The latest and hottest ecommerce news of the week

There are plenty of different ways to improve fulfillment. One of them is to ship directly from stores — but only when it makes sense to do so. Digital Commerce 360 spoke with PacSun co-CEO Michael Relich to learn how the retailer implemented ship-from-store in just two weeks during the pandemic. Plus, PacSun works to reduce split shipments for its ship-from-store orders.

Another key way: Cut shipping costs. But that’s not always simple. In an era where online shoppers expect free shipping, retailers need to find more profitable shipping approaches, such as by changing packaging, negotiating with shipping carriers, changing shipping schedules or outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL.

And outsourcing is part of the plan for gluten-free cookie retailer Mightylicious. It tripled its direct-to-consumer sales in a year but is still battling shipping mishaps.

And some brands recognize their customers want to buy from sustainable retailers. Brands positioning themselves as environmentally friendly invest in making their online shipments more sustainable by eliminating plastic or using recycled or compostable materials. These packaging materials are often more expensive, but new options are emerging that can reduce the additional cost of backing up a brand’s commitment to protecting the planet.

In other news:

• Amazon Pay adds Affirm buy-now-pay-later service
• Amazon eyes free mobile service for Prime members
• Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group raises stake in Asos

— Abbas Haleem, Associate Editor, Digital Commerce 360