What’s New in E-commerce? — September 4, 2026

Bild Marktplatz Shuts Down After Two Years

The Bild Marktplatz ceased operations after two years, highlighting risks of nascent platforms. Sellers must conduct due diligence, define exit criteria, and have contingency plans when diversifying sales channels.

Source: Haendlerbund / etailment

Amazon Mandates Pan-EU FBA Listings for Dutch and Belgian Marketplaces

Amazon now requires Pan-EU FBA products on Amazon.nl, with Belgium following in six months. This expands international product selection, streamlining cross-border logistics and enhancing availability for consumers.

Source: Ecommercenews.eu / Read more

eBay Tightens Non-Payer Policies and Boosts Seller Sales Tools

eBay is implementing stricter rules for repeat non-paying bidders and new tools to convert buyer interest into sales. These updates improve transaction reliability and foster a more efficient marketplace environment.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Shein Successfully Raises $1.7 Billion in Hong Kong IPO

Fast-fashion giant Shein completed its Hong Kong IPO, raising $1.7 billion at a $26 billion valuation. This milestone highlights continued investor confidence in global e-commerce platforms with strong international reach.

Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

Chinese Platform Meituan Returns to Profit as Price Wars Subside

Chinese platform Meituan reported a return to profitability, with 14.4% quarterly revenue growth to €13.6 billion. This turnaround suggests cooling price wars in China’s quick-commerce sector, offering a more stable outlook.

Source: etailment / Read more

Whatnot Mandates Seller-Provided Customer Support in US

Livestreaming platform Whatnot has implemented a new “Seller Provided Support” policy for all US merchants, effective September 1st. This makes customer service a direct seller obligation and a prerequisite for maintaining “Premier Shop” status, requiring a 95% response rate to buyer inquiries within two business days. Failure to comply could result in Whatnot intervening and charging sellers for refunded amounts. This move highlights a growing trend of platforms shifting support responsibilities, potentially increasing operational demands and the need for robust, localized customer service strategies for cross-border e-commerce businesses.

Source: Etailment / Read more

Amazon Expands Drone Delivery to the UK

Amazon has officially launched its Prime Air drone delivery service in the United Kingdom, operating from a fulfillment center near Darlington. This allows customers within a 12-kilometer radius to receive certain items via drone, marking a significant step in last-mile delivery innovation. This expansion highlights the ongoing push for faster, more automated delivery solutions, potentially influencing future cross-border logistics models and customer expectations globally.

Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

Strategic Approach to Fast Delivery for SMBs

E-commerce SMBs are advised to strategically leverage delivery speed where it genuinely creates value for customers, rather than simply incurring additional costs. This approach emphasizes identifying specific market segments or product categories where rapid delivery offers a competitive advantage. For cross-border operations, this means carefully assessing customer expectations and logistical capabilities to optimize delivery promises without overextending resources.

Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more

US Livestream Shopping Projected for Significant Growth

Livestream shopping in the U.S. is forecast to reach nearly $20 billion in 2026, marking a 35% increase year-over-year. Platforms like TikTok and Whatnot are spearheading this expansion, with TikTok more than doubling its livestream sales in the first half of the year. This surge highlights a growing opportunity for brands to engage consumers through interactive video commerce, though commission rates (4-8% for Whatnot, 6% plus fees for TikTok) should be factored into strategies.

Source: etailment / Read more

BK Beauty Doubles Down on TikTok Shop

Cosmetics brand BK Beauty has recommitted to TikTok Shop, returning to the platform after a brief hiatus. Their decision to double down underscores the significant sales potential and direct consumer engagement that social commerce channels offer. This move provides a tangible example for other brands considering or re-evaluating their investment in livestream and social selling platforms for market penetration.

Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more

EU Customs Duties Reduce China Imports, Industry Pushes for Higher Fees

New EU customs duties of three euros per goods category on small parcels, implemented in July, have led to a significant decline of up to 40% in imports from China. While this aims to level the playing field, German online retailers report minimal benefit so far. Meanwhile, several industry associations are advocating for a higher processing fee of ten euros per small parcel, exceeding the two euros currently under discussion within the EU.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Temu Facilitates International Expansion for European SMEs

A recent Temu survey reveals that 34% of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) selling on its platform have expanded into new international markets. Additionally, 50% of these businesses reported increasing production capacity, hiring more staff, or both, indicating Temu’s role in fostering growth and cross-border opportunities for its sellers.

Source: Ecommerce News / Read more

Nigeria Poised for Significant E-commerce Growth

Nigeria is emerging as a key market for e-commerce expansion, with projections from DHL indicating that its growth rate will surpass the global average. This highlights increasing opportunities for cross-border e-commerce businesses looking to enter or expand within the African continent, signaling a dynamic shift in global market focus.

Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more

Overall Import Prices Rise, Driven by Energy and Intermediate Goods

Germany’s import prices in July increased by 6.8% year-over-year, according to the Federal Statistical Office. This rise was primarily fueled by significant increases in energy costs (+26.4%) and intermediate goods (+10.2%). In contrast, imported consumer goods saw a slight decrease of 0.2%, and food prices dropped by 6.8%, indicating varied impacts across different product categories.

Source: etailment / Read more

AI Transforms Online Shopping and Search Discovery

Nearly one-third of global online shoppers now consult AI first, a figure that has tripled in the last 18 months. Of those who follow AI recommendations, 70% make a purchase, often discovering new brands they hadn’t considered. This trend significantly impacts traditional retailer influence and opens new avenues for brands without large advertising budgets. Concurrently, Google’s AI Overviews are increasingly appearing fully expanded in search results, pushing organic links further down and fundamentally altering online visibility and SEO strategies.

Source: etailment / Read more, Haendlerbund / Read more

Enterprises Scale AI Agents, Driving Deeper Integrations

Large companies with over $1 billion in revenue are increasingly scaling AI agents, with 40% now deploying them productively, up from 27% last year. This push towards advanced AI is exemplified by the “Claudeforce” initiative, a deeper integration between Salesforce and Anthropic. This collaboration allows Claude’s language model to access Salesforce data, workflows, and business logic, offering 37 pre-built sales functions to enhance automation and decision-making for pilot customers, with a broader beta launch planned for September.

Source: etailment / Read more, etailment / Read more

Governments and Logistics Leverage AI for Strategic Advantage

South Korea is making a significant national push by offering its citizens free, unlimited access to AI tools, integrated with local apps and government services. This strategic move aims to reduce reliance on foreign AI systems and foster domestic innovation. In parallel, the logistics sector is seeing AI-driven advancements, with last-mile delivery company OneRail partnering with Nvidia to launch a new AI platform. This platform is designed to empower retailers with faster and more efficient delivery decisions, optimizing supply chain operations.

Source: etailment / Read more, CNBC / Read more

Stripe & Advent Withdraw PayPal Acquisition Bid

A consortium led by financial investor Advent and payment processor Stripe has reportedly pulled its over $50 billion acquisition bid for PayPal. This news significantly impacted PayPal’s stock, signaling potential shifts in the competitive landscape and market valuation for major global payment providers.

Source: etailment / Read more

European Consumers Prioritize Familiar Payment Methods

A Nuvei study across five European markets reveals that two-thirds of consumers consistently use the same payment method, despite the rapid rise of digital wallets (now 56% of global online payment volume). For cross-border e-commerce, this highlights the critical need to offer localized and preferred payment options to meet ingrained consumer habits.

Source: etailment / Read more

Retailers See Growth, But Profits Squeezed by Payment Gaps

An Unzer survey indicates that while retailers anticipate growth, they expect lower profits, partly due to challenges in defining and implementing effective payment strategies. This disconnect underscores how inefficient payment processes and unclear terminology can erode margins, urging businesses to optimize their checkout experiences for better financial outcomes.

Source: etailment / Read more

Unpaid Invoices: A Hidden Drain on Merchant Profitability

Beyond lost revenue, unpaid invoices significantly consume operational resources through prolonged follow-up and administrative effort. This often-overlooked cost impacts cash flow and margins, emphasizing the need for robust payment terms and efficient dunning processes, especially for businesses operating internationally where collection can be more complex.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

FTC Sues Amazon Over Alleged Ad Price Inflation

The U.S. FTC and 22 states have sued Amazon, alleging “secretly inflated” ad auction prices since 2019, overcharging millions of advertisers by an estimated $22 billion. Amazon refutes the claims, stating its auction logic is misunderstood and that ad prices have remained stable. This antitrust case could significantly impact Amazon’s advertising revenue and marketplace dynamics.

Source: etailment / Read more

EU Investigates JD.com’s Potential MediaMarktSaturn Acquisition

The European Commission is scrutinizing a potential acquisition of German electronics retailer MediaMarktSaturn by Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com. The investigation focuses on concerns regarding increasing Chinese political influence on German retail, with a decision expected by October 2nd. This highlights growing regulatory attention on cross-border M&A involving strategic European assets.

Source: Exciting Commerce / Read more

Foreign Ownership of .de Domains Under Scrutiny

Over 18 million .de domains are registered, with one in eight owned by entities outside Germany. The German registry is enhancing data verification for domain holders, with potential deactivation for non-compliance. Foreign businesses operating in Germany must ensure accurate registration data to maintain trust in the .de TLD.

