What’s New in E-commerce? — November 6, 2025

Marketplace Platforms: Mytheresa Divests The Outnet, European Marketplaces Dominate E-commerce

  • Mytheresa Sells Off-Price Business The Outnet

    Mytheresa is selling its off-price business, The Outnet, to the Timeless Group and Icon Luxury Group for $30 million. The Outnet, which generates $260 million in revenue, will be managed by The O Group, a newly formed entity by the acquiring companies. This move allows Mytheresa to focus on its core luxury market. The sale reflects a strategic shift in portfolio management within the competitive online luxury retail sector.

    Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

  • European Marketplaces Drive E-commerce Growth

    Marketplaces are dominating European e-commerce, accounting for 70% of the €358.7 billion in revenue generated in 2024/2025, according to Mirakl Insights. This translates to €247.5 billion driven by marketplace platforms. The report highlights the continued growth and importance of marketplaces in the European e-commerce landscape, indicating a significant opportunity for businesses leveraging these platforms for cross-border sales.

    Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

Logistics and Delivery: Accidents, Expansion, and Market Shifts

  • UPS Plane Crash in Louisville; Government Shutdown Impact Lingers

    A UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in fatalities. The cause is under investigation. Separately, the Air Traffic Controllers union president warned of weeks-long recovery for the industry following the government shutdown, potentially impacting delivery times and reliability for cross-border e-commerce. These events highlight the vulnerabilities in air cargo and the importance of stable infrastructure.

    Source: Business News / Read more

  • Alibaba Cancels Liège Expansion Amidst Iberian Growth for InPost

    Alibaba’s logistics arm, Cainiao, has cancelled its planned expansion at Liège Airport in Belgium, a setback for the region’s e-commerce logistics ambitions. Conversely, InPost is significantly increasing its logistics capacity in the Iberian Peninsula, anticipating a 220% rise in daily shipments to handle growing e-commerce demand in Spain and Portugal. This divergence illustrates shifting investment priorities within the European e-commerce landscape.

    Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

  • Otto Group Reacquires Hermes After Five Years

    The Otto Group has regained ownership of Hermes, the delivery company, after Advent International exited its investment. Advent previously divested from Evri (formerly Hermes UK). This move signals a strategic realignment for Otto, potentially impacting its e-commerce logistics and delivery strategies within Germany and beyond.

    Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

Cross-border Sales: Starbucks China JV

  • Starbucks Forms Joint Venture with Boyu Capital to Revitalize China Business

    Starbucks is partnering with Boyu Capital in a joint venture aimed at boosting its struggling sales in China. The move comes after a period of declining performance for the coffee giant in the Chinese market. This strategic partnership signifies a renewed effort to capture a larger share of the Chinese coffee market and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The success of this venture could influence how other multinational corporations approach market challenges in China.

    Source: Business News / Read more

AI Automation: Retail & Real Estate Adoption

  • Retailers Urged to Prepare for GenAI-Driven Shoppers

    Boston Consulting Group (BCG) advises retailers to adapt to the rise of GenAI tools, which are increasingly influencing consumer purchasing decisions. GenAI assists shoppers in making faster, more informed choices regarding products, brands, and deals. Retailers who understand and leverage these tools can gain a competitive edge in guiding customers through the buying process.

    Source: E-Commerce Times / Read more

  • CRE Companies Face Challenges in Achieving AI Goals

    A JLL study reveals that only 5% of commercial real estate (CRE) companies have successfully achieved their AI implementation goals. While 88% have begun piloting AI, with an average of five simultaneous use cases, significant hurdles remain. This suggests that while there’s enthusiasm for AI in the CRE sector, realizing its full potential requires overcoming implementation challenges.

    Source: Business News / Read more

Legal And Compliance: Amazon Prime Price Ruling 

  • German Court Rejects Amazon’s Prime Price Hike

    A German court has ruled against Amazon’s unilateral increase of Prime subscription fees implemented three years ago. The lawsuit, initiated by a regional consumer protection authority, seeks to force Amazon to reverse the price increase and compensate affected German customers. This decision highlights the increasing scrutiny of consumer rights and pricing practices in the EU, potentially impacting Amazon’s revenue and requiring adjustments to its subscription model in Germany.

    Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

Marketing and Advertising: K-Culture Craze & December Content Ideas

  • “KPop Demon Hunters” Could Boost Sales of Korean Products

    The Netflix series “KPop Demon Hunters” is predicted to expand the global reach of K-culture. Analysts anticipate increased interest in Korean products, including cosmetics and food, driven by the show’s popularity. This trend presents cross-border e-commerce opportunities for businesses selling Korean goods, requiring them to adapt marketing strategies to capitalize on the heightened demand.

    Source: Business News / Read more

  • December Content Marketing Ideas for E-Commerce

    Practical Ecommerce suggests focusing December content on AI gift planning, year-in-review articles, Small Business Saturday promotions, highlighting unusual holidays, and marking historical anniversaries. These themes offer opportunities to engage customers with timely and relevant content. Businesses can leverage these ideas to drive traffic and sales during the holiday season.

    Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more

SEO And Webshop Optimization: Identifying AI Bot Traffic in Google Search Console

  • Regex Filters in Google Search Console Help Identify ChatGPT Searches

    Practical Ecommerce reports that Google Search Console (GSC) may misreport AI bot queries, such as those from ChatGPT, as human searches. This can skew SEO data and analysis. By using regular expression (regex) filters within GSC, users can isolate and analyze bot traffic separately from genuine user searches, leading to more accurate insights and informed optimization strategies for international e-commerce businesses.

    Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more

Mixed Signals in Q3 Earnings: Consumer Spending Divergence and Broadband Pressures

  • Consumer Spending Shows Signs of Economic Division

    Third-quarter earnings reports reveal a growing divergence in consumer spending habits, indicating a potentially uneven economic landscape. This trend highlights the need for businesses to closely monitor consumer behavior and adapt strategies to cater to different segments. Understanding these shifts is crucial for cross-border e-commerce businesses to effectively target their marketing and product offerings.

    Source: CNBC / Read more

  • Comcast Faces Broadband Subscriber Losses

    Comcast reported a loss of 104,000 broadband customers, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of subscriber decline. This signals increasing competition and potential shifts in consumer preferences for internet services. For e-commerce businesses reliant on robust internet infrastructure, this trend underscores the importance of monitoring broadband market dynamics and advocating for policies that support reliable connectivity.

    Source: CNBC / Read more

  • Yum Brands Revenue Boosted by Taco Bell and KFC

    Yum Brands reported an 8% increase in quarterly revenue, driven by strong same-store sales growth at Taco Bell and KFC. However, Pizza Hut experienced a 1% decline in same-store sales. This performance highlights the varying success of different brands within the same company and the importance of adapting to changing consumer tastes.

    Source: CNBC / Read more

  • Pfizer Raises Profit Guidance Despite Sales Decline

    Pfizer increased its full-year profit guidance, citing strong business performance and cost-cutting measures, even as sales decreased during the period. This indicates a focus on operational efficiency and profitability in the face of revenue challenges. While not directly related to e-commerce, it reflects a broader trend of companies prioritizing financial stability in a dynamic market.

    Source: CNBC / Read more