What’s New in E-commerce? — January 30, 2026

Wolt Evolves into Local Marketplace with Enhanced Advertising

Delivery app Wolt is repositioning itself as a local marketplace, rolling out a major app update focused on maximizing advertising potential for businesses. This move signals a shift towards becoming a comprehensive local commerce platform, potentially offering new avenues for cross-border businesses to reach local customers.

Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

Mirakl Summit Highlights Agentic Commerce and Marketplace Growth

The Mirakl Summit in Munich showcased the rise of “Agentic Commerce,” where AI assistants influence purchasing decisions. BAUHAUS is launching a marketplace with Mirakl. The event also featured insights from Ulta Beauty, Best Buy, and Lowe’s from NRF 2026, emphasizing the growing importance of marketplace strategies for major retailers.

Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

WORLDEF Dubai to Host Second Edition in February

Dubai will host the second edition of WORLDEF from February 12-14, under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. This event provides a platform for discussing the future of e-commerce and marketplace strategies in the region.

Source: News – WORLDEF News / Read more

bol.com Presents Expansion Opportunities for German Sellers

For German sellers seeking growth, bol.com in the Benelux region offers a promising next step. Expanding into neighboring markets via established platforms can provide a relatively low-risk entry point for cross-border e-commerce growth.

Source: News / Read more

Winter Weather Disrupts Deliveries in Europe and the US

Severe winter weather, including snow and ice, is causing significant delays for DHL parcel deliveries in Europe. Similarly, in the US, a major snowstorm led to widespread flight cancellations, disrupting air travel and cargo operations. The US Transportation Secretary anticipates air travel returning to normal by Wednesday. These weather-related disruptions highlight the vulnerability of supply chains and the importance of contingency planning for cross-border e-commerce businesses.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Source: CNBC / Read more

Amazon Expands Quick Commerce to London

Amazon has launched Amazon Now in London, marking a significant step in its European quick commerce expansion. The service offers delivery of everyday essentials, including groceries, within 30 minutes in select areas. This move intensifies competition in the fast-growing quick commerce sector and provides consumers with more options for rapid delivery.

Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

Flink’s 2023 Revenue Reaches €467 Million

Quick commerce provider Flink reported a 2023 revenue of €467 million, with €287 million generated in Germany. This represents a 12% increase in revenue. The financial results offer insights into the growth and competitive landscape of the quick commerce market, relevant for businesses evaluating partnerships or market entry strategies.

Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

TikTok Star Khaby Lame’s Massive Deal Highlights Creator Commerce Power

Top TikTok creator Khaby Lame is making waves with a deal valuing him at $975 million, underscoring the growing influence of content creators in e-commerce. This move highlights the potential for influencers to become significant players in driving sales and brand awareness, particularly within the social commerce landscape. For cross-border e-commerce, this signals the importance of partnering with relevant influencers to reach new audiences and build trust with consumers.

Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

EU Eyes Easing Cross-Border Bureaucracy Amidst Rising Concerns Over Asian Imports

The EU is considering reforms to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for merchants engaged in cross-border sales, aiming to revitalize international shipping. This comes as the EU emphasizes the need for package fees on the increasing flood of inexpensive packages arriving from Asia, particularly China. The proposed fees aim to address competitive imbalances and ensure fair trade practices.

Source: News / Read more

Temu Halts Cross-Border Sales in Türkiye Following Regulatory Scrutiny

E-commerce platform Temu has stopped cross-border sales to consumers in Türkiye. Turkish consumers can now only purchase from local sellers using domestic shipping. This change follows a regulatory inspection by Türkiye’s Competition Authority. The long-term implications of this shift for Temu’s international strategy remain unclear.

Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

E-Commerce Success Hinges on Overcoming Barriers

Cross-border e-commerce offers access to better prices and broader product selections, but challenges remain. High shipping costs, long delivery times, and lack of trust continue to be major barriers. Local companies are developing innovative solutions to complex logistics challenges, particularly in markets like Africa.

Source: E-Commerce Institute Cologne / Read more

E-Commerce Success Hinges on Overcoming Barriers

Cross-border e-commerce offers access to better prices and broader product selections, but challenges remain. High shipping costs, long delivery times, and lack of trust continue to be major barriers. Local companies are developing innovative solutions to complex logistics challenges, particularly in markets like Africa.

Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more

Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol Aims to Standardize AI Shopping

Google is introducing the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard designed to enable AI agents to independently search for products, compare offers, and make purchases. This initiative aims to standardize AI interaction within online retail, potentially streamlining e-commerce processes. The protocol could significantly impact how cross-border transactions are conducted by AI on behalf of users, creating new efficiencies and challenges for international retailers.

Source: E-Commerce Institute Cologne / Read more

AI Assistants as New Gatekeepers: Study Highlights Pressure on Consumer Brands

A Publicis Sapient study reveals that many consumer goods brands are unprepared for AI assistants like ChatGPT to influence product recommendations. These AI systems often rely on data from retailers and marketplaces rather than direct brand information, potentially putting pressure on brands to adapt their data strategies. This shift could impact cross-border e-commerce by altering how consumers discover and choose products from international brands.

