Industry News & Headlines | September 2026

September 30, 2026

As September comes to a close, the post-summer lift we hoped for has very much started to come through.

We expected activity to ramp up after the August Bank Holiday weekend, and that is exactly what has happened. In fact, we have qualified more new vacancies in September than we did across July and August combined.

The opportunities have also been varied, with demand coming through across engineering, sales and consultancy. Contract requirements continue to be a strong part of the picture too, particularly across delivery, consultancy and engineering, as businesses look for specialist support to keep projects moving.

It is not just something we are seeing internally. The positive month we have experienced is also being reflected in conversations with vendors, agencies and other peers across the recruitment sector. The market still feels measured, but there is definitely more movement, more confidence and more intent than there was during the summer.

September has been a strong month for the business, and our pipeline continues to build as we head into October.

That said, it is worth being realistic. While demand is improving, contractor day rates and permanent salaries are not moving at the same pace. In many areas, they are still some way off where they were a couple of years ago.

So, overall, the direction of travel feels positive. There is more activity, more variety and more confidence in the market, but still a need for both clients and candidates to stay close to where expectations are now, rather than where they were at the peak of the market.

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • Primark confirms plans to launch home delivery in Great Britain, marking a major shift in its ecommerce strategy as one of retail’s long-standing online holdouts expands beyond click and collect READ MORE
  • The Entertainer plans a major ecommerce overhaul with THG Commerce, introducing AI-powered shopping assistance, improved search and richer digital journeys as toy retailers invest in more connected online and store experiences READ MORE
  • Tesco trials virtual try-on technology for F&F clothing, allowing shoppers to digitally try around 1,500 products in-store as fashion retailers bring more interactive digital experiences into physical retail READ MORE
  • M&S, New Look, Sainsbury’s and Oxfam join forces on a circular textile initiative, aiming to build new recycling value chains as retailers look for more scalable ways to reduce fashion waste READ MORE
  • Evri trials an automated neighbourhood parcel hub in Bristol, using robotics to bring deliveries closer to customers as parcel networks test more flexible, convenient and sustainable last-mile models READ MORE

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Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | August 2026

August 31, 2026

Now that the Summer has come to a close (and so to the heatwave by the looks of it!), the digital commerce market feels like it has had two very different sides to it.

Permanent hiring has remained fairly quiet over the summer, particularly across engineering. We are seeing fewer permanent engineering hires coming through at the moment, which may be linked to wider uncertainty around AI, team shape and future headcount planning.

Contract hiring, however, continues to move. We have seen new requirements across consulting, delivery, data engineering and marketing, with businesses still looking for specialist support where projects need to keep progressing.

Customer-facing roles are also still active. In fact, Simply Commerce is doing more across sales and commercial hiring than ever before, particularly as our work in the US continues to grow.

So while the permanent market is still measured, the overall picture feels far from flat. Our pipeline is looking strong, with a number of meetings already scheduled with new and existing clients at the start of September.

The summer may have been quieter in some areas, but we are heading into the final month of Q3 with plenty of conversations moving and a positive finish in sight.

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • IKEA is launching a UK second-hand marketplace, allowing customers to buy and sell pre-loved furniture online as re-commerce moves further into mainstream home and furniture retail READ MORE
  • AO launches its own mobile network, expanding beyond electrical retail into connectivity as retailers look for new ways to build loyalty, recurring revenue and broader customer relationships READ MORE
  • LOOKFANTASTIC launches on Deliveroo, giving customers access to more than 300 beauty, skincare and wellness products on demand as rapid delivery platforms move further beyond food READ MORE
  • Dunelm launches its Ask Dunelm shopping agent, using Google Cloud’s Gemini technology to support more natural product search and recommendations as homeware retailers invest in more guided online journeys READ MORE
  • B&M completes a modernised POS rollout across its UK store estate, upgrading checkout hardware and software as value retailers invest in faster transactions, operational agility and improved in-store customer experience READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | July 2026

July 31, 2026

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

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | June 2026

June 30, 2026

As June comes to a close, and with summer schedules, event follow-ups and a touch of World Cup energy now firmly in the mix, it feels like the digital commerce market is moving into the second half of the year with more confidence than it had back in January.

