Week 16 - Easter eCommerce Extravaganza: Tariff Delays, UX/CRO Synergy & AI's Retail Rampage

Welcome back to your premier update on all things eCommerce with "The Checkout Point by blikket.co”! Hosts Max and Rachel are buzzing with insights and ready to guide you through this holiday season's unique challenges and opportunities. This week, as Easter approaches, we are diving deep into powerful sales trends, the impact of tariffs, and how integrating tech like AI can redefine your eCommerce business.

🌟 Episode Highlights:

• Our dynamic duo discusses how the Easter season shapes up in the eCommerce realm, offering actionable strategies for capitalizing on holiday sales.
• The recent postponement of tariffs, except the significant China tariff, is a hot topic. Max and Rachel explore how this political move affects eCommerce decisions, from pricing strategies to supply chain headaches.
• The spotlight is on UX and CRO integration, breaking down our latest blog post on how harmonizing these critical elements can skyrocket your eCommerce revenue. It’s a game changer!

💡 Key Takeaways:

• 🥚 Understanding Easter sales strategies to optimize your seasonal promotions
• 🌎 Navigating the impact of the ongoing China tariff and adapting your business strategy accordingly
• 🖥️ Harmonizing UX with CRO to foster a seamless and profitable online shopping experience.
• 🤖 Leveraging AI for smarter retail operations and enhanced customer personalization.
• 🚀 Adapting to major strategic shifts by giants like Amazon to stay competitive.

Don’t miss out on these essential discussions that can set the pace for a successful year in eCommerce. Grab your favorite caffeine fix and tune in to absorb vital industry knowledge that keeps you ahead of the curve!

👉 Be sure to subscribe to "The Checkout Point by blikket.co" on your preferred podcast platform and visit our website at Blikket.co for even more insights and resources. Stay updated, stay ahead – let's transform the eCommerce landscape together! ✨🎧

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Call to action & contact info 

• Our blog 
• Want to be a guest? checkoutpoint@Blikket.co

Prepare to be informed, entertained, and left with a desire to learn more. This is just the beginning—strap in for an exhilarating ride through the eCommerce cosmos with The Checkout Point!

Transcript

Alex: 0:05

Welcome to the checkout point. Your quick dive into this week's e-commerce buzz with me, Alex, powered by Blikket. These 20 minutes pack, the latest trends, news and insights, let's navigate the digital marketplace together. Ready? Let's go.

Max: 0:27

Hey folks, welcome back to the checkout point by Blikket.co. I'm Max coming to you slightly over caffeinated as usual, and we're diving into week 16 of the hottest e-commerce trends, news and strategies.

Rachel: 0:40

And I'm Rachel. Max. I actually spent this morning reading about the Easter sales trends. It's week 16, and as the Easter bunny hops closer, it seems like there's a lot brewing in the e-commerce world, isn't there?

Max: 0:53

Absolutely. Rachel, speaking of brewing, besides my usual morning coffee overdose, we've got some interesting news on tariffs. Trump decided to postpone most for 90 days to invite countries to the negotiation table. The only one moving forward is that big hurdle, the China tariff that's bound to shake things up for e-commerce owners, especially around this busy holiday time.

Rachel: 1:17

Oh, that's huge for our listeners, tuning in from all corners of the e-commerce galaxy. Plus, hey, I'm super excited that we just published that blog post about UX versus CRO. How harmonizing design and strategy can skyrocket your e-commerce revenue. We're going to dive deeper into that during the podcast today.

Max: 1:36

Yes, I can't wait to unpack that one. I think it's going to be a game changer for our listeners, especially with all these market changes. First up, we'll explore how blending UX with CRO is critical, especially in light of the holidays.

Rachel: 1:50

Then we've got an insightful segment on tariffs and their dramatic impact on e-commerce, how it's influencing everything from your smartphone costs to your Easter shopping cart. We'll look at how businesses are adapting with smart design strategy and maybe a touch of ai.

