Amazon’s AI Now Understands “No Laces” Means “Slip-On”—Here’s What That Means for Your Listings
Amazon just rolled out research that tackles a long-overdue problem: customers type what they don’t want (“no laces”), and Amazon still shows them exactly that (lace-up shoes). That disconnect hurts the customer experience and your chance to convert.
The issue? Traditional search engines struggle with negation—and more importantly, there’s often a language gap between how customers search and how product listings are written. A customer says “no fingerprints,” but your listing says “anti-smudge.” Same thing, but Amazon didn’t always make the connection.
Now it does.
Amazon is using large language models (LLMs) to rewrite negation-based queries into product-aligned language. So when a shopper types “no glare,” Amazon can reinterpret it as “anti-glare” and surface the right products—if your listing speaks the same language.
Here’s what this means for eCommerce sellers:
- Your language matters more than ever. Amazon’s rewrite model looks for clear, affirmative features—“wireless,” “slip-on,” “anti-odor”—not phrases like “no cords” or “doesn’t smell.” Update your copy to reflect the benefit, not the absence.
- You might see a boost in impressions. As Amazon precomputes rewrites for top queries and applies them in real-time, your listings could start showing up for long-tail searches that weren’t converting before.
- Precision counts. Listings with vague or generic benefits may get left out of this improved search alignment. If you want your products matched to negation-based queries, your titles and bullets need to mirror the phrases Amazon’s models are rewriting to.
Amazon’s internal testing showed up to a 15% increase in relevant search results when the rewrite model was used correctly. That means more qualified traffic for the sellers who are optimized for it.
Bottom line: This is another signal that Amazon is doubling down on semantic relevance. If your listings aren’t speaking the same language as customer intent, you’re going to miss out. Clean up your copy, focus on product benefits, and stay aligned with how Amazon’s AI thinks—because it’s already rewriting the rules of search.
Amazon’s Push for Better Plastics: What Sellers Need to Know
Amazon is advancing its sustainability efforts by developing biodegradable plastics and innovative recycling technologies, aiming to reduce environmental impact and improve packaging efficiency.
The Initiative
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s BOTTLE Consortium, Amazon is transitioning from lab research to commercial trials of biodegradable plastics. These new materials are designed to be derived from renewable resources, easily recyclable, and naturally biodegradable. The focus is on polyester-based biodegradable plastics, which are more susceptible to breakdown due to their molecular structure, specifically the carbon-oxygen ester linkages.
EsterCycle™: A New Recycling Approach
Recognizing the challenges in recycling mixed-waste streams, Amazon partnered with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop EsterCycle™. This technology employs low-energy methanolysis processes with an amine catalyst to selectively break down ester bonds in polymers. Importantly, it can handle a mixed-waste stream of polyesters without requiring extensive sorting, making recycling more practical and economical.
Implications for eCommerce Sellers
- Packaging Compliance: Sellers may need to adapt to new packaging materials that align with Amazon’s sustainability goals. This could involve transitioning to biodegradable or recyclable packaging options.
- Cost Considerations: While sustainable packaging may have different cost structures, it could lead to long-term savings through reduced waste and potential incentives from Amazon.
- Brand Image: Embracing sustainable packaging can enhance brand reputation among environmentally conscious consumers.
- Regulatory Alignment: Staying ahead of environmental regulations by adopting sustainable practices can prevent future compliance issues.
Looking Ahead
Amazon’s commitment to sustainable packaging is reshaping the eCommerce landscape. Sellers should proactively assess their packaging strategies to align with these developments, ensuring they meet both Amazon’s standards and consumer expectations.
Walmart Marketplace: Mastering Item Attribution & Categorization for Enhanced Visibility
Walmart Marketplace is making it clear—accurate item categorization and attribution are critical to helping customers find your products. Whether through Walmart’s internal search or external engines like Google, the way you classify your products directly impacts your visibility and conversion potential.
Understanding the Classification Hierarchy
When setting up a new item, sellers must define three key fields:
- Product Category: The broadest grouping (e.g., “Animals”)
- Product Type Group: A more specific category subset (e.g., “Animal Grooming”)
- Product Type: The most specific classification, tied to a unique set of attributes (e.g., “Animal Shampoos”)
Choosing the correct product type is essential—it determines which attributes are available, affects search relevancy, and even impacts your referral fees.
Why Attributes Matter
Attributes are the descriptive data points like color, size, material, and intended use. They play a direct role in:
- Search optimization: Attributes improve indexing on Walmart.com and Google.
- Customer decision-making: Buyers need clear specs to compare and choose.
- Listing compliance: Walmart requires certain attributes for specific categories.
To maximize impact, Walmart recommends aligning your product titles, descriptions, and key features with the selected attributes.