One thing I’ve noticed in Q2 is the increase in upgrade and re-platforming conversations. We’ve heard of a number of new projects coming through across the UK, from large high street retail chains to smaller DTC brands. Shopify is still coming up as the platform of choice for many, while Adobe Commerce and Magento seem to be under continued pressure.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is also being spoken about more frequently. Salesforce appears to be increasing its focus on ecommerce and looking to regain some of the market share it has lost, and, of the more established platforms, it feels like the one generating the most renewed interest.

Outside of ecommerce platforms, PIM and subscription technology are two of the areas I’m hearing about most, usually linked to better product data, stronger retention and more predictable recurring revenue.

Across our agency network, most conversations point towards growth in H2. That confidence is starting to show in hiring too, with current demand strongest across business development, frontend engineering and customer-facing technology specialists.

The first half of the year has still been measured, but the direction of travel feels more positive. If the conversations we’re having are anything to go by, H2 could be where momentum really starts to build.

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • Asda selects Ocado to power its next-generation online grocery platform, replacing its existing ecommerce technology as the retailer looks to improve fulfilment, customer experience and long-term digital capability. READ MORE
  • Bodycare partners with PMC to create an AI-first retail estate, combining AI-powered store operations, digital content studios and immersive customer experiences as it prepares to open 25 new UK stores this year. READ MORE
  • Visa and OpenAI partner to support agent-led payments, building infrastructure that allows AI agents to search, recommend and securely complete purchases, as conversational commerce moves closer to real-world retail transactions READ MORE
  • Amazon Prime Day shows the commercial impact of intelligent shopping journeys, with Forbes reporting AI-driven traffic converted 40% better than other channels as retailers rethink discovery, recommendation and conversion READ MORE
  • The Body Shop launches on Uber Eats across the UK, giving customers access to beauty and wellness products delivered in minutes as delivery platforms continue expanding beyond food into wider retail categories READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | May 2026

May 30, 2026

With May coming to a close, and after what has felt like the first proper spell of sunshine and Bank Holiday weather of the year, there’s also a continued sense of momentum across the digital commerce market, particularly compared to the slower start many businesses experienced earlier in the year.

Q2 has started positively from our side, with an influx of vacancies across both new and existing consultancy and agency clients, many of whom have secured new projects and are now looking to strengthen their teams. More broadly, conversations remain productive, with healthy pipelines and encouraging levels of activity across our European network, particularly in the UK, Nordics, Netherlands and Germany.

That said, hiring remains measured. Businesses are still being highly considered in their decision-making, while candidates are taking a more selective approach when evaluating opportunities. Long-term fit, flexibility and culture continue to play a major role on both sides of the process.

AI, unsurprisingly, continues to dominate discussions and looks set to remain one of the defining topics of 2026. Alongside that, we’re hearing more around nearshore delivery models, Employer of Record hiring across Europe, and how businesses are balancing growth ambitions with more flexible, outcomes-led delivery structures rather than fixed scopes and rigid deliverables.

Events throughout May, including RTS and Pulse, also reinforced the growing focus on retail media, customer retention and loyalty, and the wider challenge of driving sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Overall, it’s been a strong and encouraging start to Q2 and, based on current pipeline visibility, we’re expecting that momentum to continue into the summer months.