Max: 2:06

Speaking of ai, you won't believe how it's revolutionizing retail from Adobe to Walmart. This tech is the new superhero of retail, personalizing shopping experiences, and adding a pinch of future to our everyday buys.

Rachel: 2:20

Don't forget, we're going to unravel some major website revamps and strategic shifts by industry giants like Amazon, showing how these are enhancing online shopping experiences in response to global economic cues.

Max: 2:33

Lastly, we'll deep dive into the transformative world of AI in supply chain management. We're talking about how cutting edge tech is not just enhancing productivity, but reshaping strategies in the fast-paced market. Vital. Especially now with these tariff changes.

Rachel: 2:49

So stick with us as we unpack all these exciting topics right here on the checkout point by Blikket.co. Grab your coffee or tea and let's get started.

Max: 2:58

Or in my case, maybe another coffee.

Rachel: 3:00

Exactly. Max, let's dive in.

Max: 3:06

Hey everyone, max here. And along with Rachel, we're diving into something super interesting on today's episode. It's about how blending UX that's user experience with CRO or conversion rate optimization can seriously boost your e-commerce revenue. We've just explored this on our blog over at Blikket.co.

Rachel: 3:27

Absolutely max, and it's a topic I think a lot of our listeners will connect with. I mean, who hasn't faced the frustration of potential customers bouncing off your page just as quickly as they arrived? Our latest post tackles this very issue and lays out some actionable strategies to keep those customers engaged, and more importantly, hitting that buy button.

Max: 3:47

Right Rachel? The key point we discuss in the blog is how often e-commerce sites are designed beautifully, but just aren't optimized to convert visitors into buyers. It's like having a sleek sports car, but no gas in the tank.

Rachel: 4:00

Oh, I love that analogy. Speaking of design, we've outlined in the blog how crucial it is to not just think about aesthetics, but also about functionality. Your website has to be intuitive and easy for your customers to navigate. If they can't find what they're looking for in a few seconds, chances are they won't stick around.

Max: 4:20

That's exactly it. And another big takeaway from our post is the role of testing. It's all about AB testing to see what changes make the biggest impact. Maybe it's the color of your checkout button. Maybe it's the placement of your customer reviews

Rachel: 4:34

spot on. And you know, with Easter coming up this week, a lot of e-commerce sites are prepping for big sales. This could be a perfect time to test some new strategies that we've discussed in the blog, see what works best in terms of design and strategy before the holiday rush.

Max: 4:50

Perfect timing. Indeed. And Rachel, this might be tangentially related, but considering the current economic shifts like the postponement of tariffs, except for the ongoing China ones. Many e-commerce owners might be reassessing their market strategies.

Rachel: 5:06

That's a valid point, max. It ties back to our blog about understanding and adapting to your market environment. UX and CRO aren't just about onsite strategies. It's also about how external forces like tariffs impact how and what people buy online. Definitely

Max: 5:22

something to think about. For all of you running or managing e-commerce platforms, tapping into UX and CRO effectively could really be a game changer for your business. Take a look at our full blog post for some deep dives into these strategies. Trust me, it's worth a read.

Rachel: 5:38

Absolutely. We've packed it with tips, real life examples, and even some tools that can help you on your journey to creating a more lucrative e-commerce site. So make sure to check it out and perhaps implement some of these changes just in time for the Easter rush, or to adapt to these new tariff adjustments.

Max: 5:55

Couldn't have said it better myself, Rachel. Alright, folks, keep tuning in as we've got lots more coming your way. So Rachel, diving right in from our last chat on UX and CRO, it got me thinking, how does design and strategy even begin to handle something like tariffs affecting e-commerce? It's like trying to play basketball, but someone keeps moving the hoop.

Rachel: 6:19

Exactly. Max. And speaking of tariffs, I was just reading up on how these are playing out in the consumer electronic space. It's super interesting and honestly a bit concerning. You know, tariffs are like those extra charges on your online shopping cart you didn't see coming.

