ECOMMERCE

Despite the ramping up of global data regulations, most consumers are concerned about how companies collect and use their information.   In fact, an overwhelming 96% of consumers are "somewhat" to "extremely" concerned about data collection and usage. This is understandable, as more than 75% engage in digital payment transactions at least once a month.  

Amazon has evolved into a destination for a variety of categories, and now it’s adding sweets and snacks to this portfolio.    Out of $49 billion in total sales across sweets and snacks in 2016, Amazon rang up $240 million in 2016. And between January-August 2017, the online giant has already grabbed $215 million — a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 42%, according to “Sweets & Snacks: The Amazon Effect,” a report from One Click Retail.  

Marketplaces are taking an increasing share of business-to-consumer (B2C) online retail sales.    Last year, shoppers did half of their online spending through marketplaces — a level that could rise to 66% by 2022, according to “Half of B2C Online Retail Spend Came from Marketplaces in 2016,” a report from Forrester.  

eBay has made a play to make a name for itself as a luxury shopping destination.    The online merchant is partnering with Spring, a shopping app and website that features 1,500 luxury brands, from Prada, Gucci, and Saint Laurent to David Yurman, Rag & Bone, Mango and Chloe. By featuring the company as a marquee seller, eBay will feature a dedicated Spring storefront where shoppers can find, browse and purchase luxury items curated in one location.  

Mobile commerce made the grade this back-to-school season, contributing to a 3% increase in overall e-commerce sales.   This was according to research from retail search marketing company NetElixir. The firm said mobile orders were up by 44%, and revenue was up by 64%. Mobile average order value (AOV) increased by 13%, indicating that consumers are now more comfortable using mobile devices for more expensive purchases.   

The president and CEO of Macy's, Jeff Gennette, and Google's president of global partnerships, Daniel Alegre, will be among the headliners at Shoptalk 2018, the nex-gen retail and e-commerce event.   Also on the bill: Alon Cohen, president and co-founder of Houzz, the home furnishings and design site. Shoptalk's final agenda will feature more than 400 speakers, an increase of 25% over 2017’s event.  

With access to more disposable income, Hispanic consumers will up their holiday spending this year — especially through e-commerce.  

A patent that changed how customers make purchases online has expired — and opened up new opportunities for competitors.   The “1-Click” patent filed by Amazon in 1997, expired Tuesday. As a result, any brand can now feature this functionality on their own e-commerce site, according to C-Net.