Hey there, eComm legend.

Burp—blame the third helping of mashed potatoes. I didn’t hit your inbox during the Christmas frenzy because, honestly, who has time for newsletters when there’s eggnog to drink, Mariah Carey to belt out, and First Class packages to send for those last-minute orders?

But here we are, closing out 2024 with “2025 Wrapped”. Yes, it’s technically still 2024— but hey, you don’t tell the Terminator he’s coming too early.

This edition isn’t some fluff piece to skim between two train stations. It’s your cheat sheet for navigating and thriving in the year ahead. I’m talking AI-powered logistics, sales strategies, and even some Pedro Pedro raccoon.

Here’s the deal: This isn’t a one-sit kind of read. It’s packed with trends, ideas, tools, and tactics for every corner of your business. So bookmark it, flag it, screenshot it, or print it out and stick it on your fridge. I won’t judge.

Let’s gear up to make 2025 the year your eComm game hits Mario Kart turbo boost levels. No blue shells in sight, just actionable tips to keep you cruising ahead.

Sing along: All I need for Christmaaaaaaaas… is GROWTH.

In today’s agenda:

1) De minimis? De max stress.

2) Deliver faster, farther, smarter, greener (or get left behind 🤷‍♂️).

3) Eco sells. Polluters lose. Simple math.

4) AI + raccoon memes = your 2025 marketing BFF.

— Prepared by Alex Secanove

1) De minimis? De max stress.

Here we go, 2025: Trump’s back in office (surprise of the decade), global relations are icier than your freezer aisle, and new regulations are banging on your door. Welcome to the next chapter of your eCommerce journey.

Trade wars, the sequel: Tariffs are back with a vengeance—20% on most imports and a potentially crushing 60% on Chinese goods. If your supply chain relies on cheap imports, brace yourself for profit margins to take a nosedive.

• Diversify suppliers: Mexico and Canada might cost more but skip the tariff baggage.

• Think long-term: A resilient supply chain beats a cheap one.

De minimis dilemma: That $800 duty-free import perk is on the chopping block. If it goes, Shein, Temu, and similar platforms will feel the burn—and so will you. Rising shipping costs and delays could force you to rethink your inventory.

• Reevaluate products: Cut low-margin or high-risk items.

• Optimize inventory strategy: Less fluff, more essentials.

Geopolitical chaos: U.S.-China relations are dramatic, and platforms like TikTok Shop or Temu might not survive potential bans. Even if you’re not directly tied to these platforms, ripple effects will hit hard.

• Eye emerging markets like India or Brazil—they’re growing fast and carry less trade baggage.

• Watch for gaps left by disrupted giants and move quickly.

Regulations = opportunity: Data privacy and product safety rules are tightening. Step up your compliance game now, and you’ll stand out while competitors scramble. Build trust—it’s your secret weapon.

Politics isn’t here to ruin you—it’s just unpredictable and messy. Stay informed, stay nimble, and view the chaos as a chance to innovate. Think of it as running a marathon on a moving, flaming track. Exhausting? Yes. But with smart strategies (and Eye of the Tiger on repeat), you’ll make it to the finish line.

Sources: hbr.com, news.harvard.com, supplychaindive.com, globaltrademag.com, commercegate.com

2) Deliver faster, farther, smarter, greener (or get left behind).

eCommerce in 2025 will feel like running a global lemonade stand—except your customers want their lemonade yesterday. Without future-ready logistics, it’s like racing Mario Kart in reverse. Here’s how to level up with some cheat codes (a.k.a. tools) for what’s ahead.

AI is your new supply chain sidekick: By 2025, AI will shift from “nice-to-have” to “need-to-survive.” Think of ChatGPT’s cousin managing your supply chain: dominating demand forecasting, automating warehouse tasks, and flagging inventory issues before they become stockouts. It’s Robin to your Batman.

• Tools to try: Inventory Planner (predictive planning), 6 River Systems (automated warehouses), Finaloop (just-right inventory).

Start automating with tools like ShipStation (shipping labels, tracking), QuickBooks Commerce (stock updates), and SKUvault (error-free order tracking). Robots don’t slack off or spill coffee.

