Weekly E-Commerce & Dropshipping Highlights: Oct 16, 2024

1. Amazon cashierless tech competitor Grabango shutters after failing to secure funding

A tech startup, AiFi, known for its cashierless checkout systems, has shut down after being unable to secure new funding. Despite partnerships with major brands, it couldn't compete with Amazon’s "Just Walk Out" technology.

2. Amazon’s Rufus AI Shopping Assistant Now Lets Some Shoppers Check Price History

Amazon has launched "Rufus," a tool that lets employees compare prices between Amazon's own listings and competitors. This is part of their efforts to ensure fair pricing across the platform, helping customers get better deals.

3. Amazon tests adding robot warehouses to Whole Foods so shoppers can pick up other orders at checkout

 Amazon is testing new micro-warehouses at Whole Foods to help customers shop more efficiently. These centers allow people to pick up both in-store items and online orders in one stop, streamlining the grocery experience and saving time​.

4. Walmart Reveals How It's Using Gen AI and Augmented Reality to Change Shopping

Walmart is enhancing its shopping experience with a virtual eyewear try-on feature, letting customers preview and customize frames through the app or website. This aims to offer a more personalized and convenient shopping process.

5. PayPal Formally Launches Ad Business to Pitch Its Shopping Data to Advertisers

PayPal has officially launched its advertising business, PayPal Ads, to help brands reach consumers by leveraging its vast transaction data. This new initiative aims to provide personalized advertising across platforms like PayPal and Venmo, expanding into a retail-media ad network targeting over 30 million merchants next year​.

6. Amazon’s new AI-powered vision tech tells drivers which packages to deliver

Amazon is introducing Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR) technology to make deliveries smoother for drivers. This system helps drivers quickly identify the right packages for each stop, cutting down delivery time and improving accuracy across its fleet​.

7. Reduced FedEx shipping rates available to Auctane customers in Canada and U.S.

Auctane customers in Canada and the U.S. can now access reduced shipping rates through a new partnership with FedEx. This deal benefits small and mid-sized businesses by offering more affordable shipping options for a wide range of FedEx services, starting in November 2024​.

8. Amazon bundles online shopping of groceries and nonfood items

Amazon is transforming grocery shopping for Prime members by allowing them to combine groceries with other items from Amazon.com for same-day delivery. This service is currently being tested in Phoenix, alongside new automated setups in Pennsylvania Whole Foods to streamline fulfillment.

9. DHL Express introduces a new Label-Free Service for shipment returns

DHL Express has launched a new Label-Free Service for package returns, replacing printed labels with QR codes. This user-friendly system, now available in over 50 countries, streamlines the return process for online shoppers and reduces paper waste.

10. After layoffs, Shopify aggregator OpenStore launches an AI customer service tool for brands

OpenStore, a Shopify aggregator, has launched a new customer support tool designed to help brands enhance their communication with customers following recent layoffs. This tool aims to streamline support processes and improve brand-customer interactions in the competitive e-commerce landscape​.

11. Why Walmart is developing its own retail-specific AI models

Walmart is focused on improving its retail experience by creating tailored models that enhance customer interactions. This effort aims to provide a more personalized shopping atmosphere, utilizing customer data to better meet individual preferences.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through the world of e-commerce and dropshipping! Keep pushing your business boundaries, and we’ll see you next time!