Shopify Entrepreneur Weekly

Hey there,

Running your store is no small feat, but every challenge you tackle brings you closer to building something incredible. As you navigate the fast-paced world of ecommerce, remember: each step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Keep pushing - you’ve got this! 💪

Here’s what’s in this week’s newsletter:

• Ecommerce updates: From Google’s AI-powered shopping tools to new EU parcel handling fees and upcoming BNPL regulations.

• Opportunities for Shopify store owners and operators: Earn $100–$450 by sharing your expertise in 1:1 interviews with app developers.

• Themes & updates: Discover new Shopify themes like Nova, Carbon, and Sampo, plus major updates to the Symmetry theme.

• Photo of the week: Selena Gomez teams up with Oreo for a limited-edition horchata-inspired cookie.

Let’s dive in and make this week a productive one! 🚀

Key ecommerce updates

Google is introducing AI-powered shopping tools, including personalized product discovery via AI Mode, agentic checkout using Google Pay, and a virtual dressing room. AI Mode helps users find products tailored to their needs, like travel bags for specific conditions, by running simultaneous searches and refining options dynamically. Powered by Gemini and Shopping Graph, these features launch in the US this summer, though referral data won’t be shared with merchants.

Handling fee on low-value parcels from platforms like Shein and Temu is being proposed by the EU to cover compliance costs and support fair competition for European retailers. A €2 fee would apply to direct-from-China deliveries, while a €0.50 fee would cover goods handled by EU warehouses. The proposal requires approval from EU governments and Parliament.

Tariffs remain a key focus for President Trump, who recently threatened to raise EU tariffs to 50% by June 1, 2025, citing trade deficits and slow negotiations. Initially set at 20%, then reduced to 10%, the deadline for talks has now been extended to July 9 after a "positive" call with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. In related news, Trump also proposed a 25% tariff on all foreign-made iPhones and Samsung phones to push manufacturing to the U.S., sparking potential legal challenges from California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Buy Now Pay Later providers in the UK will face new rules from the Financial Conduct Authority in 2026, including affordability checks, faster refunds, and access to the Financial Ombudsman. The changes aim to regulate the growing BNPL sector, which saw 6.8 million first-time users in 2025, and reduce consumer debt.

Walmart now allows sellers to use Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) to fulfill Walmart Marketplace orders, provided they follow strict guidelines. Sellers must use neutral packaging, block Amazon Logistics as a carrier, and avoid using Amazon promotional materials. Retail arbitrage and marking items as "shipped" before they leave Amazon's warehouse remain prohibited. This policy update is seen as a win for multi-channel sellers, simplifying processes and reducing risks, while Amazon is also becoming more flexible with Walmart Fulfillment Services.

Get paid to share your Shopify expertise

Your experience running a Shopify brand makes you a perfect fit for 1:1 interviews with top Shopify app developers.

These product teams are building the next generation of eCommerce tools – and they want your feedback.

You’ll earn $100–$450 per 30–60 min session and get early influence on the tools that power your business.

Here’s a sneak peek at current opportunities:

• 💰 Shopify owners/managers looking to cut support costs – $120 / 60 min

• 📊 Seeking Shopify merchants in beauty or fashion selling expert-driven products – $100 / 45 min

• 🤖 Seeking Product Feedback for Shopify Chatbot – $250 for 30 min

• 🌎 Calling Growth-Minded Entrepreneurs: Unlock Your Store’s Full Potential – $450 / 30 min

• 🔁 Customer Engagement Through Live Chat: A Study on real-time support for online shoppers – $150 / 30 min

There are 40+ projects live now, with new ones added weekly.

Spots fill up fast – join now to get matched with relevant, high-paying sessions.​

👉 Sign up as a participant (it’s free and takes under 2 minutes)

New themes in stock

Nova by Mile High Themes – $350 USD

Elevate your store with Apple-style animations and seamless transitions for an immersive shopping experience. Designed for speed, SEO, and accessibility, Nova ensures lightning-fast performance and higher rankings. Easy to set up with intuitive sections, no coding skills needed—perfect for launching your store quickly and engaging customers effortlessly.

Carbon by E-commerce Studio – $350 USD

A sleek, high-converting theme for fashion-forward brands. Carbon offers playful, functional design, upsell features, a free shipping bar, and eye-catching animations for a unique shopping experience.

Sampo by Woolman – $350 USD

Crafted for online stores that prioritize conversions and usability, this theme offers dynamic product pages that highlight key features with rich visuals and engaging content. Enhance the shopping experience with seamless add-to-cart functionality across all pages and a product page built to drive sales. Simplify navigation with versatile, customizable mega menus featuring multi-level options, images, promos, and rich content for effortless product discovery.

Major theme updates

Symmetry 7.5.0 by Clean Canvas is here with exciting updates focused on creating faster, smoother, and more accessible shopping experiences.

Key UX upgrades include:

• Icon columns on product pages

• “Skip to product info” link

• Countdown timers and color scheme controls

• Rounded buttons and icon color settings

• Image blend effects for product and collection views

• Transparent header fade and customizable testimonial star colors

• App blocks in pop-up and cart

• Performance has also been enhanced:

• Faster carousels

• Cleaner “Add to cart” flow

• Improved swatch tooltip contrast

• Jump-free logo loading

• Accessibility improvements across the platform

• "Article pages" are now called "Blog post"

• Redesigned blog cards

• Streamlined paddings

• Removed legacy templates

Need help upgrading or switching your theme? Connect with top Shopify developers and designers in just minutes! – Submit a project.

Photo of the week

Oreo teamed up with Selena Gomez to create a limited-edition horchata-inspired cookie. Inspired by her love for horchata, the cookie features chocolate and cinnamon creme mixed with sweetened condensed milk, sandwiched between chocolate-cinnamon wafers. Gomez called the collaboration a full-circle moment, as she grew up loving the cookies.

That's it for today!

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