Max: 6:37

Right. Those surprise charges are the worst. But these aren't just any charges, right. We're talking international politics affecting how much we pay for, say, the latest smartphone or gaming console.

Rachel: 6:49

Yep. That's the gist with the ongoing trade issues, especially the tariffs on goods from China, which by the way is a massive producer of consumer electronics. It's messing with prices and availability.

Max: 7:01

Wait, seriously? So if I'm getting this, our tech goodies could be pricier or harder to find because of these tariffs.

Rachel: 7:07

Exactly. But here's what I'm wondering. How do online shops deal with this? I. If you were running an e-commerce store, wouldn't you be a bit freaked out about suddenly having to change your prices or maybe even your suppliers?

Max: 7:20

Oh, absolutely. And you know, this reminds me, Trump just postponed most tariffs for 90 days, except you guessed it, the China tariff. I guess it's his way of saying, let's deal with this one step at a time. Easter's coming up and we're all looking for those holiday deals. Imagine being an e-commerce owner right now, juggling all that.

Rachel: 7:39

No kidding. Fancy and Easter where your egg costs more just because it's imported. But connecting back to our chat on design and strategy, maybe this is where clever e-commerce planning steps in, how can you user optimize your site to handle such fluctuations?

Max: 7:54

That's a game changer, Rachel. You make your site super adaptable. Maybe highlight local products or alternatives and use data-driven strategies to predict and react to changes. Speaking of which. This adjusts perfectly to AI's role in e-commerce, which we're getting into next,

Rachel: 8:10

right? Like imagining an AI that can predict tariff impacts or find new sourcing strategies on the fly. Also, building an AI that ensures customers feel minimal disruption and maintains that sleek user experience we talked about.

Max: 8:24

Imagine that AI shopping for you, finding the best deals regardless of tariffs. It's like having a super smart personal shopper in your pocket.

Rachel: 8:32

Definitely though I'm not entirely convinced everyone's ready for that level of AI just yet. There's something nice about human touch, don't you think?

Max: 8:41

True, Rachel. There's only so much tech can do before you miss the human and customer service. But hey, exciting times are ahead and I'm all here for it.

Rachel: 8:50

Me too, max. And it's going to be interesting to see how all these elements, tariffs, AI design strategies. We'll continue to intertwine.

Max: 8:58

Absolutely. It's like watching a live drama unfold, but in the e-commerce world. So, Rachel, jumping right off from our chat on how tariffs are shaking up the e-commerce game. It looks like AI is taking the driver's seat and redefining retail landscapes. Have you seen what Adobe's rolling out?

Rachel: 9:22

Oh, you mean their AI genic vision for creators. I was just reading about that. It's super intriguing how they're leveraging AI to empower creators. Right,

Max: 9:30

exactly. It's like giving artists and designers their very own Jarvis, like from Ironman to supercharge their creativity. It's not just about automation, it's about augmentation. Enhancing what humans can do.

Rachel: 9:45

Exactly. And speaking of supercharging, Walmart's not lagging behind either. They're using generative AI to keep up with fashion trends. Honestly, it sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's happening right now. They analyze current fashion data and then generate predictions for what's going to be hot next season,

Max: 10:03

that that's a game changer. No more relying on guesswork. But you know what I'm wondering, Rachel? How does this all play out at your local grocery store level?

Rachel: 10:12

You're right on target. There's actually something called driving change at the aisle where grocery stores are using AI to change how we shop. Imagine walking down an aisle and instead of the usual signs, you have smart displays that tailor what you see based on your shopping habits and dietary needs.

Max: 10:29

Wait, seriously, that's like shopping in the future. And speaking of tailoring experiences, Wix new AI assistant is ramping up website capabilities. Big time from tweaking SEO to boost your site's visibility to streamlining sales. It's like having a super smart sidekick, ensuring your online business thrives.

Rachel: 10:49

It's brilliant because everything connects right from wooing customers on your website to helping them at the physical store. It's all getting more personalized. But here's what I'm wondering. With all these advancements, where does that leave the everyday consumer? It's cool and a bit overwhelming.

