Crying Horses, TikTok Trouble & Meta’s Master Plan

It’s chaos out there – but in the best possible way. This week, Mal Chia is recording live from Sydney and joined by Alex Ross for a fast-paced round-up of stories shaking up ecommerce, tech, and retail. From viral toys in China to the TikTok/Meta power struggle, this episode covers the cultural trends, algorithm shifts, and economic forces every ecommerce brand should be watching.They unpack a factory error turned viral sensation (the crying horse plushie), why Facebook Marketplace is teaming up with Netflix, and what TikTok’s ownership shake-up could mean for creators and ecommerce sellers alike. They also break down inflation woes, the quiet rise of Threads, and whether Harris Farm is making a risky move by partnering with Amazon.In this episode:The crying horse toy going viral in China – a happy accident with big brand lessonsBridgerton x Facebook Marketplace – clever collab or cultural cash-in?TikTok’s US split: censorship accusations, user decline, and Meta’s moment to shineInflation bites: what rising rates mean for discretionary spend and discountingWhy ecommerce brands need to stop relying on breakneck Black Friday salesReporting season reveals some surprising wins for big-name Aussie brandsHarris Farm partners with Amazon – genius move or future regret?This ep is packed with cheeky banter, hard truths, and actionable insights for any retailer looking to navigate 2026 with smarts (and sanity) intact.