Amazon Accelerate 2024 Recap, Prime Big Deal Days, & Walmart Holiday Deals

Introduction

In this September update for online sellers, we delve into major announcements from Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok that will shape the e-commerce landscape in the coming months. Let’s break down the most significant news stories and updates that all sellers should be aware of.

Prime Big Deal Days

Amazon has officially announced the dates for its second Prime Day of the year, termed Prime Big Deal Days, which will take place on October 8th and 9th. This is an excellent opportunity for sellers to offer Prime-exclusive discounts. As the holiday season approaches, it's essential for sellers to prepare adequately. A preparation checklist specifically for this can be found via the link in the description.

Walmart’s Holiday Deals Event

Not to be overshadowed by Amazon, Walmart is launching its first-ever Walmart Holiday Deals Event on the same dates as Prime Big Deal Days. Initial indications suggest that this celebratory sale could be one of the best in 2024. Walmart Plus members will enjoy early access to special deals. At a recent conference, Walmart Marketplace reported a 30% sales growth for each of the past four quarters and global e-commerce sales exceeding $ 100 billion last year. Alongside this event, Walmart introduced new categories, including a Premium Beauty section, pre-owned items, and collectibles. Furthermore, they are expanding their fulfillment services with new programs such as a Multi-Channel Solutions service allowing sellers to use Walmart Fulfillment Services to ship orders from any e-commerce platform.

TikTok's Influence on Retail

A recent report reveals that 68% of retailers are concerned a potential ban on TikTok would negatively affect their businesses; however, only 28% have a contingency plan in place. TikTok has become a significant avenue for product discovery, with two-thirds of consumers using the app to find items that they then purchase elsewhere. If TikTok were to be banned, many retailers believe competition would shift to platforms like Facebook.

Amazon’s AI Tools and Innovations

Amazon recently hosted Amazon Accelerate 2024 in Seattle from September 17th to 19th, where they unveiled five new AI tools designed for sellers. One standout, Project Amelia, is a chatbot aimed at serving as a personal selling expert, providing real-time assistance based on sellers' data. Currently in beta testing, it will be rolled out for wider use soon. Amazon also introduced Supply Chain by Amazon to streamline logistics for U.S. sellers, offering handling from pickup to fulfillment.

With enhancements to the Buy with Prime program, sellers can now offer Prime benefits through PayPal at checkout, and new advertising options across various platforms promise to boost traffic to Buy with Prime products. Furthermore, Amazon is launching a mobile app enabling sellers to schedule pickups, manage inventory, and receive updates in real-time.

Changes to Delivery Terms

Lastly, Amazon has announced reduced delivery times for MCF (Multi-Channel Fulfillment) orders: standard delivery is now three business days instead of five, while priority delivery has been reduced from three to two business days. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the USA are working to close loopholes that have allowed certain Chinese e-commerce firms to bypass regulatory hurdles, ensuring a level playing field.

In summary, September has been a dynamic month for sellers, with significant opportunities arising from key shopping events and innovations from major platforms.

Keywords

Amazon
Prime Big Deal Days
Walmart
Holiday Deals Event
TikTok
AI Tools
Project Amelia
E-commerce
Multi-Channel Fulfillment
Delivery Times

FAQ

1. When are the Prime Big Deal Days on Amazon?
The Prime Big Deal Days will take place on October 8th and 9th, 2024.

2. What is the Walmart Holiday Deals Event?
Walmart’s Holiday Deals Event is their first promotional event, coinciding with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, offering significant discounts and access for Walmart Plus members.

3. How has TikTok affected retail businesses?
TikTok is a crucial platform for product discovery, with many consumers finding products on the app and then purchasing them elsewhere. Retailers are concerned about potential business losses if the app is banned.

4. What is Project Amelia?
Project Amelia is a chatbot introduced by Amazon that acts like a personal selling expert, offering real-time data-based advice to sellers.

5. What changes were made to Amazon’s delivery times for MCF orders?
Standard delivery for MCF orders is now three business days, while priority delivery has been updated to two business days.