, including a heartwarming discussion on mindfulness and the importance of occasionally ditching your phone. Plus, Paul’s secret to looking so good on camera might just be his new MacBook.


    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

    37 min
  • Wins and Woes: From Temple & Webster’s Triumph to Nike’s Nosedive

    This week marks a significant milestone—our 52nd episode, celebrating a full year of ecommerce insights, debates, and banter! Mal and Paul take a moment to toast the past year before diving into the latest in ecommerce news. From record-breaking successes to shocking downturns, this episode covers it all. Here’s what’s on the agenda:


    • Temple & Webster’s Winning Formula: How did this online retailer achieve staggering growth in a tough market? We unpack their latest earnings report and discuss the strategies that helped them rake in nearly half a billion in revenue.
    • JB Hi-Fi’s Secret to Success: Despite a slight dip in sales, this retail giant continues to impress. Discover why JB Hi-Fi remains a consumer favourite and how they’re outpacing competitors like Amazon.
    • Klaviyo’s Comeback: After a rocky start post-IPO, Klaviyo is back on track. We explore the email marketing platform’s latest results and why it’s now one of the hottest stocks to watch.
    • Nike’s $25 Billion Misstep: The sportswear titan wiped out $25 billion in market cap in a single day. We delve into the missteps that led to this downfall and what it means for the future of the brand.


      • Grab a slice of cake and join us as we celebrate our first year—and here’s to many more!


      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
    • Temu’s $3B Rise, Retail Icons Struggles, and the Future of Ecommerce Fashion

      In this week’s episode of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal Chia is joined by Alex Ross, Business Development Manager at Searchspring and the recently crowned Industry Rising Star of 2024. With Paul Waddy out, Alex steps in to share her insights and inject some fresh perspective into the world of ecommerce.


      Together, Mal and Alex dive into the latest ecommerce developments, from the explosive growth of global giants like Temu and Shein to the struggles facing iconic Australian retailers. They also explore the changing landscape of fashion, the ongoing battle for customer loyalty, and how local brands can compete against low-cost, high-volume international players.


      Key Takeaways:

      • Shein and Temu’s Dominance: The duo discusses the astounding rise of Shein and Temu in the Australian market, with Temu serving 3.8 million Aussie customers in just 12 months. Alex shares her thoughts on why these platforms are so irresistible, despite initial consumer hesitations.
      • Challenges for Local Retailers: With giants like Temu taking over, Mal and Alex ponder the uphill battle for Australian retailers. From product differentiation to offering superior customer experiences, they explore strategies that might help local businesses stay competitive.
      • Mosaic Brands’ Market Struggles: The conversation turns to Mosaic Brands, where Mal and Alex analyse the factors leading to their recent downturn and the broader implications for legacy retailers trying to stay relevant in today’s fast-changing market.
      • Culture Kings and Princess Polly in the US: Alex shares insights on how these brands have thrived in the US but faced challenges at home. They explore whether their Australian audience has grown tired of them or if it’s simply a reflection of shifting consumer preferences.
      • Fashion Trends and Consumer Behaviour: The episode wraps up with a discussion on the cyclical nature of fashion, using examples like Crocs’ comeback, and how brands need to evolve with their customers to stay relevant.


        • 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

        33 min
      • Amazon’s Aussie Boom, Meta’s Ad Surge, and Lulu’s Legal Woes

        Welcome to Episode 50 of This Week in Ecommerce! It’s a special milestone as Mal and Paul celebrate reaching the half-century mark without missing a single week. In this jam-packed episode, our hosts cover a wide range of topics. Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s show:


        Olympic Ad Fever: Mal and Paul chat about their Olympic highlights and the ads that have caught their attention, sparking a discussion on the creativity gap in ecommerce advertising.

        Amazon Prime Day’s Impact: An analysis of Amazon’s impressive 200% growth in Australia and its implications for local retailers.

        Lululemon’s Greenwashing Controversy: The Canadian advocacy group’s lawsuit against Lululemon for their alleged increase in greenhouse gas emissions despite their sustainability promises.

        Google’s Monopoly Ruling: Insights into the recent antitrust case that confirmed Google’s dominance in the search market and its potential consequences.

        Meta’s Ad Revenue Surge: Despite economic challenges, Meta reports a 22% increase in ad revenue, driven significantly by ecommerce and the Asia Pacific region.


        Join us for an engaging and insightful episode, packed with actionable takeaways and a bit of cheeky 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

        31 min
      • Trust Issues, Adore Beauty’s Surprise, and China’s Spending Slump

        In Episode 49 of This Week in Ecommerce, Mal Chia and Paul Waddy tackle the latest trends and surprises in the ecommerce world. From analysing Adore Beauty’s unexpected growth to exploring the plummeting trust in influencer reviews, this episode is packed with valuable insights. The duo also dives into the implications of China’s declining consumer spending and how it affects global markets. Join us for a lively discussion that blends expert analysis with a touch of humour.


        Key Points:


        Adore Beauty’s Performance:

        • 7.4% increase in revenue to $195.7 million.
        • Notable 2.5% EBITDA increase.
        • Growth driven by returning customers and an expanded active user base.

          • Trust in Influencer Reviews:

          • Capterra’s survey reveals only 18% of Australian shoppers trust influencer reviews.
          • The effectiveness of micro and nano influencers over big-name endorsements.
          • Insights from Ryderwear on the impact of local influencers.

