What’s New in E-commerce? — January 16, 2026
Marketplace Updates: eBay Fees, Amazon Reviews, and European Alternatives
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eBay Increases Fees for Sellers
eBay is increasing its marketplace fees starting in mid-February 2026, impacting sellers with higher sales commissions. This change could affect profitability for cross-border e-commerce businesses relying on the platform. Sellers should review their pricing strategies to account for the increased costs.
Source: News / Read more
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Amazon Modifies Product Review System
Amazon will implement changes to its product review system throughout 2026. The gradual rollout aims to address existing issues and improve the reliability of reviews. Online retailers need to stay informed about these changes to effectively manage their product listings and customer feedback.
Source: News / Read more
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Kaufland Marketplace Aims to Be European E-Commerce Alternative
Kaufland is positioning its marketplace as a European alternative to global e-commerce giants. The platform emphasizes local market needs, European regulations, and fair competition. This provides an opportunity for businesses seeking a marketplace with a focus on the European market.
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WORLDEF DUBAI 2026 to Host Startup Competition
Oraseya Capital will host the “Zero-to-One Startup Competition” at WORLDEF DUBAI 2026 during DUNE Venture Days. The competition aims to support promising early-stage ventures. This event offers a platform for startups to gain visibility and potential investment in the cross-border e-commerce space.
Source: News – WORLDEF News / Read more
Logistics And Delivery: Price Hikes, Consolidation, and Saudi Growth
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Hermes Announces Price Increase for 2026
Hermes will raise prices for national and EU-wide private shipping starting in March 2026, citing significantly increased costs. This price adjustment will likely impact cross-border e-commerce merchants relying on Hermes for deliveries within Europe, potentially requiring them to re-evaluate shipping strategies and pricing.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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Zalando and About You Plan Logistics Network Consolidation
Following their merger, Zalando and About You announced plans to close four logistics centers, including their Erfurt location by the end of September 2026. This consolidation aims to streamline operations and reduce costs, but could lead to temporary disruptions for cross-border sellers using their logistics network.
Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more
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Saudi Arabia’s Delivery Sector Sees Massive Growth
Saudi Arabia’s delivery sector experienced substantial growth in Q4 2025, recording over 124 million orders, a 60% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge indicates a rapidly expanding e-commerce market in Saudi Arabia, presenting significant opportunities for cross-border businesses targeting the region.
Source: WORLDEF News / Read more
Social Commerce: Instagram Dominates in Germany
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Instagram Leads Social Commerce in Germany
A recent study by Bitkom reveals that Instagram is the leading social commerce platform in Germany. 15% of German consumers make purchases directly on Instagram or through redirects to online shops. Facebook follows with 14%, and YouTube with 11%. This highlights the growing importance of social media platforms in the German e-commerce landscape and the potential for cross-border businesses to leverage Instagram for sales.
Source: Ecommerce News / Read more
Cross-border Sales: Temu’s Rise, eBay’s Shipping Solution, and China-Russia Trade
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Temu Matches Amazon in Cross-Border Popularity
Temu has rapidly become a major player in cross-border e-commerce, with 24% of consumers reporting it as the platform where they recently made a cross-border purchase, equaling Amazon’s share. This data comes from the Cross-Border E-Commerce Shopper Survey 2025, highlighting Temu’s swift rise in the global market. This parity signals a significant shift in the competitive landscape, forcing other platforms to adapt.
Source: Ecommerce News / Read more
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eBay Introduces SpeedPak for Streamlined International Shipping
eBay is launching SpeedPak in Germany, a new shipping service designed to simplify international trade for its sellers. The service aims to streamline logistics and reduce shipping complexities, potentially boosting cross-border sales for German merchants on the platform. This initiative reflects eBay’s commitment to facilitating international commerce and improving the seller experience.
Source: News / Read more
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Hunchun Emerges as Digital Trade Hub Between China and Russia
The city of Hunchun, located on the China-Russia border, is developing into a key center for digital frontier trade. By embracing digital technologies, Hunchun is facilitating the movement of goods and creating new opportunities for international commerce between the two countries. This development highlights the growing importance of digital solutions in modernizing traditional border trade routes.
Source: News – WORLDEF News / Read more
AI Automation: Transforming Retail & Identifying Key Challenges
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AI Reshaping Retail Sales Processes
AI-powered sales applications are transforming retail by enabling more efficient workflows, personalized customer experiences, and data-driven decision-making. One project concept for Möbel Höffner illustrates how digital innovation can enhance field sales through AI, AR, and CRM integration. While the overall impact of AI-driven shopping is still emerging, its potential for massive transformation is evident.
