As July comes to a close, and with summer diaries and holidays now firmly in the mix, the digital commerce market still feels active, but perhaps a little less straightforward than it did heading into H2.
One thing I’ve noticed this month is that interview processes seem to be slowing down. Some of that may be seasonal, but it also feels like a wider challenge around urgency, structure and decision-making.
That matters, because hiring demand still appears to be moving in the right direction. We’re seeing activity across both permanent and contract roles, with contract demand particularly encouraging. For me, that is often a sign that projects are moving and confidence is continuing to build.
The challenge is making sure hiring processes are fit for that market. The best candidates rarely sit still for long, and a slow process can quickly become a missed opportunity. I’ve written more on this here, including five practical ways digital commerce businesses can keep their hiring process fit for purpose.
Away from hiring, PIM and data continue to be two of the most interesting areas of conversation across the UK. There is also plenty of noise around Shopify, Vercel and front-end innovation, and I’m sure we’ll hear even more on that after DotDev.
Overall, demand is there and the pipeline remains encouraging. The second half of the year still feels positive, but the businesses that move quickly, keep process tight and stay close to the human side of hiring will be the ones best placed to make the most of it.
Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month
- M&S enlists Lily AI to improve online product discovery, using AI-powered product attributes to strengthen search, advertising feeds and product categorisation as retailers place greater focus on structured product data READ MORE
- Ocado signs a new European automation deal for a large robotic fulfilment centre, strengthening its technology solutions business as grocery retailers continue investing in automated online fulfilment READ MORE
- TikTok helps drive shoppers back to the high street, with new research showing social discovery is influencing visits to independent stores as retailers connect content, community and physical footfall READ MORE
- Pet retailer Jollyes plans to double its UK store estate to more than 250 locations, pairing physical retail growth with click and collect, delivery and Uber Eats same-day fulfilment as specialist retailers build broader omnichannel propositions READ MORE
- Tesco trials shelf-scanning robots in supermarket aisles, using autonomous technology to spot empty shelves, misplaced products and incorrect prices as grocers look to improve availability and store efficiency READ MORE
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