DTC Dispatch #043

LATEST NEWS

Why Walmart’s e-commerce business is growing so fast

Walmart, traditionally known for its low prices and vast stores, has quietly built an e-commerce business that rivals Amazon. In Q2, Walmart reported a 22% year-over-year increase in U.S. e-commerce sales, outpacing Amazon's 5% growth during the same period, though Amazon operates on a much larger scale. Walmart credited its growth to store-fulfilled pickup and delivery services.

Walmart's online business is nearing profitability, according to CFO John David Rainey. E-commerce has become a major growth driver for the retailer, with U.S. sales soaring from $13.8 billion in 2017 to $73 billion last year. Factors like marketplace expansion and a 37% share of the online grocery market in Q2 have contributed to this growth.

Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData, noted that Walmart has effectively utilized its physical stores to boost online sales, particularly in food and general merchandise. While Amazon has improved delivery speeds, Walmart's store-based fulfillment gives it a competitive edge.

Walmart's e-commerce success was also evident during the pandemic, with sales jumping 74% in Q1 2021.

Our take: Walmart's impressive rise in e-commerce marks a major shift for the retailer, traditionally known for low prices and large stores. Its 22% increase in U.S. online sales in Q2 highlights its smart use of store-fulfilled pickup and delivery services, allowing it to outpace Amazon’s growth.

Walmart’s e-commerce surge is part of a long-term strategy, with U.S. sales soaring from $13.8 billion in 2017 to $73 billion in 2022. By leveraging its physical stores for online fulfillment, Walmart creates a unique advantage in food and general merchandise.

As its online business nears profitability, Walmart is establishing itself as a serious contender in the e-commerce landscape.

Shopify, YouTube expand partnership

Shopify has deepened its partnership with YouTube, according to a company blog post. Now, eligible Shopify Plus and Advanced sellers in the U.S. can join YouTube’s affiliate program through Google and YouTube apps integrated into the platform.

With YouTube Shopping’s affiliate program, Shopify merchants can collaborate with content creators to promote their products. Sellers can manage the program, track content performance, and analyze product data using Google Merchant Center.

Brands like GoPure Beauty, BK Beauty, and HexClad are part of this initiative, and YouTube has introduced a Google Chrome extension for U.S. creators in the affiliate program. This tool allows creators to save and tag products in videos while tracking potential earnings from their promotions.

Our take: Shopify's expanded partnership with YouTube taps into the power of content creators in e-commerce. By allowing Shopify Plus and Advanced sellers to join YouTube's affiliate program, Shopify helps boost product visibility and sales through video-based promotion. Merchants gain insights from Google Merchant Center, aiding in better marketing strategies.

Brands like GoPure Beauty and HexClad now have direct access to YouTube's vast audience, while a new Google Chrome extension makes it easier for creators to tag and promote products in videos. This partnership shows how e-commerce and content creation are increasingly connected, with engaging content becoming key to successful selling.

Edelman, Dove Launch 'Beauty Never Gets Old' Campaign

Dove has launched a new campaign celebrating 67 years of its iconic Beauty Bar soap while delivering a powerful message. Created with PR agency Edelman, the "Beauty Never Gets Old" campaign honors the product's legacy through a 42-second spot featuring women from diverse backgrounds sharing their experiences with Dove.

According to Divya Raghavan, Dove's senior brand director of innovation and equity, the women in the ad were encouraged to present themselves authentically, not as characters. By spotlighting their stories, Dove reinforces its long-standing commitment to inclusivity and self-love, showing that beauty transcends age.

The campaign responds to Dove’s own research, which found that 66% of women feel pressured to look younger, with girls as young as 10 already using anti-aging products. "Beauty Never Gets Old" challenges ageism and celebrates women in an empowering, genuine, and non-patronizing way.

Our take: Dove's "Beauty Never Gets Old" campaign is a powerful statement in the beauty industry. By celebrating the 67-year legacy of its Beauty Bar soap, Dove tackles ageism and promotes inclusivity. Featuring real women who present themselves authentically, the campaign reinforces Dove's long-standing focus on self-love and natural beauty.

Dove's research highlights the damaging pressure women face to look younger, even affecting girls as young as 10. This campaign pushes back against unrealistic beauty standards, emphasizing that beauty isn't defined by youth, but should be celebrated at every age. Dove sets a strong example for the industry, promoting a more empowering and inclusive view of beauty.

Naomi Watts just gave the blunt bob a chic old Hollywood twist for autumn

In what can be called the "year of the bob," countless variations of this chic hairstyle have dominated trends. Now, Naomi Watts has introduced a fresh take that channels old Hollywood glamour.

As we move into autumn, bob hairstyles are more popular than ever—whether it's the trendy Bell-bottom bob or a longer collarbone cut. There's plenty of styling inspiration out there, but if you're looking for something both elegant and easy, Naomi Watts' latest look is worth noting.

After debuting a wavy bob in July, Watts has now showcased a new way to style her jaw-length cut—timeless, simple, and blending with another popular trend from this year.

Our take: The "year of the bob" has certainly lived up to its name, with numerous styles making waves in the fashion world. Naomi Watts has added a glamorous touch with her latest bob variation, effortlessly merging old Hollywood charm with modern elegance.

As we head into autumn, bob hairstyles—whether it's the trendy Bell-bottom bob or a longer collarbone cut—continue to reign supreme. Watts' latest look offers a sophisticated yet accessible option for those seeking a refined yet manageable style. Her new take on the classic jaw-length bob, introduced after her wavy version in July, beautifully combines timeless appeal with current trends, showcasing how adaptable and enduring this hairstyle can be.

Lainey Wilson teases move into fashion: 'It has been a long time coming'

Lainey Wilson's fans, who adore her Bell Bottom Country style, may soon get the chance to shop her look directly. The Grammy Award-winning singer has shared that her unique wardrobe often comes from hours of vintage store hunting, making it hard for fans to replicate.

However, Wilson hints that she and her team have some exciting plans in the works. She told the Standard, “I’m very excited to share it with everybody. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s right around the corner.”

Wilson explained that her signature bell bottoms and hat are more than just fashion choices—they’re a personal expression of her story, much like her music. “Wearing them feels true to me and my story, and it’s just another way to express myself,” she said.

Our take: Lainey Wilson’s upcoming plans to bring her Bell Bottom Country style to fans is a thrilling development for those who admire her distinctive look. The Grammy Award-winning singer has long dazzled with her unique vintage-inspired wardrobe, often sourced from extensive hunts in secondhand stores. While these one-of-a-kind pieces can be difficult for fans to replicate, Wilson's hint about an upcoming collection suggests that her iconic style may soon be more accessible.

Wilson's personal connection to her fashion choices—such as her signature bell bottoms and hat—reveals how deeply her style reflects her personal story and artistic identity. Her excitement about sharing these looks with her audience underscores her commitment to authenticity and self-expression. This move not only offers fans a chance to emulate her celebrated style but also highlights how fashion can be a powerful extension of one's artistic persona.