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • M&S relaunches Sparks with AI-powered personalisation and digital wallet rewards, introducing tailored offers and more data-driven shopping journeys as UK retailers continue investing heavily in loyalty and customer retention strategies READ MORE
  • Amazon expands Rufus and Alexa+ shopping capabilities to create more conversational ecommerce experiences, blending voice, recommendation and AI-powered discovery as major retailers reshape digital shopping journey READ MORE
  • Klarna launches Shopping Search app in ChatGPT, connecting conversational AI with live retail data and product discovery as brands adapt to emerging AI-led shopping behaviours READ MORE
  • Lululemon accelerates European expansion with new store openings and market launches across Greece and Central Europe, as premium activewear brands continue investing in international omnichannel growth opportunities READ MORE
  • TJ Morris owner of Home Bargains explores potential acquisition of Flying Tiger Copenhagen, signalling continued consolidation across value retail as discount brands seek international growth and stronger high street presence READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | April 2026

April 30, 2026

With March behind us, it’s fair to say the tone of conversations across the market feels more positive than it did earlier in the year.

There’s still a competitive edge to hiring and ongoing pressure on costs, but the direction of travel is encouraging. Retail in particular feels more active, with budgets being released and projects starting to kick off again after a slower start to the year. Alongside that, we’re seeing a broader uptick in hiring activity across the industry, particularly in commercial and engineering roles.

Unsurprisingly, AI continues to dominate the agenda. What’s shifting now is how it’s being applied. We’re seeing more candidates approaching opportunities with an “AI-first” mindset, while businesses are starting to factor AI capability into both hiring decisions and wider partner selection. It’s also beginning to reshape delivery models, with some early conversations suggesting significantly leaner teams supported by the right tooling.

With a number of major industry events around the corner, including MACH X and Retail Technology Show in April, followed closely by Pulse and Shoptalk, we expect the pace of insight and innovation to accelerate further over the coming weeks.

From our side, there are encouraging signs heading into Q2, with new vacancies coming through and lots of positive action-focused conversations. If March is anything to go by, the next quarter looks set to be a busy one.

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • Tesco partners with Adobe to personalise Clubcard rewards using AI, tailoring offers to individual customers and improving engagement across digital channels as retailers look to drive loyalty and customer value READ MORE
  • Visa launches agentic commerce tools to support AI-led shopping journeys, helping retailers integrate with emerging AI assistants and enabling more seamless discovery, decision-making and payment experiences across digital channels READ MORE
  • Primark launches its first UK mobile app to support phygital growth, connecting in-store and online journeys with features designed to improve product discovery, availability and customer engagement across channels READ MORE
  • Nike deploys interactive AR mirror experience in JD Sports Oxford Street store, using LoookAI technology to blend physical and digital retail and enhance in-store product engagement and customer experience READ MORE
  • OpenAI pivots its ChatGPT shopping strategy after instant checkout underwhelms, shifting focus toward product discovery and recommendation as AI-led commerce journeys continue to evolve beyond direct transaction READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

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James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | March 2026

March 30, 2026

With the evenings getting lighter and signs of spring starting to appear, it feels like a good moment to take stock of how the year is shaping up so far.

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, January saw a strong start with a high number of new vacancies qualified across the Simply Commerce desk. Since then things have settled slightly, although our pipeline remains healthy and we’re optimistic about how the coming months will develop.

Interview processes are still moving a little slower than we would ideally like to see. In a competitive talent market, we know all too well that the businesses who move decisively tend to secure the strongest candidates, so there’s a real opportunity for hiring teams to act quickly when the right people become available.

Encouragingly, we’ve seen a gradual increase in demand for commercial hires, particularly across sales and partnerships roles throughout the UK.

More broadly, the market continues to show strong buying signals. Interest in areas such as personalisation and loyalty remains high, and with AI accelerating capability in these areas the opportunity for brands is significant, even if investment decisions are still being made carefully.