            • China’s Declining Consumer Spending:

            • Sharp decline in domestic spending and its global implications.
            • Contrast with steady growth in luxury fashion sales worldwide.
            • The strategic push by Chinese factories towards direct-to-consumer models.

              • Strategies for Competing with Cheap Imports:

              • Importance of differentiation and maintaining quality.
              • Potential government regulations to protect local industries.
              • Examples of successful targeted marketing and customer loyalty efforts.


                • 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
              • Celeste Barber’s Beauty Blitz & The Supreme Haircut

                Welcome to Episode 48 of This Week in Ecommerce! Mal Chia and Paul Waddy are back with a whirlwind of news and insights from the ecommerce universe. From celebrity beauty ventures to Supreme’s surprising sale, this episode is packed with the latest trends and updates you need to know.


                In This Episode:


                • Celeste Barber’s Beauty Venture: Comedy queen Celeste Barber teams up with Claire Greaves to launch Booie Beauty. Is this the next big thing in skincare?
                • Supreme’s Decline: We analyse the $600 million loss in Supreme’s valuation and its implications for the luxury streetwear market.
                • Burberry’s Brand Battle: After a steep decline in sales, Burberry fires its CEO. Can a return to its classic aesthetic save the brand?
                • Combating Ecommerce Scams: New laws target online scams, putting the onus on platforms to crack down on fraudulent activities. What does this mean for online shoppers and businesses?


                  • Join us for a deep dive into these stories and more, with a sprinkle of humour and a lot of expertise. Don’t miss out!


                  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

                  32 min
                • Disaster and Opportunity: Booktopia, Dion Lee, and Apple’s AI-Driven Sales Surge

                  Join Mal Chia and Paul Waddy in Episode 47 of “This Week in Ecommerce” as they dissect the latest upheavals and breakthroughs in the retail world. From tech giants to retail disasters, they leave no stone unturned.


                  Key Points Covered:


                  • The Good Guys Gone Bad: The ACCC is suing The Good Guys over misleading promotions. Mal and Paul discuss the allegations, the implications for customer trust, and the broader lessons for retailers on ethical discounting.
                  • Apple’s Sales Surge: Apple is leading a 3% rise in computer sales this quarter, driven by demand for AI-capable devices. Mal predicts a tech market revival due to AI advancements, while Paul debates whether to finally join the Apple ecosystem.
                  • Dion Lee’s Financial Woes: The fashion retailer is in dire straits, with $35 million in liabilities and aggressive discounting measures. Mal and Paul analyse what went wrong and discuss the perils of expanding too quickly without solid financial footing.
                  • Update on Booktopia’s Collapse: The situation at Booktopia has deteriorated further with massive layoffs and a halt in order fulfilments. The guys ponder the future of the once-thriving online bookstore and what it means for the Australian ecommerce landscape.


                    • Tune in for a mix of ecommerce insights, candid discussions, and a dash of humour as Mal and Paul explore the week’s top stories. Don’t miss out on their expert perspectives and practical advice!


                    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
                  • Global Expansion, Remarkable Retail and Why Attention Matters


                    Welcome to Episode 46 of This Week in Ecommerce! Join hosts Mal Chia and Paul Waddy as they discuss the latest happenings in the ecommerce world. This week, Paul shares insights on new client projects and the successful launch of the Henschke website as well as the build up to their 50th episode.


                    Show Notes:

                    Financial Year Recap: Mal and Paul reflect on the end of the financial year, noting the trend of retailers starting sales earlier and discussing the less-than-stellar retail spending reports for May.

                    Attention as the Key Currency: The hosts explore the concept of attention being the most critical currency in retail. They discuss innovative brand partnerships like Allen’s and Dusk, which leverage sensory nostalgia to capture consumer interest.

                    Booktopia’s Future: Mal and Paul discuss Booktopia’s voluntary administration, pondering potential restructuring or acquisition by competitors. They examine the challenges faced by broad-market retailers versus niche players.

                    Global Expansion Tips: We finish with strategies for successful international expansion. Paul and Mal emphasise the importance of organic growth, influencer partnerships, and cautious scaling, sharing examples from their experiences with various brands.


                    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

                    35 min
                  • Retail Shake-Ups: The Myer-Premier Merger and Temu's Market Domination

                    In this jam-packed episode of This Week in Ecommerce, hosts Mal Chia and Paul Waddy discuss the most important retail news you need to know to help you feel a little bit smarter than you were before the podcast.


                    • Patty Mills Collaboration: Celebrating Aussie pride, they dive into the legendary Boomers new fashion collabs with LSKD and Ksubi, highlighting the blend of sports, culture, and fashion.
                    • Myer and Premier Investments Merger: Analysis of the potential merger between Myer and Premier Investments, and what it could mean for the Australian retail landscape.
                    • Adore Beauty Acquisition: The guys break down Adore Beauty’s acquisition of IKOU, exploring the strategic move into brick-and-mortar retail.
                    • Temu's Market Dominance: How Temu skyrocketed to become the fifth highest-ranking retail brand in Australia, and its impact on local businesses and Etsy.


                      • Join Mal and Paul for insights, laughs, and the latest in ecommerce trends and news.


                      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


                      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.