Ecommerce gives retail sales a boost

Author

Stephen Babcock
July 18, 2022

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Retail sales saw a bump last month even as prices continued to rise amid 40-year-high inflation, according to the US Commerce Department. A 2.2% jump in the category that includes ecommerce was among the drivers of the rebound. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment remains near all-time lows.

Fewer products from brands like Amazon Basics and Amazon Essentials are available on the marketplace, but it’s not only because of performance. The private-label brands have faced scrutiny from regulators over Amazon's use of seller data to create its own goods, and the advantage it can gain over competitors by owning the platform on which those products are sold. – The Wall Street Journal

Second-quarter earnings season kicks into gear this week with key consumer goods companies and platforms sharing performance updates. Meanwhile, conferences in New York and DC are gathering DTC brands and consumer healthcare products companies, respectively. Check out what we’re tracking in The Week Ahead.

Founded in 1957, the Canadian outerwear brand grew in the luxury market over the last 20 years. Direct-to-consumer now accounts for two-thirds of sales. Plus, keeping production local offers a "unique supply chain advantage.” Check out a full breakdown of a bright spot in retail. – Bainbridge Growth

Visible progress on drone delivery is coming quickly this summer. Amazon is adding College Station, Texas, as the second pilot city for Prime Air, while Alphabet’s Wing shared development of drones that corresponded to package weight classes. Near Future has the latest in airborne logistics.

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