Fixing Classification Issues
If an item is incorrectly classified—especially into a generic or “miscellaneous” product type—sellers can request a correction:
- Go to “Growth” > “Listing Quality” in Seller Center
- Search for the item and click “Details”
- Under “Product Type,” choose “Report Issue” and submit your reclassification request
Action Steps for eCommerce Sellers
- Audit your catalog regularly to ensure all items are in the correct category
- Match your listings to Walmart’s published content guidelines
- Use the Listing Quality Dashboard to find and fix gaps in attribution
Getting this right isn’t just about compliance—it’s about performance. Correct categorization helps customers find you faster and improves your odds of winning the sale. As Walmart pushes for cleaner taxonomy and stronger data alignment, sellers who stay on top of their item setup will be better positioned to grow.
Shopify’s 13 Proven Strategies to Grow Your Retail Business in 2025
Shopify has laid out a clear playbook for retailers looking to scale in today’s hybrid commerce environment. Whether you’re operating a brick-and-mortar location, a Shopify store, or both, here’s how to position your business for smart growth.
- Analyze Your Business
Use analytics tools to identify customer trends, peak buying times, and inventory movement. Understanding what’s working (and what’s not) is foundational to smarter decision-making. - Enhance In-Store Experience
From layout design to in-store events, prioritize the physical experience. A more engaging shopping environment boosts dwell time and loyalty. - Optimize Inventory Management
Get ahead of stockouts and overstocking by auditing regularly and using inventory management systems. Track seasonality and build strong supplier relationships to stay agile. - Expand Physical Presence
Scaling into larger spaces or opening new locations can capture demand in untapped areas—just ensure you’ve validated market fit. - Launch Pop-Up Shops
Pop-ups are a low-risk way to test products and new regions. They also generate buzz and local awareness fast. - Diversify Sales Channels
Don’t rely solely on one channel. Integrate with social media, online marketplaces, and retail partners to expand your reach. - Introduce New Product Lines
Keep customers engaged by offering complementary or seasonal products. Product expansion is a proven lever for increasing basket size and lifetime value. - Offer Additional Services
Think beyond products. Services like customization, personal shopping, or educational workshops add value and deepen customer relationships. - Implement a Loyalty Program
Reward repeat shoppers with perks that matter—discounts, early access, or exclusive experiences. Loyalty programs are an easy way to boost retention. - Experiment with Pricing Strategies
Try bundling, tiered pricing, or limited-time promotions to drive conversions. Data-driven experimentation can uncover surprising wins. - Innovate Marketing Campaigns
Combine digital and local marketing: run email sequences, paid social, and influencer campaigns alongside community engagement or referral pushes. - Leverage Automation
Use tools to automate tasks like restock alerts, order processing, or customer messages. It reduces overhead and speeds up service. - Utilize Unified Commerce Platforms
A platform that integrates both in-store and online operations can simplify everything from inventory tracking to customer support, while delivering a seamless shopping experience.
Takeaway for eCommerce Sellers
Whether you’re digital-first or omni-channel, these strategies are highly relevant. Streamlining backend ops, automating key workflows, and connecting with customers through multiple touchpoints will be critical for growth in 2025. The brands that blend retail savvy with tech-enabled scale are the ones that will stand out.
Amazon Updates Seller Fulfilled Prime & Premium Shipping Policies – Effective June 29, 2025
Amazon is tightening requirements for Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) and Premium Shipping, aiming to better align with customer expectations and protect seller performance.
What’s Changing:
- Stricter SFP Enrollment & Eligibility: New requirements apply to both new and current SFP sellers.
- Updated Premium Shipping Standards: Higher performance benchmarks are being introduced.
- OTDR (On-Time Delivery Rate) Protections:
- Use OTDR Protected labels via Buy Shipping or Veeqo to avoid penalties for late deliveries (if shipped on time).
- Shipping Settings Automation now shields you from OTDR impacts when Amazon sets delivery promises.
- Regional disruptions won’t count against you if Amazon flags the event.
What Sellers Should Do:
- Review your eligibility for SFP and Premium Shipping.
- Enable Shipping Settings Automation and use OTDR Protected labels.
- Audit your delivery performance ahead of the June 29 deadline.
Amazon is giving sellers more tools—but expects higher standards in return. Adjust now to stay competitive and Prime-eligible.
“Made in USA” Searches Surge on Amazon — But Sales Haven’t Caught Up Yet
Searches for “Made in USA” products on Amazon are up 220% year-over-year, according to data from SmartScout. But despite the spike in interest, actual sales of American-made goods haven’t seen a corresponding lift.
Experts like Jason Boyce (Avenue7Media) and Scott Needham (SmartScout) believe shoppers are browsing out of curiosity or national pride, but still making purchase decisions based on price, reviews, and value—not just origin.
In response, some brands are leaning into the trend. Scott McIntosh of Cell Phone Seat revamped his Amazon listings to emphasize domestic manufacturing and tariff-free pricing, while others are testing patriotic imagery and keyword adjustments.
