Independent Sellers on Amazon Hit $2.5 Trillion

Google is rolling out a major AI update that includes "agentic checkout," allowing users to research products and buy them directly through the search engine. The update also features real-time local inventory checks via automated calls, positioning Google as a transactional layer that sits between the shopper and your storefront. → via Google Blog

The National Retail Federation projects holiday retail sales will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% in 2025, crossing the $1 trillion threshold for the first time. Despite the record number, consumer sentiment remains near historic lows, suggesting that while spending is high, it will be driven almost entirely by deals and price sensitivity. → via Mass Market Retailers

Amazon has reached a massive milestone: its partnership with independent sellers has generated over $2.5 trillion in sales over the last 25 years. Third-party sellers now account for more than 60% of all units sold, proving that the "Everything Store" is now fundamentally powered by small business inventory, not Amazon's own retail arm. → via Amazon

Amazon is eliminating roughly 14,000 managerial roles, but CEO Andy Jassy's goal isn't just cost-cutting—it's a cultural hard reset. By removing layers of bureaucracy, Amazon aims to function like a massive startup again, fostering faster decision-making and agility. For sellers, this could mean rapid-fire feature rollouts, though stripping away management layers may initially create chaotic communication channels. → via CNBC

Starting January 2026, Amazon will begin charging third-party developers fees to access its APIs. This move effectively taxes the software layer that sellers rely on for analytics, repricing, and inventory management. With merchants already paying 50-60% of revenue in fees, this cost will likely be passed down, further squeezing seller margins. → via Marketplace Pulse

Amazon has launched "Seller Challenge" for merchants with Account Health Assurance, a new feature allowing them to appeal listing-level policy decisions. Sellers can request a review up to three times every 180 days, with Amazon promising a decision within 48 hours, offering a critical fast lane for dispute resolution. → via Seller Central

TikTok Shop is no longer just an experiment; it is now one of the top three fastest-growing brands in the country. Last Black Friday, the platform generated $100 million in single-day sales, signaling that social commerce has firmly hit the mainstream in the U.S. market. → via Business Insider

Walmart has officially surpassed Amazon in delivery speed for a significant portion of its customers. By leveraging its massive physical store network for 30% of its online fulfillment (via curbside pickup and local delivery), Walmart has turned its brick-and-mortar liability into its greatest logistical asset. → via CIRP

Target is betting big on a turnaround, announcing a $5 billion investment plan for 2026 to revamp stores and digital capabilities. As part of this strategy, Target will launch a shopping app within ChatGPT, allowing users to build baskets and buy directly in the conversational interface. → via Forbes & TechCrunch

Walmart has appointed John Furner as its new CEO, effective February 1, 2026, replacing Doug McMillon. Under McMillon, the stock surged 312% and revenue is on track to top $700 billion. Furner’s appointment signals a continued aggressive push into omnichannel dominance. → via Digital Commerce 360

Uber Freight has acquired a stake in Better Trucks to expand its last-mile delivery network. The partnership aims to cover 85% of the U.S. population by 2026, giving sellers a new, tech-forward alternative for residential delivery outside the "Big Three" carriers. → via Supply Chain Dive

The U.S. Postal Service is expanding its "last-mile" delivery services to third-party shippers. By monetizing its daily route network, the USPS aims to offer a lower-cost alternative to private carriers, potentially driving down shipping rates for sellers facing hikes from FedEx and UPS. → via Supply Chain Dive

The European Union is moving to eliminate the €150 customs duty exemption for low-value imports. Set for full implementation by 2028, this change will level the playing field for domestic EU retailers but will significantly raise costs for U.S. sellers shipping directly to European customers. → via Forbes

The U.S. has reached framework trade deals with Switzerland and five Latin American nations. A key win is the capping of Swiss import tariffs at 15% (down from 39%), easing the cost burden for sellers moving goods into one of Europe's wealthiest markets. → via Supply Chain Dive

As a fast-moving e-commerce seller juggling multiple channels, warehouses, and high customer expectations, stock shortages are more than an inconvenience — they’re a threat to your revenue and your reputation. Learn how to handle stock shortages quickly and strategically, so you can stabilize your operations, protect customer trust, and come out even stronger.

In this episode of The Flow, Goflow’s Yoni Mazor sits down with Logie CEO Ehud Segev to unpack how social commerce is reshaping Amazon—and how creators now drive real conversion. They walk through how Logie’s AI connects your products to proven influencers and automates outreach, shipping, and content, giving operators a steady pipeline of creator videos that move shoppers. Paired with Goflow’s unified operating system, it becomes a simple, plug-and-play way to scale.

We’re celebrating standout operators in our new Seller Spotlight series — real stories of how Goflow users are simplifying operations, expanding channels, and scaling with control. If you’re using Goflow to power your growth, we want to feature you next. Fill out the form to apply, and if selected, you’ll receive a $100 Amazon gift card for sharing your story.

Despite strong spending data, economic cracks are widening. Analysts warn of a "perfect storm" driven by record-high subprime auto delinquencies, an overheating AI investment bubble, and weak consumer sentiment. For sellers, this volatility demands rigorous cash flow management. → via Forbes

A looming credit crisis? Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are now used by 91.5 million Americans, but a new report shows default rates have spiked to 42% in 2025. This signals potential fragility in consumer spending power as debt mounts. → via TechCrunch

The financial strain on consumers is showing up in the grocery aisle. A shocking 25% of Buy Now, Pay Later users are now using the service to finance essential daily purchases like food, a stark indicator of the pressure on the average household budget. → via TechCrunch