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Shopify X Walmart: Will this marriage topple Amazon?

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BY CHRISTINA GWIRA

It seems that most of my articles for the past couple of months have surrounded two things: podcasts and Shopify… and with good reason. Firstly, with the advent of quarantine, work-from-home orders and the like, more people were looking for something to do and be preoccupied while doing the mundane. However, Shopify has also been continuously popping up in the news, and this week is the same: Shopify is in the news again for doing something big. I got the news on Monday, June 15th, 2020 that Shopify and Walmart were teaming up in a big way.

What kind of way might you ask?

Walmart is planning on bringing Shopify onboard to assist them in overhauling the eCommerce department of their business. Next to Amazon, Shopify is slowly becoming the darling of the internet: a rising stock price; a BOOM in traffic to ALL Shopify stores since COVID-19 hit; a partnership with Facebook barely a month ago (we reported on that, check the previous edition) and now this partnership with the legend that is Walmart.

But what does this mean for the little guy, people like you and I?

Well, at the moment, we can’t use or tap into the possibility of this partnership just yet. People everywhere are gunning for Amazon’s spot and Walmart more than anyone. They’ve been slowly lagging behind in the eCommerce race and have continued to lose market dominance to Amazon’s speedy delivery, massive warehouses and even on price, but barely. I must say, if before you were ignoring the behemoth that is Amazon, you better think again. I myself had never purchased from Amazon till I was unable to purchase goods from my local favorites. I wasn’t able to find products in store due to COVID-19, so I went online, to Amazon, to see whether I could stock up. Lo and behold not only was I able to stock up on what I needed, I was also able to get it at a great price WITH free shipping.

From what has been revealed, the Shopify-Walmart partnership would allow (at the present moment) American merchants to sell their products on Walmart’s soon to be rolled out, brand, spanking new, Shopify powered marketplace. Shopify anticipates that approximately 1,200 merchants will be using the new Walmart marketplace to sell their products. Can you imagine the possibilities? This would provide Shopify shop owners with the opportunity to get in front of some 120 million people, who currently use the current iteration of the Walmart marketplace on a monthly basis.

Of course, with news of this partnership, there came the jump in Shopify’s stock price. Touted as the darling of the Canadian markets, Shopify has beaten long-standing RBC as Canada’s most valued publicly traded company. At the time of this writing, Shopify’s current stock price sits at $817.36 USD, a far cry from the $300+ it was trading at at the beginning of September 2019.

This is something that I cannot stress enough, especially as a web designer, but also a member of the black community. If you have a product that you would like to sell to the masses, the best thing that you can do is start your online store today. Don’t wait till tomorrow. As each day passes on, there are more and more opportunities to bring your vision to the world. With tools like Shopify and the internet at large at your back, you have the power to be able to change the tide for your generational tree. This partnership could be just the thing that could catapult your business to the next level.

I am hopeful and very excited to see how Shopify plans to integrate the standard Shopify backend with the Walmart marketplace. Funny enough, I have a client who is currently working on integrating his store with Amazon… maybe he should wait a while and see what this partnership could look like for his business…

Girl boss, Christina Gwira happens to be a technology wiz, and now heads up our Technology Specialist Column. She became her own boss for the first time in 2008. Running her own business provided her with the lessons and experience she needed, and now,she is running three successful businesses, has over 10+ years in business,and 1.5+ million views on Youtube. “My calling is to prevent other millennial entrepreneurs from going through some of the hardships I went through. I am here to equip bloggers, brand builders and business owners with the framework to build a brand, ready to impact this digital age.”

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How Toronto’s Caribbean Community is Leading in Digital Innovation

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Toronto’s Caribbean community is making significant strides in the realm of digital innovation, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic force within the city’s tech sector. This burgeoning influence spans across various sectors, including technology incubation, digital education, and entrepreneurship, underscoring a profound impact on Toronto’s digital economy.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

The Caribbean community in Toronto is actively contributing to a culture of innovation that is pivotal for the city’s future advancements. Through collaboration with local and international businesses, startups, and academic institutions, this community is part of the driving force behind Toronto’s position as a hub for innovation. The city is home to over 70 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, offering programs that support startups in technology, manufacturing, food production, fashion, arts, and music.