Max: 11:07

A great point. As much as I love what AI can do, it's important to keep the human touch in retail, to make sure technology enhances our experiences without taking away the joy of shopping. Like, especially now during Easter, wouldn't it be nice to have that personal touch while choosing Easter eggs or spring gifts, and maybe an AI could help suggest the best chocolate based on what you love?

Rachel: 11:29

Oh, I love that. Using tech to make moments special, not replace them. Speaking of special, this chat definitely ties in nicely with what we're exploring next, how retailers are deciding on the right e-commerce platforms and when it's time to upgrade. Looks like the choice of tech could really make or break the shopping experience.

Max: 11:49

Absolutely. It's like picking the best tool for the job, or better yet, the best sidekick one thing's for sure. From Adobe's artistry to W'S Web, wonders AI is the new retail superhero.

Rachel: 12:02

Couldn't have said it better, max. And for everyone tuning in get ready because we're just scratching the surface of how tech is transforming our shopping carts. And our lives.

Max: 12:15

So Rachel, speaking of AI and those crazy cool applications we just talked about from Adobe, it's fascinating to see how e-commerce platforms are right on the cutting edge, constantly updating and redesigning.

Rachel: 12:26

Exactly. And this brings me to some interesting updates from different companies, like have you heard about Great fence dot com's website redesign? They've really revamped their online space to make shopping for fences of all things pretty slick and user friendly.

Max: 12:41

No way. That's super cool. You know, I think giving your website a facelift isn't just about looks, it's like upgrading your virtual real estate. Right? More inviting, easier to navigate.

Rachel: 12:51

Oh, absolutely. And it's not just about aesthetics. With all this AI talk, I'm sure they're integrating smarter tech behind the scenes to make the shopping experience smoother. This really ties back to what we're seeing with AI driven recommendations and more personalized shopping on platforms like Adobe.

Max: 13:08

Speaking of smart integrations, check this out. Fastenal is not only boosting digital sales, but also adjusting how they source products thanks to the whole tariff situation. Remember how Trump postponed tariffs except for China?

Rachel: 13:22

Oh, right. Especially with Easter around the corner. I was just reading up on how these tariffs might affect what ends up in those Easter baskets. It's a big deal for e-commerce platforms, trying to manage those extra costs and keep prices fair for families during the holidays,

Max: 13:37

and I'm not entirely convinced these shifts are easy for any retailer, large or small. Like imagine being a small shop trying to compete with giants like Amazon. Speaking of which, have you seen the latest from them?

Rachel: 13:49

Yes. Amazon is signaling major shifts for B2B, e-commerce. It's pretty wild how there are always several steps ahead, sort of paving the way for others to follow or scramble to keep up.

Max: 13:59

Scramble Indeed. And you know, this gets me thinking, since we're chatting about AI next in training and productivity, Amazon's moves could offer some clues on how AI might handle complexities in B2B transactions could be a game changer.

Rachel: 14:14

That's such a good point, max. And it's really about how these platforms are not just selling products, but creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive and adapt even through challenges like tariffs or redesigns.

Max: 14:27

True That. No matter the size of your business, staying updated with e-commerce platform capabilities, understanding when to upgrade, just like what retailers are doing. It's crucial.

Rachel: 14:37

Couldn't agree more, and it's these updates and upgrades that keep the digital marketplace vibrant and competitive. Wonder what the next big thing will be.

Max: 14:46

Oh, you know, it's gonna be something we'll be talking about right here. Stay tuned, folks. The digital retail world is spinning fast, and we're here to keep you in the loop. You know, Rachel jumping off our chat about AI and the supply chain from the last segment, it's fascinating to see how AI tech isn't just a behind the scenes game changer. It's seriously reshaping customer facing areas like e-commerce too.

Rachel: 15:20

That's such a good point. Max. It reminds me of something I was reading the other day about Amazon and Apple. With all these tariffs on China, you know, the only ones still sticking around despite the 90 day postponement for negotiation, there are some big ripple effects on e-commerce.

