Welcome to this week’s Sourcing Spotlight. This week we will be talking about reverse engineering diversification, what the Shopify AI can do for you and the Cyber-Attack world and what we can do to be defensible.
Global Retail Diversification in Reverse
Another strategy that many people haven’t thought about. We think of diversification in the supply chain, but what about on the end result? Instead of slapping U.S. consumers with steep price hikes, global brands are quietly doing something smarter: spreading the cost across their international markets. From subtle price lifts in the UK and EU to rerouting stock through Canada and exploring duty-light entry points like the UAE, businesses are rebalancing their entire strategy to protect margins without tanking sales. In this week’s Sourcing Spotlight, we explore how companies, big and small, are rethinking global diversification not just in where they source, but where they sell. If you're still clinging to the U.S. as your main revenue driver, you might be missing some serious tricks. Click here to read more about this strategy.
How Shopify’s AI Tools Are Empowering Small Businesses
If you’ve ever felt like running a small business online means doing everything yourself, from web design and copywriting to inventory forecasts and customer service, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: Shopify is rolling out AI-powered tools that do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. And we’re not talking about gimmicks, we’re talking full store creation from a few keywords, automated product descriptions, personalised marketing campaigns, instant customer support, and inventory tools that can actually predict what you’ll need next month. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to scale without hiring a full team, Shopify’s new AI features are helping small businesses move faster, work smarter, and compete with brands 10 times their size. This isn’t future tech, it’s happening now, and it could be a game changer for how you run your business. Let’s break down what’s new, how it works, and where it can save you time and money. Click here to read more.
Retail Protection During the Cyber-attack Age
Cyberattacks are no longer just a risk for tech companies, they're hitting the high street hard. Just weeks ago, Marks & Spencer suffered a major cyber breach that disrupted its online operations, cost hundreds of millions, and compromised customer data. And they’re not alone. Harrods, Co-op, and key food distributors have all found themselves in the crosshairs of hackers in recent months. As digital payments and online shopping become the norm, the retail sector has become a prime target and small businesses are especially vulnerable. This isn’t just about firewalls and IT jargon; it’s about protecting your customers, your reputation, and your bottom line. In this article, we break down exactly what happened at M&S, highlight the broader pattern of attacks sweeping through retail, and lay out a simple, step-by-step cybersecurity guide tailored for small businesses. If you want to keep your customer trust intact and avoid becoming the next headline, this is a must-read. Click here to read more.
💡 Top Sourcing Tip of the Week:
Don’t just ask for FOB, ask where exactly the port is.
Not all FOB prices are created equal. Shipping from a major port like Ningbo or Ho Chi Minh is far cheaper than from a remote inland factory. Knowing the port helps you calculate true freight costs, avoid surprises, and spot when a “great” price is hiding higher logistics fees.
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