What’s New in E-commerce? — March 13, 2026

Marketplace Platforms: Zalando’s Acquisition & Amazon’s Expanded Services

• Zalando Acquires About You, Eyes €20 Billion GMV in 2026

  Zalando announced it financed the acquisition of About You entirely from its operating cash flow. Following the acquisition, Zalando projects a Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) of €20 billion in 2026, with aims to reach nearly €25 billion by 2028 through continued double-digit growth. This move consolidates Zalando’s position in the European online fashion market.

  Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

• Amazon Expands “Shop Direct,” Tests AI-Powered Checkout

  Amazon is expanding its “Shop Direct” program, including testing a new AI-powered checkout feature called “Buy for Me” on external merchant sites. This expansion aims to increase visibility for merchants while providing Amazon with more user data. The move could impact how merchants manage their customer relationships and data privacy outside of the Amazon marketplace.

  Source: News / Read more

Logistics And Delivery: Fuel Costs, DHL Restructuring, and Security Concerns

• Logistics Associations Demand Relief as Fuel Prices Surge

  Logistics associations are urgently calling on policymakers to provide immediate relief as fuel prices have recently spiked. The rising costs threaten to impact delivery expenses and potentially increase prices for consumers in cross-border e-commerce. The associations argue that government intervention is necessary to stabilize the situation and prevent further economic strain on the logistics sector.

  Source: News / Read more

• DHL Considers Legally Separating Post and Parcel Business

  DHL is reportedly considering legally separating its post and parcel business. This move comes after a period of challenges in the sector. The potential restructuring could lead to operational changes impacting online retailers and cross-border shipping strategies, though details remain scarce. The separation aims to streamline operations and address ongoing issues within the division.

  Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

• Security Concerns Arise After Package Disappears from DHL Packstation

  A missing package worth €600 from a DHL Packstation has sparked debate about potential security vulnerabilities. While DHL acknowledges occasional technical malfunctions, the incident raises concerns about the safety and reliability of the automated delivery system. This could affect consumer trust and impact the adoption of Packstations for e-commerce deliveries, especially for high-value items.

  Source: News / Read more

AI Automation: Transforming Commerce and Marketing

• Agentic Marketing Systems Poised for Growth by 2026

  Agentic Marketing Systems promise increased speed, precision, and scalability for businesses. Experts predict 2026 will be a pivotal year for marketing automation, enabling streamlined operations without increased headcount. However, the extent of agent application remains a key consideration for businesses looking to adopt these technologies to improve marketing ROI and efficiency.

  Source: etailment.de / Read more

• AI Reshapes Consumer Purchasing Decisions

  AI-driven recommendations are significantly changing how consumers discover and select products online. Market research indicates a growing acceptance of AI in the purchasing process, though limitations exist. Businesses should understand consumer attitudes toward AI to effectively leverage these technologies and enhance the customer journey.

  Source: etailment.de / Read more

• Ford Invests in AI to Expand Commercial Business

  Ford is launching new AI initiatives to drive growth in its multi-billion dollar Pro commercial business. Diversifying revenue through software solutions is a key strategy for the company. This move highlights the increasing importance of AI in optimizing business operations and creating new revenue streams within the automotive industry.

  Source: Business News / Read more

Payment And Checkout: OpenAI Adjusts Checkout Strategy

• OpenAI Shifts Focus from Instant Checkout to Händlerapps

  OpenAI is reportedly scaling back its instant checkout feature within ChatGPT, initially notable for its planned 4% commission on sales. The company is now prioritizing Händlerapps (merchant apps) integration within ChatGPT. This strategic shift impacts how e-commerce businesses can leverage AI-driven platforms for sales and potentially alters revenue models associated with AI-facilitated transactions.

  Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

Legal And Compliance: Navigating Evolving Regulations and Enforcement

• Increased Scrutiny on Online Retailers: Abmahnungen on the Rise in Germany

  German online retailers are facing a surge in warning letters (Abmahnungen) related to various legal compliance issues. These include misleading advertising promises (especially regarding health claims and climate neutrality), improper use of images (e.g., Miele products), and failures in basic price disclosures. The law firm Sandhage is again issuing warnings on behalf of Murat Develioglu. These issues can lead to costly legal disputes and reputational damage, highlighting the need for careful review of marketing and pricing practices.

  Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

• Amazon Account Suspensions Linked to VAT ID Issues

  German Amazon sellers are experiencing account suspensions despite possessing valid VAT identification numbers (USt-IdNr.). The suspensions stem from discrepancies in VAT ID verification. Affected merchants should promptly address any discrepancies to avoid prolonged disruptions to their sales. Amazon also continues to struggle with proper price displays according to German regulations.

  Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

• EU Intensifies Fight Against VAT Fraud

  The new EU Public Prosecutor is escalating efforts to combat VAT fraud and international financial crime, which causes an estimated €45 billion in damages annually. Businesses engaged in cross-border e-commerce within the EU should ensure strict compliance with VAT regulations to avoid potential investigations and penalties.

  Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Evolving Marketing Strategies: Personalization, Timing, and Cost

• Death of “Spray and Pray” Email Marketing Demands Hyper-Personalization

  AI-powered spam filters and increasingly discerning customers are forcing marketers to move away from mass email blasts. The focus is shifting towards hyper-personalized messaging that delivers relevant content and drives higher engagement. This trend underscores the need for cross-border e-commerce businesses to invest in data analytics and customer segmentation to tailor their email campaigns effectively.

  Source: E-Commerce Times / Read more

• Meta to Increase Advertising Costs in Europe

  Meta plans to raise advertising costs for European advertisers by up to 5% to offset the impact of the European digital tax. This increase will affect businesses targeting European consumers and may necessitate adjustments to marketing budgets and strategies. Cross-border e-commerce companies should factor this into their cost projections and explore alternative advertising channels to mitigate the impact.

  Source: News / Read more

• Leveraging Time-Sensitive Offers in Google Ads

  While Google Ads doesn’t automatically display date-specific ad messages, strategic workarounds can improve their visibility. This is particularly relevant for promoting limited-time offers and seasonal products in cross-border e-commerce. Marketers should explore these techniques to maximize the impact of their campaigns during key promotional periods.

  Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more

European E-commerce Growth & Consumer Trends

• European E-commerce Adoption Reaches 78%

  In 2025, 78% of EU internet users made at least one online purchase, according to Eurostat. Ireland leads with over 95% online shopping penetration, while Romania saw the largest growth in online shoppers over the past decade. This increasing adoption highlights the continued importance of a strong European e-commerce strategy for businesses.

  Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

• Niceshops Reports 20% Revenue Increase in 2025

  Austrian online retailer Niceshops experienced a 20% revenue increase in 2025, reaching €169 million in sales. This growth signifies a strong recovery for the company, which operates from multiple locations in Austria. The positive results underscore the potential for growth within the European e-commerce market for retailers with effective strategies.

  Source: Ecommerce News / Read more