Welcome to the Digitization Sprint for Retailers

Almost every industry around the world has been transformed due to the ongoing global pandemic, but one industry facing disruptions from every angle is global retail. Everything from manufacturing demand to shipping delays to purchasing behavior has drastically shifted, which has led to a rise in ecommerce.

These overnight changes could very well be permanent, and for that reason we've created a multi-week course, the Digitization Sprint for Retailers, to help entrepreneurs get started with ecommerce. Anyone just beginning their journey into online retail and anyone looking to optimize their existing business will benefit from participating.

Throughout this course you'll hear from industry insiders as they explain the ins and outs of online retail. You can explore our industry reports and market insights to gain a better understanding of the ecommerce landscape. Join us for Expert Q&A's, where they'll answer questions from emerging entrepreneurs and discuss the best strategies for digital retail success.

1.1 Getting started

Hear from CEO and Founder of ZonGuru Jon Tilley as he discusses the effects of COVID-19, the long-term implications, and how businesses can adapt and grow to remain relevant.

1.2 Marketplace 101

Explore the pros and cons of this versatile ecommerce channel

Brought to you by geekspeak Commerce

1.2.2 Finding the right product

Learn the ins and outs of product research

1.3 Accessing resources and community

Discover the resources available to you when starting an online business and learn how to qualify and apply for specialized funding programs.

1.4 Discussion on online retail trends

October 7 2PM ET: Alibaba.com Transformer Talk

Join John Caplan in live conversation with Elevate Brands Co-founder Ryan Gnesin. They’ll be discussing online retail trends and what it takes to be a successful seller.

Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Alibaba.comGlobal) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/alibaba-com) to be notified when the event goes live!

1.5 Expert Q&A

September 16 at 4PM ET: Getting started in online retail with geekspeak Commerce, Silk Software and Alibaba.com.

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2.1 Attracting customers with winning products

Ensure you’re stocking the hottest products with our Must-Stock Guide for Retailers: Fall 2021

Get insights on the next potential retail trends from the Alibaba.com B2B Pulse

2.2 Digital marketing and merchandising

Attract customers with these free ways to drive more traffic to your storefront

Brought to you by Ecwid

Drive sales with these product merchandising and marketing tips

Brought to you by geekspeak Commerce

2.3 Expert Q&A

September 29 3PM ET: How to optimize your product and marketing mix

Join industry leaders from ZonGuru and Ecwid to learn more about keyword research and how you can optimize your online marketing efforts.

Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Alibaba.comGlobal) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/alibaba-com) to be notified when the event goes live!

3.1 Sourcing

Check out the complete guide to sourcing on Alibaba.com

Learn how to vet suppliers, request samples, negotiate prices, and more in this series of lessons centered around global sourcing.

3.2 Shipping and logistics

Learn about Incoterms, what they are, how to understand them, and which ones will affect you when globally sourcing products.

Discover the top import pitfalls, how to avoid them, how to ensure your products will arrive as expected, and the top tips and tricks for successfully shipping and importing products for online retail.

3.3 Dropshipping

Learn the pros and cons of dropshipping. Is dropshipping right for you? What it is, and how it can help your business.

Learn how to succeed in Dropshipping using Alibaba.com.

3.4 Expert Q&A

October 7 at 2PM ET: Join Head of Alibaba.com, North America and Europe John Caplan and Co-Founder and CEO of Elevate Brands Ryan Gnesin for a Transformer Talk about the "New Digital Entrepreneur."

4.1 Protecting your business: part 1

Watch this video lesson from ZenBusiness on how to make sure your business is legally compliant.

4.2 Protecting your business: part 2

Check out this video lesson from ZenBusiness about intellectual property, trademarks, patents, and more.

4.3 Expert Q&A

October 14 at 2PM ET: Join us for an Expert Q&A with ZenBusiness CMO Ryan Pitylak as he discusses the fundamentals of starting and protecting your business.

5.1 Maintaining and growing

Learn how to grow your business using Alibaba.com and hear from industry insiders as they discuss the best ways to ensure your business is profitable.

5.2 Expert Q&A

October 19 at 3PM ET: Join us as we sit down with Bradley Sutton of Helium 10 to discuss strategies for maintaining and growing your business.