AI is also beginning to influence hiring processes themselves, with more companies experimenting with automated screening tools at the first stage. The reaction in the market is mixed. Personally, I’m not entirely convinced yet, although there may well be a place for these tools in the near future. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • John Lewis is testing ways for customers to discover and buy products through AI assistants and social platforms, reflecting how conversational AI and social commerce are beginning to reshape ecommerce discovery READ MORE
  • Just Eat begins UK trial of autonomous delivery robots with pilots in Bristol and Milton Keynes. The test reflects a broader push across retail and ecommerce to automate last-mile logistics and improve delivery efficiency READ MORE
  • Boots accelerates data-driven beauty strategy using loyalty data from its 17m Advantage Card members (alongside AI trend platforms) to identify emerging products faster and bring viral beauty brands to market more quickly READ MORE
  • European fashion marketplace, Zalando, expects operating profit to rise as AI-generated product imagery, virtual try-ons and smarter logistics reduce costs and returns while increasing customer engagement across its ecommerce platform READ MORE
  • Ocado confirmed plans to reduce headcount across its global operations as robotics and warehouse automation improve productivity across fulfilment centres and its technology platform READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | January 2026

February 15, 2026

A quick look back first of all on December – and it’s fair to say that things didn’t slow down as much as expected, with new vacancies continuing right through the month. That momentum carried straight into January, making for a very busy start to the year for the Simply Commerce team, as well as many of our clients.

Early signs suggest retail delivered a strong peak trading period, reflected in increased spend and a more confident tone in post-Christmas trading conversations. While caution hasn’t disappeared completely, investment feels more targeted and closely tied to performance and scalability.

Platform discussions continue to evolve. Shopify remains the clear leader in ecommerce and we expect that trend to continue through the year. That said, Salesforce Commerce Cloud is coming up more frequently in UK conversations, particularly for brands beyond the £60m turnover mark where total cost of ownership is under closer scrutiny.

AI continues to dominate the agenda. No surprise there perhaps, although the pace of change is forcing businesses to act, not just explore, which is already shaping hiring and investment decisions early in the year.

From our side, the data reflects that momentum. New jobs are up 15% on January last year, with a significantly stronger qualified pipeline to match. An encouraging start, and a strong signal of what’s to come. Happy new year indeed!

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • Amazon confirmed plans to significantly increase AI infrastructure investment in 2026, triggering sharp market reaction. The move highlights both the scale of AI ambition and ongoing investor caution around spend versus return READ MORE
  • Tesco tech report highlights digital transformation trends – Tesco’s 2026 “We Know the Nation” report emphasises AI-enabled personalisation and streamlined online experiences as key drivers of customer loyalty and long-term ecommerce growth READ MORE
  • Game is to close its final standalone stores. After entering administration, the Frasers Group-owned gaming retailer confirmed it will shut its last high-street shops and focus solely on ecommerce and concessions in 200+ Sports Direct and House of Fraser stores READ MORE
  • eBay confirmed increases to final value and per-order fees for UK and Germany sellers, marking one of the platform’s most significant policy changes in recent years. The move has prompted debate among merchants about profitability and marketplace competitiveness in 2026 READ MORE
  • TikTok Shop is rolling out Fulfilled by TikTok across Europe (including Germany, France, Spain and Italy), letting sellers ship into local warehouses with TikTok handling warehousing, delivery and returns. The move reflects social commerce evolving into a full-blown ecommerce and logistics proposition READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | November 2025

December 20, 2025

Early signs online and the latest spend data suggest the Black Friday weekend in the UK delivered a solid performance, with total spend coming in just under £4 billion, up 4.5% on last year. As expected, online continued to dominate as the primary channel, reinforcing just how embedded digital purchasing now is across consumer behaviour.

I think it’s fair to say that market conversations more generally remain varied and encouraging. While retail continues to be heavily led by data, we’re seeing some of the bigger transformational programmes taking shape outside of traditional retail, particularly within non-profit organisations and utilities companies. Across retail, the most agile organisations are likely to be the ones that pull ahead. Being able to access, understand, and act on data quickly remains absolutely critical.

I heard an interesting comment last week that “businesses have the money, they just don’t want to write the cheque.” I’d challenge that slightly based on our own conversations, but it does underline that caution is still present when it comes to signing off on project budgets. Confidence is building, but diligence remains high.

