ClickZ eBay Insights Newsletter | 💵 eBay raised $54 million for cause marketing success

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Live From SXSW 🎤

🎯 What Every eCommerce Marketer Was Talking About at SXSW

ClickZ has been on the ground at SXSW, reporting from exclusive interviews, panels, and sessions. Here are some standout takeaways for eCommerce marketers — and how to turn them into actionable growth opportunities:

✅ Audio Meets Video: Over 270M people now watch video podcasts on Spotify — but ad spend hasn’t caught up yet. The rise of multi-format content presents a major opportunity for brand engagement. Understanding cross-platform performance will be key to capitalizing on this shift.

✅ AI-Driven Personalization: AI is driving consumer expectations — with users engaging across 13+ platforms daily, they now expect hyper-personalized, native ad experiences. Real-time insights into which platforms are driving true impact will allow you to fine-tune your strategy.

✅ Authenticity Is Driving Performance: Authenticity and storytelling took center stage at SXSW, with brands and creators emphasizing genuine connections over technological spectacle. Marketing experts noted a shift away from "purpose fatigue," highlighting the importance of meaningful engagements that feel real.

📊 Understanding these shifts requires smarter measurement. That’s why leading brands are turning to Fospha to track cross-platform performance and uncover the true impact of brand engagement across channels.

👀 Stay tuned for more updates from SXSW — where innovation meets opportunity.

🎯 Exclusive: Get 10% Off Shoptalk Registration

ClickZ is thrilled to offer our readers an exclusive 10% discount on Shoptalk—where the future of retail takes shape.

Shoptalk brings together the biggest names in eCommerce and retail to explore the latest trends and challenges—from AI-driven personalization to shifting consumer behavior.

ClickZ will be on the ground at Shoptalk, sharing exclusive insights with our readers. Fospha will be attending too—book a meeting to discover how performance-driven measurement can transform your strategy.

👉 Register now using the code RBCLICK269.
👉 Book a Meeting with Fospha

Expert View 🧠

Tariffs Tactics: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Today, we’re diving deep into the evolving landscape of tariffs, particularly the recent waves stirred by Trump’s commentary. While these trade policies can inject uncertainty into U.S. markets, they also open up new avenues for data-driven insights. Imagine using real-time tariff data to fine-tune pricing strategies on eBay, optimize inventory, and design promotions that cushion market shocks.

Tariffs have become a hot topic that resonates across industries. This disruption, though challenging, pushes businesses to re-examine every aspect of their operations. Data is truly king – from dynamically adjusting prices as tariff news unfolds to recalibrating cost structures within supply chains. By keeping a close watch on how markets react, companies can uncover hidden opportunities for cost savings and enhanced efficiency.

One promising area is inventory management. Many brands have started leveraging detailed analytics to predict demand fluctuations, ensuring they neither overstock nor run out of products. With real-time insights, eCommerce players can dynamically adjust their stock levels and launch targeted promotions that bundle complementary items, driving customer loyalty even in turbulent times.

Experts also point to innovative cross-selling and upselling strategies as key tools in this environment. Rather than a one-size-fits-all tactic, success comes from using precise data to identify potential add-ons that can boost overall sales. For instance, brands on eBay are aligning their promotional efforts to meet immediate market shifts, keeping them one step ahead of competitors.

Moving forward, the call to action is clear:

• Stay informed with expert-led newsletters and monitor tariff news closely.
• Use historical sales and supply chain data to adjust prices and stock levels in real time.
• Experiment with targeted promotions and loyalty programs to maintain momentum.

Sector Spotlight 🎥

ECOMMERCE MARKET DYNAMICS

Elevate Your eCommerce Strategy by Harnessing Marketplaces and Social Commerce

Online marketplaces and social commerce platforms are pivotal in reshaping global eCommerce, emphasizing convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. Brands competing in this evolving landscape should diversify their sales channels, encompassing marketplaces like eBay and platforms integral to Meta's ecosystem.

Key insights reveal:

Marketplace impact: With over 68% of digital shoppers utilizing such platforms, their role in product search and discovery becomes indispensable. Optimizing presence on these platforms can significantly influence engagement and purchase journeys.

Social commerce evolution: Almost 31% of consumers engaged in social shopping last year, demonstrating the maturation of platforms like Facebook into robust commerce environments, potentially driving new consumer interactions.

Balancing trust and price: Despite price driving purchase decisions, brand trust is increasingly crucial in specific markets like China and the UAE. Fostering credibility through user-centric content strategies is imperative for eCommerce success.

CAUSE MARKETING TRIUMPHS

eBay Leads Cause Marketing Success, Outperforming Walmart and McDonald's

eBay's mastery in cause-related marketing shines with an impactful $54 million raised, showcasing their advantage in platform-perceived social value. Walmart follows with $41.6 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and McDonald's adds $27 million for Ronald McDonald House. Partnerships with children's charities reveal deeper opportunities.

RETAIL MEDIA EVOLUTION

Thanks amplifies growth with $2.6M backing, aligning with eBay for innovation.

Retail media startup Thanks has closed a $2.6 million seed round, drawing investment from Peak XV Partners, Founder Collective, and Side Stage Ventures. By forming key partnerships with eBay and Zip, Thanks enhances eCommerce experiences. Its approach prioritizes customer retention, fostering brand loyalty and driving new revenue pathways within competitive markets.

MARKETPLACE DYNAMICS

Etsy vs. eBay Unveil Your eCommerce Marketplace Strategy

Etsy and eBay cater to diverse eCommerce segments, each with unique advantages. Etsy thrives on niche craftsmanship, attracting quality-focused buyers, while eBay unlocks vast opportunities across electronics and fashion markets. Evaluating target demographics and product offerings is crucial—Etsy's niche appeal contrasts sharply with eBay's extensive reach, influencing marketing strategies.

ECOMMERCE DELIVERY INSIGHTS

eBay Reimagines Delivery Tactics Post Same-Day Service Closure

eBay has ceased its eBay Now same-day delivery service and linked apps, prioritizing adaptable delivery solutions for over 25 million sellers. This pivot aids smaller sellers by emphasizing free shipping—a vital distinction in eCommerce strategy—while aligning platform performance with broader market trends and optimizing seller engagement.

Influencer Corner 📣

Optimization Hub ⚙️

AI-ENHANCED MARKETING

Google's AI Mode Transforms Affiliate Marketing into an Opportunity Rich Landscape

Google's AI Mode reshapes search landscapes, presenting unique opportunities to boost product visibility, engagement, and precise targeting. With shifts from traditional search, carefully optimizing content for AI-generated summaries is key. Embracing this transformation can enhance strategies in competitive, data-driven eCommerce channels.

AD TECH EVOLUTION

Leading the Ad Tech Renaissance with AI, Programmatic Innovation and Privacy-First Strategies

In 2025, ad tech advances through AI solutions, programmatic strategies, and privacy-focused methods. Leaders highlight AI's potential in optimizing consumer engagement and the value of direct partnerships within CTV's evolving landscape. Embracing rapid AI changes and inventive formats will be key to enhancing performance in Amazon's insights-driven marketing sphere.