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Key Challenges in AI Implementation for Retailers
Several studies highlight key challenges in AI adoption for retailers, including implementation problems in customer support, lack of transparency with AI agents, underutilization of customer data, and limited experimentation with new channels. Addressing these issues is crucial for retailers to fully leverage the potential of AI and gain a competitive edge in cross-border e-commerce.
Source: etailment.de / Read more
Legal And Compliance: Navigating Regulations and Bankruptcies
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Saks Global Files for Bankruptcy, Amazon Threatens Action
Saks Global, owner of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, has filed for bankruptcy after running out of cash, triggered by its $2.2 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus. Amazon, which invested $475 million in Saks’ acquisition, now considers its stake worthless and is contesting the bankruptcy plan, arguing it harms creditors. The bankruptcy highlights the financial risks associated with large acquisitions and their potential impact on investors and creditors in the e-commerce landscape.
Source: Business News / Read more
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EU’s Complex E-commerce Rules and New Eco-Design Regulations
The European Union’s e-commerce regulations are notoriously complex due to overlapping jurisdictions and the absence of a unified framework. Adding to this complexity, the EU’s Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), effective from 2026, introduces new obligations for online retailers, requiring them to adapt to evolving sustainability standards. Businesses selling into the EU need to closely monitor and understand these regulations to ensure compliance.
Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more
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Lawmakers Scrutinize Dynamic Pricing, Banks Fight Credit Card Rate Caps
U.S. lawmakers are increasing scrutiny of dynamic e-commerce pricing, with some likening it to price gouging and calling for FTC investigations. Simultaneously, Wall Street banks are resisting potential credit card rate caps proposed by the Trump administration, arguing that such measures could reduce credit availability and negatively impact the economy. These developments signal a growing regulatory focus on pricing practices and financial services within the e-commerce sector.
Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more
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German Court Addresses Intransparent Customer Reviews
A German court in Frankfurt has ruled that unclear information regarding customer reviews violates competition law. This decision underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in online customer feedback, requiring e-commerce businesses to ensure their review systems are clear and compliant with consumer protection laws. This ruling sets a precedent for stricter enforcement of transparency standards in online reviews.
Source: News / Read more
Marketing And Advertising: Google’s AI-Powered Ad Push
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Google Introduces AI-Driven “Direct Offers” for Online Retailers
Google is launching “Direct Offers,” a new advertising format that allows online retailers to display personalized offers directly within the AI-powered search experience. This initiative aims to enhance ad targeting and potentially increase conversion rates for e-commerce businesses. The move signifies Google’s continued investment in AI to reshape online advertising and could impact how cross-border retailers reach international customers through search.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
Returns And Refunds: Navigating Policy, Volume, and Logistics
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Otto Tests Penalties for Serial Returners Amidst Rising Return Volumes
German retailer Otto is experimenting with penalties for customers who excessively return items, reflecting growing concerns about the cost and complexity of online returns. This move highlights the need for retailers to balance customer satisfaction with the financial burden of returns. As returns become increasingly important for online businesses, retailers must find ways to manage them efficiently without alienating customers. Understanding the legal boundaries of such penalties is crucial for implementation.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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Timely Cancellation in E-commerce: The Dispatch Date Decides
A recent case underscores the importance of the dispatch date in determining the validity of a customer’s cancellation. The ruling clarifies that the date the cancellation is sent, not received, is the deciding factor within the revocation period. This distinction is critical for cross-border e-commerce, where delivery times can vary significantly, impacting the revocation period and potentially leading to disputes.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more
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Packeta Announces New Return Address in Austria
Packeta has announced a new return address in Austria, effective immediately, and requests partners update their systems by the end of January 2026. This change requires immediate action for businesses using Packeta’s services in Austria to ensure smooth return processing and avoid logistical issues. Accurate return addresses are essential for efficient cross-border returns and customer satisfaction.
Source: Blog Packeta / Read more
Warehousing And Fulfillment: AI and Automation Drive Efficiency
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Otto Group Modernizes Logistics with AI and Digital Twins
The Otto Group is leveraging AI-powered robotics and digital twin technology to enhance the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of its logistics operations. This move reflects a growing trend in cross-border e-commerce where companies are investing in advanced technologies to optimize warehousing and fulfillment processes, reduce costs, and improve delivery times. The modernization aims to create a more responsive and agile supply chain.
Source: Haendlerbund / Read more