fbpx

Big box meets big policy: Trump hosts tariff talks

Posted on by SellerBites

INTRO

TRENDING TOPIC

President Trump just pulled Walmart, Target, and Home Depot into the tariff spotlight. On April 21, he met with the CEOs of the retail giants to discuss the impact of his protectionist trade agenda—one that’s rattling sourcing, pricing, and consumer spending. 🏛️

🎯 What’s going on

Trump’s tariff strategy has business leaders walking a tightrope. For Walmart, the hit may be minimal—two-thirds of what it sells in the U.S. is sourced domestically. But Target, known for its affordable imports, could be squeezed harder as tariffs drive up costs on overseas goods.

📉 Retail reality check

The National Retail Federation is sounding the alarm: tariffs could make everyday items—like sneakers and toasters—more expensive for families. That’s more price resistance for sellers in already slow-moving categories.

📦 What it means for sellers

  • Know your product mix: Heavy on imported goods? Tariffs could hit your margins faster than you think.
  • Watch competitors: If the big players shift sourcing or pricing, expect ripple effects across Amazon.
  • Stay agile: Consider diversifying suppliers or leaning into products with domestic production advantages.

When the biggest names in retail are calling a tariff meeting with the president, you know it’s real. Amazon sellers should prepare for continued volatility—because the pressure at the top always trickles down. 💧

TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE

Get access to millions of shoppers with Walmart Marketplace

When your business is backed by one of the most trusted names in retail, great things can happen.

The woman-founded party supply company found grand success on Walmart.com. According to Jill Schultz, Dir. Merchandising and Inventory, “Walmart has connected us with millions of customers that we would not have been able to reach otherwise.” and bringing joy to millions of customers during their times of celebration.  

 Are you our next seller success story?  Grow your business on Walmart.com. Join Walmart Marketplace and get:

  • up to 75% off referral fees
  • Up to $2K in fulfillment credits  
  • $1K in advertising credits 

A total of up to $75K in savings.

Join Marketplace

*Conditions apply.

BITES OF THE WEEK

ECOMMERCE NEWS

Walmart’s delivery network just got smarter—and bigger

Walmart is turning precision into power, thanks to geospatial technology. In a recent company update, the retail giant just expanded its same-day delivery reach to 12 million more U.S. households. 

This aims to boost both convenience and fulfillment accuracy. This push isn’t just about reach—it’s about smarter delivery zones, faster service, and less friction for customers coast to coast. 🚚

🧠 What’s going on

At the core of Walmart’s expansion is geospatial technology. This is a next-gen mapping approach that breaks down cities and suburbs into digital hexagons. 

These “smart tiles” are filled with real-time data like demand, drive time, and inventory availability. Instead of relying on ZIP codes, Walmart can now dynamically redraw delivery zones with far more precision.

🏪 Multiple stores, one order

Here’s the kicker: Walmart’s system can tap multiple nearby stores to fulfill a single delivery. That means if one location is out of stock, others can pitch in, making the fulfillment process smoother and less error-prone.

It’s a major step toward reducing delays, avoiding out-of-stocks, and keeping customers happy without compromising speed.

📝 Sellers must take notes 

  • Walmart is setting a high bar in fulfillment—watch how they use data to outpace delivery rivals.
  • Expect rising consumer expectations around same-day delivery and better inventory visibility.
  • If you’re a DTC brand or supplier, think about how to match or partner with retail systems that offer this level of precision.

Walmart’s geospatial model isn’t just a tech flex—it’s a customer experience move. With 12 million new households in reach, sellers need to prepare for a more demanding, delivery-savvy buyer base. 🧐

SOCIAL PULSE

Amazon denies TikTok bid—but what if they didn’t?

Amazon says it’s not trying to buy TikTok. But what if that changed? In a recent CNBC interview, CEO Andy Jassy shut down rumors that Amazon had placed a bid for TikTok’s U.S. business. 

That’s despite growing pressure on ByteDance to divest the platform by June 19, 2025, under a deadline extended by President Trump. With TikTok’s future in the U.S. still up in the air, it begs the question: what could Amazon gain if it made a move?

📹 A video gap in amazon’s ecosystem

Unlike Meta and Google, Amazon lacks a mainstream social video product. Its past attempt—Inspire, a TikTok-style feed—quietly disappeared from the app. TikTok would instantly give Amazon a proven discovery engine and boost its Amazon Live ambitions.

🛒 Shopping without leaving TikTok

Amazon and TikTok are already integrated. Since mid-2024, TikTok users can link their Amazon accounts and buy without leaving the app—Prime benefits and all. Owning the whole experience would give Amazon tighter control over targeting, checkout, and customer data.

📱 Blocking Walmart’s playbook

Walmart is deeply embedded in TikTok Shop and livestream commerce. If Amazon swooped in, it could not only shut down Walmart’s biggest social selling channel—but also inherit its audience.

🔍 Zooming out for sellers

  • Keep an eye on TikTok’s ownership saga—it could reshape social commerce dynamics.
  • Even without a purchase, Amazon may double down on embedded shopping tech across platforms.
  • Sellers on TikTok Shop should prepare for possible platform policy shifts post-divestment.

A TikTok buyout could be the social video power move Amazon needs—but for now, it’s sitting it out. Sellers, stay alert: whoever controls TikTok could redefine how (and where) ecommerce happens next.

ACTIONABLE ADVICE

8 branding basics every Amazon seller should nail

A great product can open the door, but a strong brand keeps customers coming back. Vistaprint’s guide outlines the 8 must-have elements for a recognizable, trustworthy brand. And if you’re selling on Amazon, these aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re must-haves.

🔑 The must-haves of a memorable brand:

  • Logo. Your logo acts as the face of your brand, giving customers a visual cue they’ll remember.
  • Color Palette. Colors trigger emotion and create a recognizable, consistent storefront vibe. 🎨
  • Shape. Repeating shapes in packaging, design, and graphics can reinforce brand identity.
  • Tagline. A strong tagline communicates your brand promise in a single, memorable line.
  • Tone of Voice. Your choice of words and style tells shoppers what kind of brand you are. 🗣️
  • Fonts. The typography you use sets the tone and reflects your brand’s personality.
  • Imagery. Photos and visuals should reflect the lifestyle or values your brand stands for. 🏞️
  • Positioning. This defines where your brand sits in the market—and why buyers should choose you.

Great branding isn’t just a bonus—it’s your competitive edge. For Amazon sellers navigating a crowded marketplace, each branding element should work like a puzzle piece: together, they form a clear, memorable story that builds trust, boosts visibility, and keeps customers coming back.