The year-end shopping season has officially commenced, with major e-commerce platforms preparing for intense competition. Amazon's Prime Early Access Day and eBay's new advertising tools signal an exciting period for online retail.
Amazon Prime Early Access Day: Consumers Ready to Spend
Data from Numerator reveals unprecedented interest in Amazon's Prime Early Access Day, with over 30% of U.S. consumers planning to participate—a record high. With inflation driving prices upward and holiday shopping starting earlier, average household spending is projected to exceed $200 for the first time.
This surge reflects strong consumer demand for promotions and positions Amazon's event as a key indicator for the holiday shopping season. The retail giant's performance during this period will be crucial for maintaining its market dominance.
eBay Launches "Quick Setup" for Sellers
eBay has introduced a "Quick Setup" feature for its Advanced Promoted Listings ads, designed to streamline advertising during the busy holiday season. The simplified process allows sellers to name campaigns, set budgets and dates, then let eBay automatically group listings and select keywords.
This innovation significantly lowers the barrier for effective advertising, enabling sellers to reach target audiences more efficiently while boosting sales potential.
Global E-Commerce Expansion
Shopee has revitalized its Shopee Barokah platform with enhanced halal product search capabilities, catering to Muslim consumers across fashion, food, beauty and religious items. Meanwhile, Shenzhen continues to lead China's foreign trade, with exports maintaining top position for 29 consecutive years.
Wuhan has emerged as a surprising contender in cross-border e-commerce, reporting 138% year-over-year growth in import-export volume from January through August.
Logistics and Market Developments
J&T International has expanded Southeast Asian land transport services, while CMA CGM launched its exclusive AMERICAS XL shipping route connecting the U.S. East Coast with South America's West Coast. However, Japan faces trade challenges as yen depreciation contributes to a 96% drop in August's current account surplus.
In financial technology, Airwallex completed a $100 million E2 funding round, maintaining its $5.5 billion valuation. Cross-border seller Ugreen Technology reported strong performance with overseas revenue accounting for 84% of total online sales through platforms including Amazon and Shopee.
As temperatures drop, experts advise consumers that tighter thermal wear doesn't necessarily provide better warmth, recommending fleece materials over synthetic fibers for optimal comfort and protection during colder months.