This Week In Ecommerce

By Ecom Nation

🎙️ 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... more

· Business

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about This Week In Ecommerce:

How many episodes does This Week In Ecommerce have?

The podcast currently has 129 episodes available.

This Week In Ecommerce episodes:

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
...more
14min
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:
...more
24min
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
...more
28min
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
...more
27min
November 12, 2024What 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
...more
26min
November 05, 2024Crocs 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
...more
29min
October 29, 2024Ultra 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
...more
30min
October 22, 2024Passion, 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
...more
43min
October 15, 2024Fast 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
...more
23min
October 08, 2024Step 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
...more
20min

FAQs about This Week In Ecommerce:

How many episodes does This Week In Ecommerce have?

The podcast currently has 129 episodes available.