With AI and B2B solutions taking center stage, the answer is yes. This week, we take a closer look at some of the most innovative trends and stories in retail and e-commerce that are changing the game for businesses around the world.
Amazon is considering offering a mobile service that is free for Prime members.
Your Amazon app may now display a significant update that is currently being tested. The update may already be available in your app
Sam's Club is using artificial intelligence (AI) to make its stores run more efficiently.
B2B e-commerce is becoming increasingly popular as a main channel for sales.
The Amazon Corner
A Prime Offer: Amazon is Considering Offering Free Mobile Service to its Prime Members
Free mobile service? Say no more! Amazon is reportedly considering offering its Prime members a mobile service that would be free of charge. This could potentially be a game changer for the telecom industry, as it could provide an incentive to customers to switch their current mobile carrier and join Amazon’s network.
According to anonymous sources, the company is in talks with Verizon Communications Inc., T-Mobile US Inc., and Dish Network Corp. to secure the best possible wholesale prices. The purpose of this is to be able to provide wireless plans to Prime members at a discounted rate of $10 per month or potentially even for free. By doing so, the company hopes to increase loyalty among its top-spending customers.
An App Update: Amazon is Currently Testing a Significant Update to its App
Photo Credit: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images) / Getty Images
Minor tweaks. Amazon is experimenting with a new layout for its app, which will assist customers in placing orders by making it simpler to locate what they're searching for. The redesign has already been introduced to several users on June 1.
The search box has been relocated to a constant position at the bottom of the page so that as users look through the content, the search field will still remain visible at the bottom of the screen. The change is intended to make the search box more easily accessible even when users are using their devices with one hand. The update is expected to be rolled out to more customers globally in the next few months.
Man vs. AI: Sam's Club is Turning to AI for In-Store Efficiency
Photo Credit: Sam's Club
Meet Roberta, the AI robot that Sam's Club is deploying in its stores. Sam's Club, the warehouse store operated by Walmart, is turning to AI to help it manage its stores more efficiently.
Roberta can help store associates by taking on mundane tasks such as restocking shelves and tracking inventory levels. It's an exciting development for physical retail stores that are looking to increase efficiency while still providing a personalized experience for shoppers. Sam's Club is using robotics and algorithms to improve the functionality of its stores in addition to its autonomous daily rounds.
Gaining Ground: B2B E-commerce is Becoming Increasingly Popular as a Primary Sales Channel
The new age of B-to-B e-commerce is here. A new report from DynamicWeb and Sapio Research states that B2B e-commerce is increasingly becoming a popular channel for businesses of all sizes, regardless of their location. Some of the findings include:
64% of companies with at least 500 employees receive the highest number of orders through online websites.
Online websites were identified as the primary sales channel for 49% of small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
Half of the business generated by businesses comes from online marketplaces, and they anticipate a rise in those sales by approximately 40% in the next year.
B2B buyers now want a buying experience similar to that of consumers, which should include the ability to use mobile devices.
Try this.Use customer reviews to your advantage. Don't be afraid to ask customers for their feedback and then use it as a way to make improvements or highlight success stories on your website!
FUN FACT
About 41% of customers in the US receive 1-2 packages from Amazon each week.
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On this 88th episode of The E-Comm Show, our host, and BlueTuskr CEO Andrew Maff is with marketing expert John Maguire from Hest, a successful camping business that revolutionized the idea of comfortable sleep outdoors. During this episode, John shares the ins and outs of automating ad campaigns, optimizing them for maximum reach, and identifying the right approach to getting more web traffic. Advertising is an important part of any business, but it can be difficult to know how and where to advertise, tune in to learn John's secrets!
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