Shopify Editions Recap

Shopify Editions was last Wednesday. A few major updates that I think will have a lasting impact moving forward:

• One Page Checkout Experience

• Shopify Bundles - variant limit increased to 250

• Shopify Subscriptions, especially great for smaller brands to build the channel before eventually pivoting to a more developed subscription app

• AI Sidekick, to help brand owners automate processes ranging from website design to product discounts

To learn more about all 100+ product releases, check out the Summer ‘23 Edition.

KnoCommerce Pricing Changes

In September, KnoCommerce will be updating their pricing for new customers; however, existing customers will continue paying the same rate. With the new changes, prices will not be increasing for customers purchasing an annual plan, only monthly. Given the big shift to monthly contracts in the SaaS market, I am excited to see how effective this price shift is in converting new customers to the annual plan. For a deeper dive into what is changing, check out the CEO’s explanation here.

Job Opportunity - Sendlane

The Sendlane team is hiring a Product Marketer. I have loved getting to know a few members of the team, and would love to make an introduction. If you or anyone you know is looking for a role and think you may be a fit, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Strike Avoided - UPS/Teamsters Agreement

With less than one week to reach an agreement, UPS and Teamsters reached a five year deal to avoid a strike. A few highlights of the new agreement are as follows:

• Wages increasing $2.75 per hour in 2023; by the time the contract expires, the wage increases will total $7.50 per hour.

• Elimination of forced overtime on drivers’ days off

• Change in holiday schedule time off

• 7,500+ new jobs created

FirstShift.AI Emergence from Stealth

FirstShift AI is an AI driven supply chain planning software that accelerates decision making in supply and demand planning, inventory optimization, and sales and operations planning. Notable investors of the company include Acorn Pacific Ventures, Z5 Capital, Supply Chain Ventures, and Refashiond Ventures. Hari Menon, Founder and CEO, has put together an exceptional team of serial entrepreneurs and industry veterans.