“I’m late, I’m late”: By 2025, “3–5 business days” won’t cut it. Micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs)—mini-warehouses close to customers—will dominate, slashing delivery times and costs.

• Tactical tools: Flexport (urban warehousing logistics), Locad (inventory aligned with demand), Stuart/Urb-it (eco-friendly last-mile delivery).

• Pro tips: Test MFCs in high-demand areas and evaluate urban-friendly systems to stay ahead.

Sustainability sells: In 2025, customers expect speed and ethics. Overpackaging and eco-harmful delivery practices won’t fly.

• Eco-tools: Packlane/Noissue (sustainable packaging), Sendle/EcoCart (carbon-neutral shipping).

• Quick fixes: Reduce packaging waste and offer green shipping to build trust.

Expand globally, strategically: Hot growth in 2025 will be in regions like Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America—mobile-first, impulse-buying markets.

• Growth tools: Glopal (cross-border selling), Payoneer/Wise (local payments), Hotjar/Semrush (local market insights).

• Pro moves: Customize offerings to regional trends and prioritize seamless transactions.

2025 in a nutshell for Growth: Logistics will be about speed, smarts, reach, and sustainability. Nail it, and nobody notices. Fail, and reviews sound like an angry group chat.

Sources: locate2u.com, globenewswire.com, foodlogistics.com, imaginebusiness.com, the-future-of-commerce.com, dvaexpress.com

Run CTV Ads on Roku This Q5

Peak shopping season isn’t over yet! Two thirds of consumers plan to shop the week after Christmas, and “Q5” – the period between Christmas and mid-January – has become a significant shopping window.* Roku Ads Manager makes it easy to run self-serve CTV ads and reach shoppers where they’re streaming post-holidays. Get started for as little as $500 and find your next customers on the big screen. (*National Retail Federation, 2023)

Discover CTV performance on Roku

3) Eco sells. Polluters lose. Simple math.

It’s 2025, and your online shop is thriving—until shifting trends throw you off course. (Cue dramatic Pirates of the Caribbean music). These changes aren’t minor—they’re game-changing. Stay calm, eComm captain, and let’s steer through without sinking.

The new sourcing hustle: China’s dominance is fading. Tariffs, delays, and geopolitics have pushed the USA, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe into the spotlight.

• Use platforms like Accio to find reliable suppliers outside typical regions.

• Tools like ThomasNet (U.S. suppliers) or Sourcify (pipeline management) can streamline your process.

• Diversify orders across regions to stay agile during delays or disruptions.

Sustainability is not optional: 2025 shoppers demand eco-friendly products—it’s no longer a bonus but an expectation.

• Find certified sustainable suppliers on platforms like EcoVadis or SupplyCompass.

• Use tools like CarbonClick to offset emissions or let customers contribute at checkout.

• Start small with one eco-friendly product line (e.g., recycled materials or biodegradable packaging).

• Audit your supply chain with apps like Sourcemap to pinpoint areas for improvement.

Customization at scale: Advances like 3D printing make personalized products scalable and affordable.

• Use on-demand printing services like Printify or Gooten for customizable products without inventory.

• Add customization apps like Zakeke or Product Personalizer for real-time tweaks (colors, engravings, uploads).

• Partner with suppliers specializing in small, flexible production runs.

2025 in a nutshell for Product Development: Success in 2025 isn’t about perfection—it’s about adaptability. Like Bruce Lee said, be water.

Sources: jtmasia.com, mckinsey.com, , procurementmag.com

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* Executive Cheat Sheet

• Micro-Fulfillment Centers (MFCs): Small-scale warehouses located near customers, enabling faster and cost-effective delivery by reducing last-mile logistics time.

• De Minimis Threshold: The value limit under which imported goods are exempt from duties and taxes, often impacting shipping costs and pricing strategies for cross-border sellers.

• Predictive Product Recommendations: AI-driven technology that suggests products based on customer browsing, purchase history, and preferences, boosting personalization and sales.

• Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly materials designed to minimize environmental impact, increasingly preferred by consumers for ethical and responsible shopping practices.