Here is a list of product releases and updates for mid-November from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on product videos, social commerce, holiday promotions, live-streaming, logistics, shipping, and wearable payments.
Got an ecommerce product release? Email releases@practicalecommerce.com.
Ecommerce Product Releases
Instagram introduces Reels and Shop tabs. Facebook has announced changes to Instagram: a Reels tab and a Shop tab. The Reels tab makes it easier for users to discover short, fun videos from creators. The Shop tab gives users a better way to connect with brands and creators and discover products. With the Shop tab, users can find personalized recommendations, editors’ picks curated by a @shop channel, shoppable videos, new product collections, and more.
I2c partners with Purewrist to provide wearable solutions for contactless payments. I2c Inc., a provider of digital banking and payment processing technology and infrastructure, has announced its partnership with Purewrist, which provides contactless payment services and wearables. I2c’s platform will be leveraged for transaction processing of tap-and-go payments made with the Purewrist GO wearable at near-field communication contactless readers. Purewrist GO works with any terminal that accepts Mastercard debit, providing a complement to a cardholder’s standard plastic card and digital payment accounts.
Amazon In-Garage delivery expands to over 4,000 cities. Amazon has announced that Prime members will now have access to Key by Amazon’s In-Garage Delivery service in more than 4,000 cities across the United States. In-Garage Delivery lets eligible Prime members receive contactless package delivery securely inside their garage and offers delivery confirmation for customers using the Key by Amazon app. Key In-Garage Delivery lets eligible Prime members with a myQ smart garage door opener receive packages securely inside their garage. Once they link their myQ app with Key, customers select “Free In-Garage Delivery” at checkout on Amazon.com. To view videos of their delivery, customers can also use a compatible Ring smart home camera with their Ring Protect Plan or LiftMaster Smart Garage Camera powered by myQ with a myQ Video Storage Subscription.
Vimeo launches Shopify app to create product videos at scale. Vimeo has launched Vimeo for Shopify, a new integration that enables Shopify merchants to create dynamic, professional-quality product videos at scale automatically. The enhanced integration also connects merchants’ Shopify and Vimeo accounts, unlocking access to Vimeo’s full suite of workflow tools, to seamlessly distribute videos to Shopify and other social channels directly from Vimeo.
GS1 US expands offering to help small businesses capitalize on ecommerce opportunities. GS1 US has expanded its product identification offering for small and micro businesses with the introduction of a single GS1 US Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). The new single identifier will provide a low-cost option to uniquely identify products and streamline the process for getting items ready for sale across retail and ecommerce channels. With a one-time cost of $30, a business can create a single GTIN, manage related product data, and share the information with trading partners. Additionally, a business that licenses an individual GTIN will automatically be included in the GS1 Global Registry, a database to verify product identification and confirm product authenticity.
xTuple launches ERP integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, ShipStation. xTuple, a player in enterprise resource planning manufacturing software for small-to-midsize businesses, announces integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and ShipStation. The integration between xTuple’s ERP system for small businesses (including manufacturing and inventory management, accounting, and planning) and WooCommerce, ShipStation, and Shopify will deliver a competitive edge to manufacturers and distributors that seek to compete with larger producers in the ecommerce space. The integrations are add-ons to the xTuple ERP platform, allowing SMBs to list real-time inventory on the ecommerce website and manage every stage of the sale from the shopping cart to delivery.
Clicktivated launches clickable live-streaming video tech. Clicktivated, a player in interactive video, has announced the launch of live-streaming shoppable video technology. Brands will now be able to use Clicktivated as they live stream videos and enable viewers to click on products to shop directly within the live-stream. Using Clicktivated’s live-streaming shoppable video technology, viewers will now have the ability to click and shop individual products on screen as they watch. The Clicktivated experience only shows the viewer information on the products they are interested in. Clicktivated works with brands and retailers to create a new way to shop directly through video for both pre-recorded and now live-streaming formats.
Delivery app Glovo launches B2B logistics unit for urban delivery. Glovo, a Spain-based on-demand delivery app, is launching a service to deliver B2B products within a 30-minute timeframe. The new unit, called Q-Commerce, will offer a B2B service that will stock third parties’ products in its warehouses and have couriers that operate on its on-demand platform make deliveries for other businesses too, offering a turn-key logistics solution for businesses to underpin their own online stores. Glovo’s customers include Walmart — to stock and sell products and offer speedy delivery under its Glovo Market brand.
Seko Logistics partners with Bringg to offer digital consumers control of delivery. Bringg, a delivery and fulfillment platform, and Seko Logistics are partnering to improve the delivery experience for digital consumers. Utilizing the Bringg platform, Seko clients receive an SMS link to a self-service web app (no download required), enabling clients to track deliveries in real-time, communicate directly with the driver or support center, and receive personalized alerts, provide payment options, and rate the delivery experience. Bringg will also enable Seko to track, manage, and optimize internal and contracted delivery fleets in real-time, while the platform’s driver app enables dynamic delivery flows and mobile inventory management.
Sendle delivers streamlined shipping for WooCommerce merchants. Sendle, the 100-percent carbon-neutral shipping carrier designed for small businesses, has launched a new integration with WooCommerce. Merchants will benefit from flat-rate shipping that’s simple, affordable, and carbon neutral. Merchants wishing to use the new integration can connect their WooCommerce account to Sendle at Sendle.com. Sendle also has shipping integrations with Shopify, Etsy, and eBay.