Max: 15:36

Speaking of which, speaking of ripple effects, isn't this the Easter week? Thinking about all those Easter deals popping up and how these tariffs could bump up prices even on things like iPhones. It's a bit like finding a less than sweet surprise in your Easter egg, isn't it?

Rachel: 15:52

Oh, yeah. Not the kind of surprise you want. Honestly, when you think about how dependent we are on tech today, any price hike hits hard, but tell me more, max. How does AI come into play here with the whole tariff situation?

Max: 16:03

Check this out, Rachel. So automation and AI integration and e-commerce are kind of like superpowers for online retailers. Imagine this. AI can analyze and adapt to changes in tariffs and supply costs instantaneously. This means they can tweak their prices or switch suppliers without skipping a beat.

Rachel: 16:25

Wait, seriously. So you're telling me AI could help companies navigate through these tariff hikes by making smart adjustments on the fly?

Max: 16:32

Exactly. Think of AI as that super smart friend who knows a ton about everything and gives you the best advice. This friend helps e-commerce businesses stay competitive. Even when costs are going up because of things like tariffs,

Rachel: 16:45

that's honestly impressive. But here's what I'm wondering. How transparent are these AI systems with their decision making? I mean, prices changing on the fly sounds great for competitiveness, but as a customer, I might wanna understand why my shopping cart total just changed since I last checked.

Max: 17:03

You hit the nail right on the head. That's the double-edged sword of ai. On one hand, it's amazing because it helps businesses adapt quickly. On the other customers might feel a bit left in the dark if they're not clued into why changes are happening. Communication is key.

Rachel: 17:20

And you know, bringing back that Easter theme, it's all about balance. Like balancing an Easter egg on a spoon in one of those races. You've gotta keep it transparent so it doesn't tip over into confusion or frustration.

Max: 17:33

I love that analogy, Rachel. That's exactly it. As we keep seeing AI evolve, it's like watching a race where everyone's trying to balance efficiency with clarity and honesty.

Rachel: 17:42

Plus, think about how all this tech could make Easter shopping a breeze in the future, maybe an AI will soon tell us exactly where to find the best Easter deals, adjusting in real time to tariffs and other global changes.

Max: 17:54

A future full of smart shopping. Sign me up. But you're right. Staying informed and keeping things transparent will always be important, especially as tech keeps changing the game.

Rachel: 18:04

Couldn't agree more. It's all about using these tools wisely.

Max: 18:12

Well, folks, that wraps up our chat for week 16. Thanks for hanging out with us today. We've covered everything from AI superheroes in retail to the nitty gritty of tariffs impacting your Easter shopping cart.

Rachel: 18:24

I especially loved diving into how UX and CRO can really supercharge e-commerce sites. It's always fascinating to see how small tweaks can lead to big improvements in customer engagement. How about you, max? What caught your interest today?

Max: 18:38

Oh, absolutely. The AI discussions were wild from transforming the supply chain to enhancing our online shopping experience. It's like tech is the new Easter Bunny bringing gifts of efficiency and innovation. Speaking of which, I think I'll spend this Easter trying to program my own AI to hide chocolate eggs around the house.

Rachel: 18:56

That would be something to see, but you're right, max. It's impressive to see how AI is weaving into every aspect of e-commerce making. Even the challenge of tariffs seem a bit more manageable.

Max: 19:05

And hey, if you enjoyed today's stories, why not join us again next week we'll dive into more e-commerce news and yes, I'll probably toss in a few more of my terrible jokes.

Rachel: 19:14

They're not that bad, max. And don't forget, if you're looking for more cool resources, swing by. We've got lots of great info that ties right back into what we discuss here.

Max: 19:25

Absolutely. Consider it your homework. Well, until next time, take care and keep innovating.

Rachel: 19:30

Yes, keep questioning, keep exploring, and we'll catch you next week for another exciting episode. Thanks again for listening everyone. Bye now. Bye. Take care.