Central to this ecosystem is the MaRS Centre, one of the world’s largest urban innovation hubs, which houses entrepreneurs building Canada’s next generation of growth companies. Toronto’s impressive tech industry, supported by giants like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Google, and Facebook, benefits from the diverse talents and innovative spirit of the Caribbean community​​.

Digital Education and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The Toronto Caribbean community’s commitment to digital education and entrepreneurship is evident through initiatives such as the Toronto Reference Library. This hub invites users of all ages and skill levels to explore digital creation, offering activities and workshops on topics like 3D printing, graphic novel book clubs, and crafting circles. Such programs are crucial for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation, enabling community members to acquire and refine digital skills.

Contribution to the Digital Economy

In the rapidly evolving digital economy, Toronto’s Caribbean community is not just a participant but a trendsetter. This is evident in the diverse range of digital services thriving in the city, including sectors such as life sciences and healthcare. The community’s innovative spirit contributes significantly to the city’s standing as a leading North American tech hub, with a vibrant biotechnology cluster and a comprehensive network of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators, and venture capital organizations. Also, initiatives like the Caribbean Digital Summit and The LEGUP Wealth Symposium featuring leaders from Caribbean governments and the tech industry, exemplifies the community’s active engagement and leadership in digital transformation and governance on a broader scale​​.

The real-time table games in Canada exemplify the wide array of online services prospering under this innovative umbrella. This digital sector benefits from the technological advancements and entrepreneurial drive within the Caribbean community, illustrating the diverse impact on Toronto’s digital landscape.

Toronto’s Caribbean community is playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s digital innovation landscape. Through a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, this vibrant community is contributing to Toronto’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. The synergy between the Caribbean community and the broader tech ecosystem in Toronto is proof of the power of diversity in driving progress and creativity in the digital age.

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Jamaica’s Back-to-Back CONCACAF Gold Cup Final Appearances

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Jamaica, a small island in the Caribbean, may not be one of the first countries that come to mind when you think of soccer. However, in recent years, the Reggae Boyz have been making waves. And following the underdog stories unfolding at the current African Cup of Nations, the Jamaicans may well feel that success is just around the corner.

2024 – A Big Year For International Football

In the Ivory Coast this winter, AFCON has been making waves following the stunning early exits of almost every heavy hitter. The likes of Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana all bowed at the group stage, while Egypt and Morocco followed them in the round of 16.

But it isn’t just Africa that has a continental competition taking place this year. Both the 2024 European Championships and Copa America will take place, tournaments that online sports betting sites have made England and Argentina the favorites to win, respectively. Caribbean involvement will have to wait until next year when the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup gets underway, and Jamaica will be hoping to channel their success from years gone by into action.

2015

The 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup was held in Canada and the United States, with Jamaica competing against some of the best teams from North and Central America. Despite being underdogs in many matches, the Reggae Boyz managed to make it all the way to the final. Inspired by the performances of former Premier League wingers Jobi McAnuff and Gareth McCleary, the Caribbean outfit defeated the highly-rated Costa Rica to top Group B.

That set up a meeting with Haiti in the quarterfinals, and a goal from former Derby County man Giles Barnes was enough to secure a narrow 1-0 victory. In the semifinals, they met a much fancied United States in front of 70,000 raucous fans at the Georgia Dome. But they weren’t intimidated, racing into a two-goal lead before clinging on for dear life in the second half and eventually running out 2-1 victors. Unfortunately, they were ultimately downed 3-1 by Mexico in the final, but not before they had captured the hearts of North America.

2017

Two years later, in 2017, Jamaica once again found themselves in the final of the tournament. This time around they faced the reigning champion Mexicans in the group stage, holding them to a goalless draw. Victories against Curacao and a draw with El Salvador were enough to seal their spot in the knockout round however, they headed into the latter stages as an unfancied side once more.

In the quarterfinals, the Jamaicans duly brushed aside Canada thanks to goals from Shaun Francis and Romario Williams. That set up a meeting with Mexico once again, and this time around, they would have their redemption. Fullback Kemar Lawrence scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute, leaving El Tri stunned and sealing the Reggae Boyz’ spot in the final.

