you've screamed into your phone, demanding Alexa find your online store, only for the results to be those of your competitors, or worse, nothing resembling your store.

President Trump’s announcement of sweeping global tariffs has sent shockwaves through the U.S. eCommerce sector. these tariffs, primarily targeting Chinese-made goods, aim to bring manufacturing back to American soil and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign supply chains.   but for thousands of eCommerce brands these policies are creating new and immediate challenges.

as an eCommerce founder aiming to scale, you’ve likely invested in performance marketing, influencer partnerships, and maybe even a killer packaging experience. there’s a crucial new element, however, that can quietly make or break your growth: how artificial intelligence interprets your digital identity.

social commerce isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a pivotal sales channel transforming how consumers discover and buy products online. for eCommerce founders looking to scale, this is more than an opportunity—it’s a necessity.

brands are notorious for investing heavily in perfecting the pre-purchase experience. from building sleek landing pages to fine-tuning ad campaigns, online stores are diligent about the customer's journey, until post-purchase.

TikTok has created an atmosphere where eCommerce brands can drive viral product discovery, fuel organic growth, and convert real-time engagement into revenue. with growing political scrutiny and potential U.S. bans looming over TikTok’s future, however, founders are left asking: if TikTok disappears, how will i fill the void?

in a significant shift, Google has announced it will no longer proceed with its plan to phase out third-party cookies in its Chrome browser. This decision, reversing a strategy initiated in 2020, has substantial implications for eCommerce businesses that rely on these cookies for targeted advertising and customer insights.​

the pressure for founders and leaders to stay ahead of eCommerce trends only increases as more and more eCommerce companies flood mainstream media. access to a wealth of information, tips from pros, and hands-on workshops are just some of the resources that modern-day eCommerce founders need. extending these resources beyond just a 2 or 3-day event is critical as we welcome the next generation of online companies.

the eCommerce landscape is always changing, offering both exciting opportunities and tough challenges for business owners. as we look forward to eCommerce Carnival 2026 april 3 to 5 in santa monica, california, industry professionals are preparing to address crucial issues that impact eCommerce brands today.

founders, owners, and directors of eCommerce brands are invited to join eCommerce Carnival in santa monica, ca april 3-5, 2026.