Monthly Ecommerce #15

Webflow presents a new product

Not only do we get to have presents under the Christmas tree, but also some presents from our beloved platforms. Webflow has recently introduced the Webflow Marketplace - a brand-new base for all the goods and services you need to make your website.

It is now the home of Templates, Made in Webflow, Webflow Experts, as well as two new sections with the release of Libraries and Apps, all of which are currently being tested. This beta release includes more than 10 apps created by some of the most prominent tech creators and thoroughly tested by Webflow.

With a freshly formed Webflow Experts database, the company is making it simpler than ever to locate and employ the best Webflow agency or freelancer to help during the next initiative. Or, you can also provide Webflow with a few, basic details about your project, and they will use a brand-new Expert matchmaking tool to suggest up to 7 experts for the work.

As a reminder, Webflow offers a pack of features for ecommerce brands and allows the simple creation of pixel-perfect, branded purchase flows for customers. Some of the features that ecommerce users can take advantage of include:

• Customizable cart and checkout
• Complete layout control — without coding
• Craft custom interactions and animations
• SEO automation and optimization
• Integration of analytical tools

With the launch of the Webflow Marketplace, the list of ecommerce opportunities has also extended. Now, you can find out-of-the-box apps for ecommerce flows (though the choice is very humble, as the Apps work in Beta format), buy a customizable template for your online store, or quickly hire experts to get the job done.

Disney+ enters ecommerce

Disney+ reports what we can call a "Christmas miracle": the start of a unique feature that will let viewers shop for exclusive goods from companies like Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney Animation Studios straight from the webpages of the platform. This confirms prior rumours that Disney+ would shortly enter the ecom space. According to the firm, only authenticated users 18 years or older will be allowed to shop as of now.

The Wall Street Journal reveals that the experience would be based on simple QR codes connecting users to Disney's shopping platform.

Disney has recently confirmed that to buy the unique items, their customers need to scan an exclusive code that will appear on their Disney channel once in a while. Alternatively, if customers aim for a more conventional online purchasing experience, they can visit Disney's website and purchase directly from there.

AliExpress is struggling in Europe

In the third quarter of this year, the global marketplace AliExpress experienced a downturn in sales. The corporation claims this is due to a reduction in orders following the new EU VAT regulations. The Alibaba group confirmed a 2,8 billion euro loss altogether.

The B2C division of Alibaba Group, also known as AliExpress, is famously recognized for both its lengthy distribution periods and affordable rates. However, the previous year they introduced a delivery service in Europe with a 10-day logistical assurance, which was supposed to eliminate one of the platform's most significant cons. Despite the unique feature, the company seems to be slowing down internationally.

In a recent PR piece, the firm stated that since autumn, sales have dropped by 3%. The international ecommerce in Europe keeps presenting hurdles for AliExpress.

Due to the influence of the VAT regulations of the EU, the fall in AliExpress' sales was not satisfactory compared to the prior seasons. The weakening euro and rising delivery prices made the firm anticipate that cross-border ecommerce demand in Europe will continue to be a challenge for a while.

Ecommerce index reveals money-related insights

Most Europeans buy online at least once a week and typically spend more than 340 euros while shopping. They generally order food, pay for utilities, or purchase clothing. Three out of every five purchases come from overseas. The top countries for export turned out to be Ireland, Germany, and Israel, with France having the lowest score.

Recent updates from PayPal's ecommerce Index revealed some valuable insights that the ecommerce industry should consider. More than 15,000 customers between the ages of 18 and 75 participated in the survey by PayPal. Furthermore, over 4.000 B2C companies from 12 European nations participated in the poll.

80% of buyers live in the Netherlands and make an average of four or more purchases weekly. The Greeks come in second, with 76% making weekly orders totaling $4.8 on average.

The survey also examines obstacles customers have to go through while making decisions. Privacy or trust concern has become a priority for Europeans this year. In addition, 40% of customers are put off by a drawn-out and complicated checkout process. The availability of payment choices is most important for Germany, Sweden, and Greece users, while a secure checkout is a priority for France and Israel.

Can you imagine what the situation will look like during the holiday season? Well… keep scrolling :)

Cyber Monday's shocking record

All jokes aside: this year was predicted to be challenging in terms of sales numbers for many reasons. Holiday spending was thought to be flat, but some great results are there already! The purchases for Cyber Monday totaled $11.3 billion, as stated by Adobe Analytics, which monitored ecommerce behavior this year. This is a huge accomplishment because it also represents an increase of 5.8% in client spending on the same day the previous year ($10.7 billion in sales were reported, down from $10.8 billion in 2020).

The day usually marks the culmination of five days that all exceeded expectations. Partly because sales continue even if customers are already at work. Sales for Black Friday ($9.12 billion) and Thanksgiving ($5.29 billion) exceeded initial projections, and sales over the two weekends totaled $9.55 billion.