Instagram shelves ecommerce features

With Instagram's shift, it’s back to the drawing board for social commerce

Instagram is retiring its Shopping page, and the home screen tab that directs users there. While Instagram is not abandoning ecommerce altogether, this is the latest sign that in-app buying is not taking off in the way that platforms hoped. Instagram indicated it will tie its shopping efforts more directly to advertising, so the app's role as a place to discover products will live on, even if there isn’t a dedicated store inside.

Bolt helps Revolve offer one-click Checkout at Fashion Week

Bolt is rolling out Checkout Links, a one-click checkout tool that works across online and offline experiences. Shoppers scan a QR code, and are then directed to a branded checkout page where they can complete a purchase. It’s designed to embed in emails, blog posts, and chat, as well as inside stores and at events.

Unilever makes ice cream delivery available nationwide

Brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Breyer’s got their own delivery service in recent years, as Unilever looked to add more frozen treats to grocery ecommerce offerings. Now, the consumer goods company is expanding The Ice Cream Shop's reach nationwide by bringing it to Instacart. Users can search ice cream by brand or flavor profile. This follows pilots in which ice cream was delivered by drone and Robomart. 

Why Coca-Cola doesn't want to tell you what's in those weird flavors

The beverage giant is characterizing limited-edition flavors including Coca-Cola Starlight, Byte and Dreamworld by their experience, rather than their ingredients. Instead of telling people what’s in them, they want consumers to guess. The idea is that the mystery is what leads people to engage. It’s part of a strategy to get people talking – and even debating – about Coke products.

Uber turns to autonomous vehicle startup Nuro for Eats deliveries

Through a 10-year commercial deal, autonomous vehicles from Nuro will deliver meals and goods for Uber Eats. It starts in Houston and Mountain View, California, this fall, with plans to expand to more areas. Nuro’s vehicle is specifically built for delivery, and the company has all the necessary approvals to not only traverse California roads, but also to charge for its services. 

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