Learn about Walmart’s early holiday shopping, Fytted’s virtual fitting room and the potential effects of port strikes. Plus, find out where Gen Z plans to shop for holiday gifts and about Roku’s partnership with Shopify.
In this week’s news, Fjällräven extends product lifespans with a new recommerce program and Fytted unveils a virtual fitting room featuring over 1 million clothing items. Discover how nearly 54% of Gen Z shoppers plan to find holiday gifts on TikTok while Walmart kicks off early holiday deals in response to current customer behaviors. Plus, learn about Roku’s new self-serve ads manager for Shopify merchants and how U.S. port strikes could disrupt the supply chain. Stay tuned for the latest commerce and retail updates in our weekly blog.
Fjällräven aims to extend product lifespans, launches new recommerce program
Fjällräven, the iconic outdoor brand recognized for sustainability, has launched Fjällräven Pre-Loved, a peer-to-peer resale marketplace for second-hand apparel, bags and gear.1 Archive, powering the brand’s program, supports Fjällräven’s mission to reduce waste and extend the lifespan of its products by allowing U.S. customers to buy and sell pre-owned items. “Resale is a natural extension of our sustainability philosophy,” said Nathan Dopp, CEO Americas of Fjällräven. “By encouraging the resale of pre-loved items, we reduce waste, conserve resources and honor the craftsmanship that goes into every piece.”
This new initiative follows Fjällräven’s top ranking in the 2024 Circular Brands report, where the company was recognized for its commitment to creating long-lasting, durable products. In 2023 alone, the brand repaired over 8,500 items, highlighting its dedication to repair and reuse.
Fjällräven Pre-Loved also strengthens the brand’s sustainability credentials by empowering consumers to make environmentally conscious choices. “We’re excited to support Fjällräven in their journey toward a circular economy,” said Emily Gittins, Co-Founder and CEO of Archive. Archive powers resale platforms for over 50 global brands, helping them boost customer acquisition, loyalty and sustainability efforts. Through this partnership, Fjällräven continues to lead in promoting circularity within the outdoor industry.
Fytted launches virtual fitting room featuring over 1 million clothing items
Fytted has launched its AI-powered virtual fitting room, revolutionizing the online shopping experience by offering try-on access to over 1,000,000 clothing items from 600+ top brands, including Free People, Lululemon and J. Crew.2 The app allows users to see exactly how clothes will fit and lay on their bodies, mimicking the in-store fitting room experience. 
“We've made it simple for users to browse clothing, try them on, and find their perfect fit in one convenient place,” said CEO Greg Auerbach. Leveraging advanced AI, Fytted offers precise body measurements, real-time brand sizing, and personalized styling recommendations. “We provide more than just sizing – our personal shopper feature helps users curate a wardrobe that fits their body shape, style and color season,” added CCO Olivia Dicopoulos.
Fytted’s virtual fitting room has already reduced returns by over 40%, addressing a costly challenge for retailers. Available for free on iOS, Google Play and as a Chrome extension, Fytted is transforming how consumers shop online while boosting customer satisfaction.
Nearly 54% of Gen Z shopper will find holiday gifts on TikTok according to new survey
Fiverr International Ltd. released a survey highlighting small-to-medium businesses' preparations for the 2024 holiday season.3 Conducted in partnership with Censuswide, the research surveyed over 2,500 consumers and business leaders globally, revealing a strategic shift towards AI and digital marketing to compete with larger ecommerce players like Amazon.
With inflation as a top concern (48%), many businesses are turning to AI (70%) and social media campaigns (57%) to streamline operations and reach new audiences. “Retail and e-commerce businesses are doubling down on social media campaigns to reach new markets and embracing AI to streamline their daily operations,” said Gali Arnon, Chief Business Officer at Fiverr.
Retailers are also investing in influencer marketing (35%) and email campaigns (33%) to engage customers, especially Gen Z, who are more inclined to shop via TikTok (54%) and other social media platforms. 52% of consumers plan to start holiday shopping in October and November, with discounts and fast shipping being major priorities.
The study shows AI’s growing influence, with 68% of retailers implementing AI in operations. Additionally, 54% of Gen Z shoppers use AI to assist in finding the best prices, new gift ideas or even to create holiday presents themselves.
Walmart responds to current customer behaviors, kicking off holiday shopping deal in October
Walmart is kicking off the holiday shopping season earlier this year, offering savings starting in October to cater to the nearly 50% of consumers who begin shopping as early as August and September.4 “We’ve worked hard to lower prices across our most exciting assortment ever,” said Latriece Watkins, Walmart U.S. Chief Merchandising Officer. Walmart will hold its first Holiday Deals event from October 8-13, with deep discounts across electronics, home, fashion and toys.
The retailer is also bringing back its inflation-free holiday meal, available from October 14 through December 25, offering a traditional Thanksgiving meal for under $7 per person. Customers can even gift a complete holiday meal for pickup or delivery to family and friends anywhere in the country.
Walmart is expanding its convenience options, with early morning and express delivery services. New AI technology will also extend Walmart's delivery reach to 12 million more households. Additionally, Walmart continues to support The Salvation Army through donation programs, helping local families during the holiday season.
Roku launches self-serve ads manager for Shopify merchants
Roku, the leading TV streaming platform in the U.S., has launched Roku Ads Manager, a direct self-service solution tailored for CTV performance marketing.5 This tool is designed to help growth marketers, especially in direct-to-consumer brands, diversify their advertising beyond traditional channels like search and social media.
“In order to meet growth marketers’ needs...we built a seamless solution to buying CTV video ads for brands of any size,” said Louqman Parampath, Roku’s VP of Product Management. Roku Ads Manager offers exclusive features, including shoppable campaigns with Shopify, familiar to digital-native marketers.
Key features include optimization powered by Roku’s extensive reach, competitive pricing on premium inventory and interactive "Action Ads" that allow consumers to send themselves text messages while watching ads. Additionally, Shopify merchants can now launch shoppable ads directly on CTV, enabling customers to complete purchases using their Roku remotes.
“Roku is uniquely placed to provide new incremental ad inventory,” said Louis Chong, Paid Acquisition Manager at Acorns, emphasizing Roku’s ability to connect with key demographics. Roku Ads Manager aims to democratize CTV advertising for businesses of all sizes.
U.S. port strikes could disrupt supply chain
White House officials urged dockworkers and port operators to resume negotiations as the deadline for a major strike at shipping terminals along the East and Gulf Coasts approaches.6 Talks between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have been stalled since June, with thousands of dockworkers set to strike when their contract expires on September 30.
Experts warn that even a brief strike could disrupt supplies of food, auto parts and other goods, affecting half of U.S. container shipments and potentially driving up consumer costs. Oxford Economics estimates a strike could reduce U.S. economic activity by $4.5 to $7.5 billion weekly. Despite concerns, the White House is not considering invoking the Taft-Hartley Act to delay a strike, stressing support for collective bargaining.
