What’s New in E-commerce? — February 27, 2026

Amazon Achieves Record Revenue, Becomes World’s Largest Company

Amazon has reported record revenues, surpassing Walmart to become the world’s largest company by revenue. This growth is fueled by its e-commerce operations and cloud computing division, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the global marketplace. This milestone underscores the increasing importance of online retail and cloud services in the global economy.

Source: News / Read more

eBay to Acquire Depop from Etsy for $1.2 Billion

eBay is set to acquire circular fashion marketplace Depop from Etsy for approximately $1.2 billion. This acquisition aims to expand eBay’s reach to a younger demographic and strengthen its position in the growing resale market. The move reflects the increasing consumer interest in sustainable and secondhand fashion options.

Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

Shopify Dominates New Online Store Creation in Europe

Shopify has emerged as the leading software platform for new online stores in several European countries. In the Netherlands, 54% of new online stores were created using Shopify, followed by 49% in France and 41% in Spain. This growth indicates Shopify’s increasing influence in the European e-commerce landscape, while competitor PrestaShop’s share has declined.

Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

UK Consumers Increasingly Embrace Parcel Lockers

A new study by InPost UK reveals that 41% of UK consumers now receive parcels via lockers, and 44% also use them for sending. This growing trend is fueled by dissatisfaction with traditional home delivery options. The shift highlights the increasing demand for convenient and flexible delivery solutions in the UK e-commerce market.

Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

Packeta Ends Cooperation with Taxydromiki and Speedex in Greece

Packeta is terminating its partnerships with Greek carriers Taxydromiki and Speedex, with the last date for submitting shipments via these carriers being March 30, 2026. Customers shipping to Greece through Packeta should take note of this change and adjust their logistics accordingly. Alternative shipping options via Packeta remain available.

Source: Blog Packeta / Read more

EU Levies 79% Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Ceramics

The European Union has imposed a significant 79% anti-dumping tariff on ceramic and porcelain products imported from China. This measure is expected to impact e-commerce businesses that rely on sourcing these goods from China. The move could potentially extend to other product categories in the future, increasing costs for European importers and potentially shifting sourcing strategies.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

AI-Driven Simulations Close Sales Execution Gaps

ReflexAI is leveraging AI-driven simulations to help organizations improve sales execution by providing measurable readiness and performance insights. This approach aims to bridge the “70% execution gap” often seen in sales, turning practice into tangible results. For cross-border e-commerce, this could mean more effective sales strategies and improved international market penetration.

Source: E-Commerce Times / Read more

AI Fuels a Renaissance in Ecommerce DIY and Content Creation

The rise of AI is enabling a resurgence of do-it-yourself approaches in ecommerce, reminiscent of early innovations. Tools are now available to allow smaller players to compete. Separately, freelance writer Kaleigh Moore notes that AI significantly boosts efficiency for content creation, though it has limitations. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon also stated that AI is reshaping the bank’s workforce, leading to “huge redeployment.”

Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more,  Business News / Read more

Stripe Reportedly Considering Acquiring PayPal

Following a significant drop in PayPal’s stock value, rumors have emerged that competitor Stripe is considering acquiring the company. This potential acquisition could reshape the payment processing landscape, impacting cross-border e-commerce businesses that rely on these platforms for international transactions. The move could lead to integration of services, altered fee structures, and changes in market dominance.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

EU Scales Back Supply Chain Law: Less Pressure for Most Businesses

The EU has significantly rolled back its Supply Chain Law, reducing compliance burdens for many companies. This shift means less pressure on businesses to meticulously monitor their supply chains for ethical and environmental violations. While some companies will still need to adhere to certain regulations, the overall impact is a lighter compliance load for the majority, potentially affecting international trade strategies and risk assessments.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Online Sellers Beware: Design Theft, Copyright Infringement, and Deceptive Advertising Lead to Legal Action

Online retailers face increasing risks of lawsuits related to design theft, trademark infringement, and misleading advertising. Recent cases highlight the importance of protecting original designs and avoiding the use of protected trademarks or copyrighted material without proper licensing. Furthermore, advertising practices, including claims of price reductions or partnerships, must be accurate and substantiated to avoid legal challenges. Ignoring these issues can result in costly legal battles and reputational damage.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Amazon Faces Legal Scrutiny: Marketplace Giant Targeted for Consumer Rights Violations

Even e-commerce giants like Amazon are not immune to legal challenges. The marketplace is currently facing a lawsuit over potential violations of consumer rights, demonstrating that all online platforms, regardless of size, must prioritize compliance with consumer protection laws. This case serves as a reminder that businesses operating on marketplaces must remain vigilant about adhering to regulations to avoid legal repercussions.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Social Media Music Use: Copyright Infringement Can Cost You Thousands

Businesses using music in their TikTok or Instagram content face significant financial risks due to copyright infringement. Fines for unauthorized music usage can easily reach €10,000 or more. Understanding licensing requirements and ensuring compliance with copyright laws is crucial for avoiding these hefty penalties and protecting your business from legal action.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

German Courts Clarify Compensation for Diminished Value After Returns

Two recent reports from Haendlerbund highlight rulings strengthening the rights of German online retailers to claim compensation for diminished value of returned goods. Specifically, the Higher Regional Court of Munich (OLG München) reinforced the obligation of consumers to compensate for value loss after a product’s revocation. This includes instances where the original packaging is missing or the product has been used beyond what is necessary to inspect its condition. These rulings clarify the boundaries of consumer rights and provide legal backing for retailers seeking fair compensation for returned items, impacting return policies and cost recovery strategies for cross-border e-commerce businesses operating in Germany.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

SEO Isn’t Dead, It’s Evolving into a Margin Instrument

Despite the rise of AI Overviews and LLMs impacting organic click-through rates, SEO remains a critical tool, especially as click prices increase. According to etailment.de, organic relevance is becoming a key efficiency reserve for retailers. This shift requires a strategic approach to SEO to maintain and improve margins in a competitive market.

Source: etailment.de / Read more

DHL Expands GoGreen Plus Portfolio, Retains Opt-Out System

DHL Global Forwarding is expanding its GoGreen Plus portfolio with three new models aimed at reducing carbon emissions. However, the opt-out requirement for merchants remains in place. This means businesses must actively choose to avoid the GoGreen Plus options, potentially impacting those seeking to minimize their environmental footprint in cross-border e-commerce logistics.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more