News

The one-size-fits-all approach of legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems continues to frustrate midmarket retailers, where low margins leave little room for slow or rigid software. Most traditional ERP platforms were designed for large enterprises and pushed SMEs into systems that are too complex, expensive and difficult to customize. As a result, many smaller retailers … Read more

This week’s overview of new products and services for merchants includes the introduction of product display, agent trade, AEO and GEO analytics, logistics tools, deferred payments, omnichannel platforms, automated operations and tariff refunds. Do you have an eCommerce product release? Email updates@practicalecommerce.com. New tools for traders Yolando launches competitive intelligence platform. Yolando, a platform for … Read more

Most global e-commerce companies outsource delivery to customers. The process depends on standardized addresses, reliable couriers, predictable delivery times and a successful online checkout. However, many African markets lack these pillars. This disconnection is evident in the first step of performance. Logistics in Africa Informal, indicative addresses Automated routing software is ineffective when the driver … Read more

Hey! It’s my first post for 2026 and I’m writing to you while I watch our driveway being dug up. I hope wherever you are you are safe and warm and your data keeps flowing! This week brings exciting news for customers with GPU-intensive workloads, with the launch of our latest graphics and AI instances … Read more

Earlier this month, Microsoft published a guide to help retailers increase visibility in search, browsers and AI assistants. The “AEO and GEO Guide” (PDF) from the leaders of Microsoft Shopping and Copilot and Microsoft Advertising contains and validates helpful tips that are worth reading. Microsoft’s new guide aims to help retailers increase AI visibility. GEO … Read more

E-commerce merchants know the time costs, revenue and inventory of illegal chargebacks. However, for many sellers, the damage starts with new accounts. Organized fraudsters can sign up hundreds of times using valid but fake email addresses. “These fake accounts are created for purposes such as testing cards with small value transactions to see if the … Read more

Agent buying presents a familiar problem to e-commerce merchants in a new form. The promise is simple enough. AI agents act on behalf of shoppers to search, compare, select and even buy products. These agents will use shopper preferences (stated and inferred) rather than browsing products from digital shelves. McKinsey & Company describes it this … Read more