DTC Pod: Shein Sues Temu 😱, Epson Boosts Shipping and Poll of the Week

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14 OF SEPTEMBER 2023

Hey DTC Pod listeners! Put on your glasses—it's reading week! 📖 Dive in; we've curated this newsletter with the most sizzling DTC insights just for you.

We spotlight Instacart's new Shopify app, TikTok's transition to in-app shopping and discuss leveraging micro influencers for growth and explore into our top news, tool recommendations, upcoming events, and more.

As always, let us know your thoughts and feedback! We're here to keep you in-the-know on all things DTC. Enjoy the insights despite no new episode this week!

Blaine, Ramon, & the DTC POD team ✌️

NEWS

👉🏻 Shein and Temu Go Legal 🥊⚖️

Fast fashion giant Shein is seeing red over rival Temu, filing a lawsuit accusing Temu of stealing product images from its website. Shein alleges Temu sellers have unfairly competed by using its photos to market lookalike products (the irony).

Beyond demanding Temu remove the violating listings, Shein wants £100,000 in damages. The latest legal spat shows tensions remain high between the ultrafast fashion foes. More on the lawsuit here.

👉🏻 TikTok Transitions to In-App Shopping

TikTok is sunsetting its Storefront feature on September 12 (yesterday), steering merchants toward its TikTok Shop in-app shopping experience. Storefront directed buyers off-platform. Now sellers must use Shop, where transactions happen directly in the TikTok app.

After underwhelming U.S. adoption, TikTok hopes its native browsing and buying will boost merchant sales like Douyin in China. Get the scoop here.

👉🏻 Mundane Shipping Labels into Branding Tools with Epson's New Label Boost Software

Epson’s new Label Boost software enables transforming mundane shipping labels into branding tools. Compatible with Epson’s color label printers, the software allows adding promotions, coupons, and even targeted ads onto labels.

For DTC brands, this could be a unique way to boost customer loyalty and engagement. Label Boost also permits highlighting key shipping details to improve accuracy. With hassle-free integration, low disruption, and affordable coloring, Epson's label upgrade presents creative marketing and operational optimization opportunities for DTCbusinesses. Read more.

Other News

👉🏻 Instacart Debuts New Shopify App- Instacart new Shopify app lets DTC brands integrate ads, leveraging shopper data to boost engagement and optimize ad spend, offering a unique edge in the crowded digital ad space. (link)

👉🏻 Bloomreach Lets Marketers Use First-Party Data for Targeted TikTok Ads- Bloomreach integrated TikTok ads with its platform, allowing advertisers to leverage first-party data for more tailored and effective campaigns. (link)

👉🏻 Maersk and Amazon Continue Sustainable Shipping Partnership- Maersk and Amazon extended their ECO Delivery agreement for lower carbon ocean shipping, displaying sustainability leadership. (link)

👉🏻 Gen Z more likely to make purchases based on social media- Retailers are refocusing on Gen Z as over half make purchases based on social media inspiration. Capturing this influential cohort's dollars and buzz is critical for any DTC Brand. Winning Gen Z could unlock loyalty and social momentum. (link)X of The Week

X of The Week

Micro-influencers for Macro-growth

Jack Rubin (@JackRubin1) thread on leveraging micro-influencers for efficient growth. By sending products to relevant creators and repurposing their content as social ads, brands can amass a trove of authentic assets that reduce CAC. The takeaway: identify and collaborate with niche influencers to drive an ongoing creative flywheel that boosts performance. Read the thread here.

Tool of The Week

Meet tinyEinstein, the AI-driven email marketing whiz for Shopify stores. It analyzes your site, crafts and dispatches brand-consistent emails, and smoothly integrates email capture forms, propelling your store's growth on autopilot.

DTC Event

Insights into the Holiday 2023 Season | 21 September - features Retail Dive, Marketing Dive, and Supply Chain Dive journalists discussing key trends. Hear from execs at Pitney Bowes, project44, and Dickies on their holiday plans. Topics include consumer sentiment, marketing tactics, and shipping challenges. As inflation eases but economic uncertainty persists, expect an unpredictable peak season. Don't miss this free virtual event to help prepare your holiday strategy.

Register now here