That said, the pipeline for next year is really starting to take shape. We’re already seeing early demand across testing and engineering, with product owners and senior sales professionals also emerging as key areas of focus. With our expansion across the broader digital transformation space, both B2B and B2C, we’re well placed to support organisations as hiring plans begin to firm up, whether that’s scaling technical delivery teams, strengthening product functions, or bringing in senior commercial talent, with encouraging momentum already building into the new year.

On a personal note, a final thank you for the continued support this year. I hope you have a restful Christmas and a happy, healthy, and successful New Year.

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • Jo Malone London launched an AI-powered “Scent Advisor” tool, a new online experience built with Google Cloud AI, designed to help customers discover their perfect fragrance through a conversational journey that ’emulates the feel of an in-store consultation’ READ MORE
  • Morrisons launched its “Talking Tills” initiative – a temporary slower-checkout option designed to combat loneliness, while reinforcing the growing focus on differentiated in-store customer experience alongside the rise of automation and ecommerce READ MORE
  • Lloyds Banking Group explores using AI and blockchain to speed up the UK home-buying process, with the aim of cutting paperwork, reducing delays and simplifying mortgages and conveyancing for buyers and lenders alike READ MORE
  • BT has launched a sovereign data platform for UK public-sector and business customers, enabling data, cloud, AI and voice services to be stored and processed within the UK for enhanced security, compliance, and resilience READ MORE
  • eBay has teamed up with InPost so UK buyers and sellers can now send and receive parcels via their 12,000-strong locker and parcel-shop network, offering 24/7 convenience and boosting flexibility for online shopping fulfilment READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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Industry News & Headlines | October 2025

November 13, 2025

Conversations across the digital commerce world are as lively as ever, with plenty happening across both B2C and B2B. The themes may sound familiar – data, transformation, and platform growth – but the energy behind them feels stronger than it has in months.

Data has dominated much of the conversation this quarter. Governance, security, and the challenge of managing first- and third-party sources are still top of the list, as businesses look for smarter ways to use information, not just collect it.

Internally, Q4 got off to a slower start than expected, but we’re far from discouraged. The opportunities are there – they’re just taking a little longer to convert. Contract demand remains buoyant across every region we cover, and our teams have had a busy few weeks of face-to-face meetings across the UK and Benelux, with plenty of productive conversations.

The Dutch market continues to show real momentum heading into 2026, while Germany still feels behind the curve on transformation; though the appetite for change is growing. We’re also seeing an uptick in demand for near-shore resources as businesses balance capability, cost, and proximity in smarter ways.

All told, there’s a lot to be positive about. The market feels active, conversations are meaningful, and confidence is slowly but surely translating into action. Here’s to a strong finish to the year!

Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month

  • Waitrose unveils its first “Home of Food Lovers” concept store in Newbury – 27,000 sq ft, powered by a record £50m tech investment, featuring specialist food counters and AI/digital in-store tools READ MORE
  • Tesco has boosted its rapid-grocery delivery service Whoosh via a new partnership with Just Eat Go, enhancing fulfilment speed and capability ahead of key trading periods READ MORE
  • Marks & Spencer has launched on TikTok Shop, making its most-loved beauty and home-fragrance products instantly shoppable in-app; a strategic move to meet younger customers where they discover and buy READ MORE
  • Frasers Group’s new Sports Direct flagship in Liverpool opened last month, combining retail, wellness and media-driven innovation. The 65,000 sq ft, three-storey site integrates its proprietary ELEVATE platform and an in-store gym (Everlast Gyms+) to transform the physical store into a dynamic brand experience READ MORE
  • Morrisons is rolling out electronic shelf labels (ESLs) across its entire supermarket estate of 497 sites, in partnership with Vusion Group, making it the first major UK grocer to adopt this technology at scale READ MORE

Each month we send out the latest industry news and headlines, plus sector insight such as this via our newsletter, The Pulse. This also includes the latest jobs and internal news… click HERE  to subscribe

 

Written by:

James Hodges

Director of Client Engagement

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