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 lessons
Bridgerton x Facebook Marketplace – clever collab or cultural cash-in?
TikTok’s US split: censorship accusations, user decline, and Meta’s moment to shine
Inflation bites: what rising rates mean for discretionary spend and discounting
Why ecommerce brands need to stop relying on breakneck Black Friday sales
Reporting season reveals some surprising wins for big-name Aussie brands
Harris 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.

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