UK & International Ecommerce & Digital News Roundup - 12 October 2021

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News

Netflix's series 'Squid Game' has become quite the behemoth in recent weeks.

Not only did it break the Korean internet, but searches on Google for converting the Korean winnings to USD hit a record high in the US; and I think we can all guess what the most Googled Halloween costume for 2021 is... 

No one can miss the memes, advertising and products generated from the show and now Walmart has announced that it is launching a dedicated platform to sell Netflix merchandise.  But why so much interest?  

Essentially they've tapped into basic human psychology and how desperation (and money) makes people do crazy things. In fact, it's strangely relatable!

But what stands out most is that time honoured life lessons are at the heart of survival, even within a dystopian universe.

• success often comes from thinking & doing things differently
• seeking advice & sharing knowledge builds trust
• great teamwork & collaboration are more powerful than brute strength
• play to your strengths and understand your limitations 

 
So, in the spirit of sharing knowledge, here's this week's ecommerce & digital news to enjoy.

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UK ECOMMERCE NEWS

Online purchases now account for up to 70% of John Lewis sales.
(Charged Retail)

Sainsbury’s saw ecommerce sales skyrocket 120 per cent last year seeing the highest growth of any UK supermarket.
(Charged Retail)

Tech-led estate agent Purplebricks launches high-speed TikTok house brochure service.
(Purple Bricks)

ScS sees 146% ecommerce growth as shoppers bought sofas online during lockdowns.
(internet Retailing)

Hotel Chocolat hails evolution to ‘digital-led brand’ as profits soar.
(Marketing Week)

Sosandar posts strong increase in first half sales.
(Fashion United)

Black Sheep profits pass £1million despite pandemic blow.
(The Northern Echo)

Genesis Homes named in top 20 UK’s most exciting startup businesses.
(Westmorland Gazette)

 

INTERNATIONAL ECOMMERCE NEWS

MediaMarkt about to launch marketplace.
(Ecommerce News)

Autodoc largest online automotive store in Europe 2020.
(Ecommerce News)

The Nigerian fintech boom, by the numbers
(restofworld.org)

 

DIGITAL NEWS

Twitter is selling MoPub to AppLovin for $1.05 billion.
(TechCrunch)

Pinterest launches new ad features to drive shopping.
(Reuters)

Snapchat rolls out new tool aimed at helping young users run for office.
(TechCrunch)

Yahoo & Tubi team for new tools to streamline CTV ad buying.
(The Drum)

Hugo Boss achieves the largest social media coverage in fashion week history.
(Charged Retail)

 

IN THE MARKETS

Sequential Skin raises $1.65m in new funding round.
(UK Fashion Network)

3D platform Expivi raises millions of growth capital.
(Ecommerce News)

Senior care startup Honor secures $370M in dept and equity, reaches unicorn status.
(TechCrunch)

Jeff Bezos makes first-ever investment in southeast asia's e-commerce.
(Business Standard)

AI start-up Magic Leap raises $500m at a $2bn valuation.
(Tech Crunch)