Tuesday 19th August | Join Free
Welcome to your daily Beyond the Basket.
It’s Tuesday, and Best Buy just did its best Amazon impression. Meanwhile, JoJo Maman Bébé wants your baby’s outgrown onesies back, and Amazon’s back in court, this time over rules that may stop sellers from offering better prices elsewhere. Also? EU exports are down and tariffs are up. Lets jump in.
In today’s beyond the basket:
⚖️ Amazon denies price-fixing in UK legal challenge
🛍️ Best Buy launches marketplace, doubles product range
📉 EU exports to US down 10% as tariffs bite
♻️ JoJo Maman Bébé launches resale platform for kidswear
+plus four deep reads and expert analysis, along with two tools that could transform your customer support channels and elevate your UGC collection strategy.
⚖️ Amazon denies price-fixing in UK legal challenge LINK
TL;DR: Amazon has dismissed a new collective legal claim from UK consumer group ACSO, which alleges its marketplace pricing policies led to higher prices for consumers and suppressed competition from other platforms.
Why It Matters: The case, filed on behalf of millions of UK consumers, accuses Amazon of using “most favoured nation” clauses to stop third-party sellers from offering better prices elsewhere, forcing shoppers to pay more and shielding Amazon from competition. Though similar policies were dropped after earlier probes in the UK, Germany, and Japan, ACSO claims Amazon simply rebranded the same tactics. Amazon defends its position by pointing to Profitero data showing it remains the UK’s lowest-priced online retailer for five straight years.
Your Move: Use this case as a reminder to prioritise pricing transparency and compliance with consumer law across all markets. Ensure your pricing policies, especially across marketplaces, are clearly communicated, legally sound, and do not restrict competition, as sellers can be drawn into scrutiny alongside platforms.
🛍️ Best Buy launches marketplace, doubles product range LINK
TL;DR: Best Buy has officially launched its new online marketplace, powered by Mirakl, more than doubling its product assortment with new brands and categories outside core tech.
Why It Matters: This is Best Buy’s largest digital expansion to date, moving beyond electronics to include home decor, furniture, small appliances, toys, sports merch, and even musical instruments. The marketplace model lets Best Buy rapidly scale its catalog without holding inventory, similar to Amazon or Walmart, while keeping in-store perks like returns and customer support. Key new sellers include Beach Camera and Fanatics, with in-store staff trained to support the broader assortment. It’s a strategic bet on turning digital scale into omnichannel advantage.
Your Move: With a growing number of retailers expanding their marketplace offerings, now is a prime moment for DTC brands and online retailers to expand reach. Explore partnerships with platforms like Best Buy, Target Plus, or Macy’s Marketplace to get in front of ready-to-buy, low CAC audiences without relying solely on paid media.
📉 EU exports to US down 10% as tariffs bite LINK
TL;DR: EU exports to the U.S. fell 10% YoY in June, dropping to €40B as new tariffs took effect. This marks the lowest level since late 2023, after a surge in March ahead of tariff enforcement.
Why It Matters: The new 15% baseline tariff on EU goods, and lingering uncertainty over auto-specific rates, has reshaped trade flows. Exports are also being pressured by a strong euro and global economic unease. European carmakers, in particular, are caught in limbo as negotiations on final rates continue. Meanwhile, 80% of chief product officers at major U.S. firms now expect negative tariff impacts, up from 56% in May. This uncertainty is affecting inventory planning, pricing strategies, and consumer sentiment.
Your Move: If you’re importing from Europe, revisit sourcing and pricing strategies now. Explore local production, alternate markets, or inventory front-loading to offset tariff risks, especially if your category is vulnerable to future hikes.