FedEx Ventures into eCommerce with FDX Platform

In an ambitious move, FedEx has announced the launch of its own eCommerce platform, FDX, set to rival Amazon in offering comprehensive merchant services. FDX, which is still in a private preview and expected to be release to the public in fall 2024, aims to provide an all-encompassing eCommerce solution. That including services like demand generation, fulfillment, tracking, and streamlined post-purchase experiences, notably in returns management.

While FedEx's new venture doesn't delve into marketplace territory, it's a significant step in enhancing the merchant experience, from demand creation to after-sales service. This move might be seen as a strategic pivot, especially considering FedEx's past relationship with Amazon, including the discontinuation of their air express and ground delivery contracts in 2019.

This announcement comes amidst Amazon's continuous expansion of its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service and other merchant-centric features. Amazon's growing dominance in logistics and package delivery in the U.S. poses a significant challenge for FedEx's new venture. The launch of FDX marks a critical moment in eCommerce, signifying FedEx's transition from a traditional logistics company to a more integrated player in the digital commerce ecosystem.

Uber Refocuses, Ends Drizly Era to Strengthen Core Services

Uber is shutting down its alcohol delivery app, Drizly, just three years after acquiring it for US$1.1 billion. This decision marks a significant shift in Uber's focus towards consolidating and enhancing its core services, notably Uber Eats. Drizly, which emerged as a beacon for beverage deliveries during the pandemic, operated independently within Uber's portfolio. However, Uber has chosen to discontinue the Drizly brand by March 2024.

This move is a response to the evolving market and customer needs, emphasizing Uber's commitment to becoming a one-stop solution for a variety of delivery services. While Drizly's journey within the Uber family concludes, the company's legacy as a pioneer in the beverage alcohol delivery category remains. Uber's SVP of Delivery, Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, expressed gratitude to the Drizly team for their significant contributions.

As Uber shifts its focus, it aims to double down on alcohol delivery through the Uber Eats platform, catering to consumers' demand for a unified app experience. Uber Eats already delivers a range of items, including beer, wine, and liquor, in numerous locations worldwide. This strategic change is geared towards optimizing service efficiency and enhancing user experience across Uber's broad customer base.

Uniqlo Sues Shein in Japan Claiming Imitation of Shoulder Bag

Uniqlo filed a lawsuit in Japan against the operators of Shein, claiming the Chinese fashion company copied its round mini shoulder bag. The petition was filed on Dec. 28 in the Tokyo District Court against Roadget Business Pte, Fashion Choice Pte, and SHEIN JAPAN.

The Japanese company is seeking "immediate cessation of sales of the imitation products and compensation for damages incurred," it said. The round mini bag sells for 1,500 yen ($10.27) in Japan, according to Uniqlo's online store. Fast Retailing, Japan's biggest clothing seller, has more Uniqlo outlets in China than in its home market.

Online retailer Shein, said to be seeking China's permission to list in the United States, opened a permanent showroom in Tokyo in late 2022, its first in the world. A Shein representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.