What eCommerce Sellers Should Do:
- Highlight Domestic Production
If your products are made in the USA, make it obvious. Use this keyword in titles, bullets, and A+ content. - A/B Test Impact
Monitor conversion rates on listings with “Made in USA” messaging to see if it drives performance. - Stay Balanced
The label alone may not sell—customers still expect quality, value, and competitive pricing.
The takeaway: “Made in USA” is a growing signal of interest, but not yet a standalone conversion lever. Position it as a trust-builder, not your whole pitch.
Walmart Resumes Sourcing from China Amid Inventory and Tariff Pressures
Walmart is once again sourcing from select Chinese suppliers as it grapples with inventory shortfalls and rising costs tied to U.S. tariffs. This marks a reversal from its recent pullback on China-based procurement.
Suppliers like Pesitro Healthcare in Jiangsu confirmed that Walmart has asked them to prepare for production as of late April. This pivot comes as stockpiles from early 2025 orders—made in anticipation of tariff hikes—begin to run low.
To maintain supply and avoid price hikes for U.S. shoppers, Walmart is reportedly absorbing additional tariff costs and sticking with previously agreed pricing. Retailers are finding it increasingly difficult to shift sourcing out of China in the short term, highlighting China’s continued dominance in global manufacturing.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has voiced concern over the impact of tariffs on small businesses and inflation, pushing for potential relief measures.
Takeaway for eCommerce Sellers:
- Expect continued pressure on COGS if you rely on China-based manufacturing.
- Walmart’s move suggests a pragmatic approach—tariffs or not, stable supply wins.
- Sellers should monitor sourcing trends and prepare for ongoing volatility in cost structures tied to global policy shifts.
In-Store Retail Media Hits a Tipping Point
Retailers are transforming their physical stores into dynamic media channels, leveraging in-store advertising to engage shoppers at the point of purchase. This shift is driven by the desire to capitalize on first-party data and create new revenue streams through retail media networks.
Key Developments:
- Digital Integration: Stores are incorporating digital screens and interactive displays to deliver targeted advertisements, enhancing the shopping experience and influencing purchasing decisions.
- Data-Driven Strategies: By utilizing customer data, retailers can offer personalized promotions and product recommendations, increasing the effectiveness of in-store marketing efforts.
- Revenue Opportunities: Brands are investing in retail media to gain visibility in high-traffic areas, while retailers benefit from additional advertising income.
Implications for eCommerce Sellers:
- Enhanced Brand Visibility: Collaborating with retailers on in-store media initiatives can boost brand awareness and drive sales.
- Omnichannel Marketing: Integrating in-store media with online campaigns ensures a cohesive brand message across all customer touchpoints.
- Competitive Advantage: Early adoption of in-store retail media strategies can position sellers ahead of competitors in capturing consumer attention.
As the retail landscape evolves, embracing in-store media as part of a comprehensive marketing strategy is becoming increasingly essential for eCommerce success.
Shopify’s Guide to Brand Licensing: A Growth Strategy for eCommerce Sellers
Brand licensing gives businesses the ability to monetize their intellectual property—like brand names, logos, or patented products—by granting others permission to use them in exchange for royalties. For eCommerce sellers, it’s a smart way to expand reach, diversify offerings, and scale without heavy investment.
Types of Brand Licensing:
- Trademark Licensing: Example – Coca-Cola licenses its logo to outside manufacturers, fueling over $1B in retail sales.
- Patent Licensing: Example – Lollacup licenses its patented sippy cup design.
- Character/Entertainment Licensing: Disney licenses characters like Mickey Mouse to apparel and toy makers.
- Software Licensing: Enables resale or use of digital products under license terms.
- Sports Licensing: Allows brands to use sports team logos or player likenesses on merchandise.
Benefits for eCommerce Sellers:
- Enter New Markets: Leverage established brand equity to reach new customer segments.
- Launch New Products Faster: Skip development cycles by licensing IP tied to high-demand brands.
- Create Passive Income: Earn royalty revenue from licensed product sales.
- Fight Counterfeits: Use licensing as a structured way to protect your brand and control distribution.
What to Watch:
- Secure Your IP First: Trademark or patent your assets before entering licensing deals.
- Set Clear Terms: Define scope, regions, timelines, royalty structure, and brand guidelines in contracts.
- Monitor Licensee Performance: Regularly check that your brand is represented properly and profitability holds up.
For eCommerce operators looking to grow beyond their own storefronts, brand licensing is a proven strategy to build scale, credibility, and revenue—without carrying the full weight of product development or marketing.
Tired of scrolling? Give your eyes a break and tune into the latest episode of Selling on Giants: The eCommerce Marketplace Podcast, your go-to for marketplace moves that matter.
Keep up with the latest Amazon and Walmart news updates and subscribe to our BellaVix newsletter 👇👇👇