Source: etailment.de / Read more

Fundrise Launches AI Tool for Advanced CRE Analysis

Fundrise has launched a new AI tool designed to provide high-level commercial real estate (CRE) analysis to the public, surpassing the capabilities of generalized AI models like ChatGPT. While not directly related to e-commerce, this highlights the increasing specialization and application of AI in various sectors, demonstrating the broader trend of AI-driven insights and decision-making.

Source: Business News / Read more

Embedded Payments Evolve, Presenting Opportunities and Challenges

Embedded payments and agentic commerce are poised to revolutionize online payments, potentially increasing conversion rates for merchants. However, this evolution introduces new technical, legal, and security challenges that businesses must address. As AI agents gain autonomy in making payments, understanding the associated risks and implementing appropriate safeguards will be crucial for cross-border e-commerce success.

Source: etailment.de / Read more

Capital One Acquires Brex for $5.15 Billion

Capital One is set to acquire startup Brex for $5.15 billion, marking another significant deal for the credit card firm under Rich Fairbank’s leadership. This acquisition, following the Discover Financial deal, signals a continued consolidation and strategic expansion within the credit card industry, potentially impacting payment solutions available to businesses engaged in cross-border e-commerce.

Source: Business News / Read more

DPD to Offer Wero Payment Option

Logistics provider DPD plans to integrate Wero as a new payment option. This move aims to diversify payment methods and potentially cater to customer preferences, which could streamline transactions and improve the customer experience for cross-border deliveries.

Source: News / Read more

White House Considers Action on Credit Card Interest Rates

Amidst ongoing debate, the White House is exploring potential actions, including “Trump cards,” regarding credit card interest rates. This follows calls to cap rates at 10%, a proposal met with resistance from banking industry executives. Any regulatory changes to interest rates could significantly impact credit card usage and associated costs for both consumers and businesses involved in international transactions.

Source: Business News / Read more

Cyber Risks Top Business Concerns for Online Retailers in 2026

The Allianz Risk Barometer 2026 identifies cyber risks as the primary business concern for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting the increasing threat landscape for online retailers. Businesses must prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. This underscores the need for continuous monitoring, employee training, and incident response planning in cross-border e-commerce operations.

Source: Haendlerbund News / Read more

Online Retailers Face Scrutiny Over Accessibility and Advertising Practices

German online shops are lagging in digital accessibility, potentially losing customers and revenue six months after the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz took effect. Separately, the Amtsgericht Düsseldorf clarified that sending unsolicited email advertising to LinkedIn contacts can lead to legal warnings. Furthermore, a company was fined €4,500 for using a meme without permission. These cases highlight the importance of adhering to advertising regulations and ensuring online stores are accessible to all users to avoid legal repercussions and maintain customer trust.

Source: etailment.de / Read more, Haendlerbund News / Read more, Haendlerbund News / Read more

“Right to Repair” Law in 2026 to Impact E-Commerce Businesses

The upcoming “right to repair” legislation aims to promote sustainable consumption, requiring retailers to provide more information and comply with new regulations. This will affect how merchants handle product information and after-sales services. Businesses should prepare for these changes to ensure compliance and meet consumer expectations for repairable products.

Source: Haendlerbund News / Read more

Confirmation of Cancellation Receipt Required for EU E-Commerce

Under EU law, merchants must acknowledge receipt of a customer’s cancellation notice. This confirmation creates legal certainty and transparency in cross-border transactions. Failure to confirm receipt could lead to disputes and legal challenges, impacting customer trust and potentially resulting in negative reviews or penalties. Ensure your systems are set up to automatically confirm cancellation notices to comply with regulations and maintain customer satisfaction.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Court Ruling: Refunds Must Be Monetary, Not Vouchers

A recent court decision in Bochum, Germany, clarified that when a customer exercises their right of withdrawal, the refund must be issued in the original form of payment, not as a voucher. This ruling reinforces consumer protection laws within the EU and has implications for e-commerce businesses operating across borders. Merchants must ensure their refund policies comply with this requirement to avoid legal repercussions and maintain customer goodwill.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

DSGVO “Warnings” Issued Over Cookie Violations in Germany

Several companies in Germany have reported receiving DSGVO-related letters from Ian-Lee Pfeifer, alleging cookie violations on their websites. The letters demand a payment of €30. Businesses operating in Germany or targeting German customers should review their cookie compliance practices to avoid potential legal issues. This highlights the ongoing scrutiny of cookie usage under GDPR and the potential for even small-scale enforcement actions.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Azerbaijan to Introduce VAT Registration for Non-Resident E-Commerce Sellers

Azerbaijan is planning to implement a new VAT registration mechanism targeting non-resident individuals selling to Azerbaijani buyers through e-commerce platforms. This move aims to broaden the tax base and ensure fair competition between domestic and international sellers. The new rules will require non-resident e-commerce businesses to register for VAT in Azerbaijan, collect VAT on sales to customers in Azerbaijan, and remit the VAT to the Azerbaijani tax authorities. This change will impact cross-border e-commerce operations targeting the Azerbaijani market.

Source: News – WORLDEF News / Read more