Prrrrrrt! Weekend break! 🙌

The whistle blows and everyone makes a dash for the exits. No, not your typical Friday at quitting time, but the sound of freedom nonetheless. But whether you're clocking out or clocking in this weekend, there's always time for a little light reading.

Here are some top retail and e-commerce stories from this week:

• Goodwill has set up an online store so that thrifters may purchase from the comfort of their own homes.
• TikTok is changing its strategy for promoting live stream shopping in the US.
• DHL's international express shipping services have partnered with eCommerce platform BigCommerce to help online business owners in the United States sell their products globally.
• As it debuts Amazon Access hub, Amazon's reduced membership is rebranded.

Top Retail and E-commerce Stories

Thrift Shopping at Home?: Goodwill Launches an Online Store

Thrift heaven...online! Goodwill has set up an online store so that thrifters may purchase from the comfort of their own homes. The move comes as the pandemic continues to change the way we shop, with more and more consumers doing their shopping online.

On Tuesday, the 120-year-old nonprofit organization Goodwill launched GoodwillFinds. This newly incorporated shopping venture is making 100,000 donated items available for purchase online. By doing this, they are expanding their internet presence which until now had been limited to auction sites like ShopGoodwill or individual stores selling donations online via eBay and Amazon.

According to Goodwill's FAQs, the store ships not only in the U.S., but as well as in Canada, although shipping isn't free. They state that "in order to optimize the funds available for making a positive impact in the community."

TikTok Just Got More Interesting: TikTok to Focus on Product Discovery in US Live-Stream Shopping Feature

TikTok is the new YouTube for e-commerce! TikTok has pushed ahead with live-stream commerce initiatives despite a lack of user interest to date, in the hopes of replicating the success it has had in China and other areas worldwide.

TikTok is scaling back its live commerce push in Europe due to various issues. However, it is taking a new approach in the US by partnering with established live shopping network TalkShopLive to boost awareness of its shopping broadcasts.

This would help it reach more engaged and active shoppers and further promote its live-stream commerce offerings to the group.

TikTok is also partnering with a number of influencer organizations to bring more well-known YouTubers on board with its live shopping tools.

We Are Going Global: Sell Your Products Worldwide with DHL and BigCommerce

Everyone, prepare to go global! DHL's international express shipping services have partnered with e-commerce platform, BigCommerce, to help online business owners in the United States sell their products globally.

BigCommerce merchants can now get discounted rates from DHL and special access to shipping and logistics experts who can "take the mystery out of international delivery," according to a press release Tuesday (Oct. 4) from DHL.

Joining the program will also allow merchants to give their customers proactive notifications and different delivery options through DHL's On Demand Delivery tool, as stated in the press release. DHL has continuously improved its flight abilities and infrastructure over several years to keep up with e-commerce standards. This way, DHL is able to ship all around 220 countries and territories.

The Amazon Corner

Amazon Prime Access Gets a Facelift: Amazon Revamps Discounted Membership Program

Amazon Access - gateway to the best Prime deals. Amazon announced its new hub, Amazon Access on Monday, which includes discounts, affordability programs, and other features. The company also introduced an improved Prime Access program for individuals who receive government assistance.

Not only does Prime Access provide shoppers with information on Amazon Layaway, SNAP EBT, and discounts, but customers can also pay for their online purchases without a debit or credit card. Pickup locations for these items are also available at lockers or pickup counters.

According to the press release, membership in the program has increased by more than 300% from 2019 to 2021. Customers who receive government assistance can upload their identification or government assistance paperwork to see if they qualify.

A LITTLE MORE

• Alibaba.com Announces Expansion of Manifest Grants Program; Notable U.S.-Based Partners Include Indiegogo, Payoneer, and Black Entrepreneurs Day
• U.S. e-commerce site Poshmark is to be bought by Naver in South Korea for $1.2 billion.
• Shopify's POS Go software enables a new kind of retail by allowing merchants to operate their businesses from the counter to the curb.

QUICK TIP

Try this. Focus on your POAS (Profit on Ad Spend). POAS essentially quantifies a company's advertising cost-effectiveness, leading to more accurate reporting, transparency of profitability, and stronger product optimization.

FUN FACT

57% of worldwide internet consumers buy from businesses located outside of their home country.