Hey there, great people of the D2C community who are building fantastic things! This is your host Berkay writing.
Take a 5-minute break and dive into D2C Digest for a quick overview of what’s happening in the D2C market worldwide!
💰 Shopify just introduced Shopify Finance
Shopify has introduced Shopify Finance, a new financial hub designed to streamline funding and payment options for eCommerce merchants.
According to an announcement posted on the company website, the idea is to replace lengthy bank processes with faster, more flexible financial solutions. Now, merchants can manage Shopify Balance, Credit, Capital, Bill Pay, and Tax directly from the Shopify admin, giving them easier access to funds and simpler tax management—just ahead of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday rush.
With Black Friday holding strong and Cyber Monday losing steam, this setup could help smaller merchants compete by providing quick capital access and flexible repayment terms.
Bain & Company’s analysis shows a 5% growth forecast for this shopping season, with a critical focus on personalization. As Bain partner Aaron Cheris points out, consumers are looking beyond “big sale days” and responding better to targeted, data-driven marketing that’s consistent throughout the season.
🤔 Our take: As platforms like Shopify handle more of the financial side, they’re not just service providers anymore—they’re turning into full-scale business ecosystems. This shift could mean eCommerce businesses become less reliant on traditional financial institutions altogether, creating a tighter bond with the platforms that handle their sales, marketing, and now, money.
The challenge? As merchants lean on Shopify for so much, they may also be putting all their eggs in one basket, which raises questions about control and independence. So while Shopify Finance is a powerful tool, businesses should also think about how much control they’re handing over—and what their fallback plan is if platform priorities ever change.
🧑💻 Google Shopping’s AI changes
Using its Gemini AI model and over 45 billion listings from its Shopping Graph, Google is now crafting a homepage that recommends products, videos, and even price comparisons based on what users have browsed or watched across YouTube and Google.
One standout feature is the AI-generated product briefs that simplify search.
Instead of generic listings, search for “men’s winter jacket for Seattle,” and you’ll get recommendations for that climate—so I guess no more scrolling through endless options that don’t fit your needs.
They’re also rolling out virtual try-ons and AR tools, so shoppers can get a closer look before they buy.
While these features sound promising, the real success will come down to how well Google balances personalization with privacy and how effectively it curates this “shopping feed” to avoid the clutter that often bogs down recommendation algorithms.
🤔 Our take: Google’s AI-powered shopping update brings exciting personalization but raises concerns about exclusivity in eCommerce.
AI tools like Gemini demand massive resources, which makes it tough for smaller brands to compete. Personalized algorithms also risk creating an echo chamber, where big brands dominate and niche ones struggle for visibility.
As AI reshapes shopping, balancing personalization with inclusivity will be key to keeping online retail accessible and diverse. Let’s see how things will turn out.
💰 EBay is investing $1.2 million through its Circular Fashion Fund by 2025
eBay is expanding its Circular Fashion Fund (CFF), investing $1.2 million in startups worldwide through 2025 to drive circular fashion innovation.
Launched in 2022, CFF has already supported startups in the UK with funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities from industry leaders.
Now, eBay is bringing this initiative to the global stage, aiming to empower sustainable fashion brands that focus on minimizing waste and maximizing local impact. Each year, one standout startup will also receive an additional $300,000 and be named "Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year."
🤔 Our take: eBay’s Circular Fashion Fund is a promising step, which will push fashion toward genuine sustainability and local impact. By funding circular startups, eBay isn’t just backing eco-friendly brands—it’s challenging the fast fashion model and promoting local accountability.
But (there is always a but), funding alone isn’t enough. Real change requires consumer buy-in and scalable support for circular systems. eBay’s initiative could set a powerful example, but the true impact depends on whether the broader industry follows suit.
D2C DIGEST
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