There, they faced off against the hosting United States at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California – home of the San Francisco 49ers. The Jamaicans were hoping to repeat their heroics of two years prior and come out on top, however, this time around it was the Stars and Stripes that ran out victorious. With the contest level at one goal apiece, Seattle Sounders striker Jordan Morris popped up with an 88th-minute winner to secure the victory.

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Staying Safe: A Guide to Responsible Gambling in Ontario

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If you want to test your luck, gambling is one of the most thrilling activities. But it’s important that every player practices safe gambling habits. Since gambling sites are easy to access, players are at a higher risk of problem gambling.

The Ontario government has put several measures in place to promote responsible gambling at online casinos. Both the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario work together to ensure all legal gambling is conducted in a safe manner and players are aware of the risks.

To better dive into the topic we’ve asked gambling experts from CasinoRIX to share their awareness and competence. CasinoRIX Ontario is well-known for the focus on responsible gambling and how it affects the players’ well-being. Below, we’ll unveil more insight on how you can stay safe when you gamble online.

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Before you play casino games online, you should be familiar with the concept of responsible gambling. Basically, it’s using a set of principles to minimize any risks of gambling. You should also be aware of what risks are involved with gambling and how they could affect you.

Some basic rules to follow for a responsible gambling experience include:

  • Setting limits for how much you spend and how long you play.
  • Gamble for entertainment only.
  • Never chase losses.
  • Only bet money that you can afford to lose.

One thing to remember about gambling is that there is never a guarantee that you will win. The results are always random. It’s very easy to get caught up in the thrill of playing casino games, especially if you have won big in the past.

Government Regulations and Support Services

All online casinos must register for a license with AGCO in order to operate in Ontario. AGCO is responsible for regulating online casinos and gambling activity. Their goal is to ensure that online casinos are working in a safe and accountable manner.

In order for a casino to qualify for an AGCO license, it must meet specific standards. This will include a full review of policies, games, culture, advertising/marketing, and other features.

An AGCO license is the most important thing to look for when you want to gamble at a safe online casino in Ontario. However, there are other resources available that are aimed at helping to limit the risks of problem gambling. This includes:

  • Responsible Gambling Council– a non-profit agency with helpful information and resources.
  • ConnexOntario– 24/7 support focused on problem gambling, mental health, and addiction.
  • OLG PlaySmart– helpful information on making good choices while gambling.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

Playing casino games can be a lot of fun. But, it’s only a fun experience if you’re playing responsibly. That’s why you should always follow rules to ensure you play safe and responsibly. Here are some tips for responsible gambling:

  • Play within your budget. Your gambling budget should be an amount that you’re comfortable losing.
  • Set a time limit. Avoid playing casino games for long periods of time. If you do plan on playing games all night, make sure you take breaks in between.
  • Wager on games you’re familiar with. You should always know the rules and odds of a game before placing a bet. You can also play demo rounds of casino games to become familiar with them before wagering.
  • Accept your losses. You should always be mentally prepared to lose money when gambling. Avoid the temptation to win back the money you lost because it usually results in losing more money.
  • Only gamble for fun. It’s not a legitimate way to make money. Casino games are for entertainment purposes.
  • Know the warning signs. Every gambler should be aware of what warning signs point to problem gambling. This includes increasing your gambling budget, borrowing money to place bets, and neglecting your responsibilities to gamble, among many other signs.

Community Initiatives and Education

One of the best community programs for safe gambling education is the Responsible Gambling Council. This is a non-profit organization that’s focused on preventing problem gambling and creating gambling safeguards. They have been leaders in the industry for over 40 years.

The main initiative of this organization is to promote a positive change with gambling. They also provide several programs, like the Discovery Conference and Youth Gambling Awareness Program.Conclusion

We believe that every player needs to be aware of the risks of gambling to develop safe habits. The concept of responsible gambling is to promote safe practices and minimize risks. Setting rules and limits before you play is an excellent way to start off your experience on the right path.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of problematic gambling, there are several support resources available. This includes the Responsible Gambling Council, ConnexOntario, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

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