<p><strong>Summary: </strong>In this episode, Stephen Brown and Preston Alder discuss their predictions for the e-commerce landscape in 2026. They cover a range of topics including tariffs, interest rates, inflation, the rise of AI, the value economy, and the implications of a K-shaped economy. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities that e-commerce businesses will face, emphasizing the importance of execution excellence and inventory optimization. They also explore the potential risks associated with private equity in the current economic climate. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong> </p><ul><li>Tariffs are likely at peak levels but will stay elevated long term. </li></ul><ul><li>Sellers should budget assuming current tariff rates do not improve. </li></ul><ul><li>Falling interest rates may not reduce ecommerce lending costs. </li></ul><ul><li>Inflation pressure still threatens consumer spending power. </li></ul><ul><li>Consumers continue spending, even under economic stress. </li></ul><ul><li>AI tools are already reducing labor and service costs for operators. </li></ul><ul><li>AI-driven commerce may reshape how customers discover products. </li></ul><ul><li>Ad costs may rise, but better targeting can lower acquisition costs. </li></ul><ul><li>Execution and operational discipline will matter more than size. </li></ul><ul><li>Brands that fail to adapt may not survive the next cycle. </li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Chapters</strong> </p><p> </p><p>00:00 Predicting the Future of E-commerce </p><p>02:13 Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact </p><p>04:59 Interest Rates and Their Implications </p><p>08:48 Inflation: The Consumer's Perspective </p><p>11:48 The Rise of AI in E-commerce </p><p>24:22 Navigating the Value Economy </p><p>30:08 The Importance of Brand Communication </p><p>32:24 AI and Employment Concerns </p><p>34:14 Emerging Channels in E-Commerce </p><p>37:14T he Future of Advertising </p><p>42:10 Winners and Losers in E-Commerce </p><p>46:05 The State of the US Economy </p><p>56:20 The Private Equity Bubble </p><p></p><p>If economic pressure is making your numbers harder to trust, our ecommerce accounting team helps you see what’s really happening so you can plan with confidence.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e23">https://ledgergurus.com/ecommerce-accounting-services/?utm_source=RSS&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=e23</a> </p>