Source: etailment / Read more

Key EU/German Product Safety & Labeling Compliance Updates

Businesses selling in Germany and the EU face new and clarified compliance requirements. The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), effective since 2024, brings new obligations, especially for “Print-on-Demand” models. A new label requirement for warranty and guarantee information launches by end of September. Retailers must also ensure price advertising, like RRP comparisons, isn’t misleading.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Advertising in DACH Region

Following initial tests, OpenAI is now expanding its advertising business to the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). This move introduces a new self-service platform, enabling advertisers to place ads directly within ChatGPT.

For cross-border e-commerce, this development offers a significant new channel to engage with target audiences in these key European markets. Businesses can leverage AI-powered ad placements for highly targeted campaigns, potentially enhancing reach and conversion rates.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

Amazon Implements New Return Policy for Sellers

Amazon has updated its voluntary return guarantee, requiring third-party sellers to adapt their processes and policies. This change impacts how returns are handled on the platform, potentially increasing operational adjustments for merchants. Cross-border sellers, in particular, should review their return procedures to ensure compliance and maintain customer satisfaction across different markets.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

German Court Rules Against Bundled Consent for Accounts and Newsletters

The Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Munich, Germany, has declared it unlawful to link the creation of a customer account to a user’s consent to receive newsletters. This ruling reinforces the GDPR principle of free and unambiguous consent, prohibiting practices where users are forced to accept marketing communications to access a core service. E-commerce businesses operating in or targeting the EU must ensure their consent mechanisms are granular and voluntary, allowing users to create accounts without being automatically subscribed to newsletters, impacting compliance strategies and user experience.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more

EU & Austria Introduce New Fees on Small Parcels, Impacting Cross-Border E-commerce

The EU’s flat import fee of €3 for small consignments (under €150), effective July 1, has significantly impacted direct-to-consumer shipments, with French customs reporting a 30-40% reduction in small package volumes. Austria is further increasing costs with a new package tax (up to €2.40 from Oct 1) and a processing fee (€2 from Nov 1), bringing the total additional charge per small parcel to €7.40. These combined fees are driving up costs for cross-border e-commerce into the EU, prompting some large players to potentially reroute goods to EU warehouses to avoid per-parcel charges.

Source: etailment / Read more

France Implements Environmental Levy on Ultra-Fast Fashion

From September 1, France has introduced an environmental levy on “Ultra-Fast-Fashion” garments. The charge, which varies by item and quantity (e.g., €0.50 for underwear, €9 for jeans), is capped at 50% of the net price and will incrementally rise to €19.50 per piece by 2030. This measure aims to mitigate the environmental impact of high-volume, low-cost fashion, though established retailers like Zara and H&M are reportedly exempt.

Source: etailment / Read more

US Retailers Show Divergent Strategies for Tariff Refunds

Major US retailers, including Walmart, Home Depot, and Target, are adopting varied approaches to managing recent tariff refunds. Some companies are choosing to pass these savings on to consumers through reduced prices, while others are utilizing the refunds to bolster their profit margins. This highlights differing corporate strategies in response to changes in trade policy and market conditions.

Source: CNBC / Read more

Google’s AI Overviews Dominate Search, Diminishing Organic Visibility

Google is significantly expanding AI-generated answers (AI Overviews) directly within search results, often displaying full content without requiring a click. This pushes traditional organic links further down the page, reducing their visibility and potential traffic for online retailers. The shift means classic search ranking is less critical; instead, a site’s ability to be loaded, understood, and processed by AI systems, along with robust hosting and infrastructure, becomes paramount for maintaining online presence.

Source: etailment / Read more

Google’s URL Redirects Obscure Search Listings

Google is implementing redirects that hide the full URLs of listings in search results, reportedly as an attempt to block bot access. This move further blurs traditional search ranking signals and gives Google more control over how search results are presented. For e-commerce businesses, this could impact how site performance and visibility are tracked and optimized, adding another layer of complexity to SEO strategies.

Source: Practical Ecommerce / Read more

Germany Ranks 19th in EU E-commerce Adoption

A recent country ranking reveals a significant disparity in Germany’s digital landscape. While the nation leads globally in patents and ranks 11th in overall digital adoption, its e-commerce penetration lags considerably at 22.97%. This places Germany 19th out of 29 countries, falling below the European Union average. For cross-border e-commerce businesses, this data suggests a substantial untapped market potential in Germany, requiring tailored strategies to accelerate online consumer engagement despite the country’s strong economic foundation.

Source: etailment / Read more

Ritter Sport Faces Millions in Sticker Costs Due to New EmpCo Packaging Rules

German chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport is being forced to apply millions of stickers to its product packaging to comply with new EmpCo regulations. This unexpected requirement stems from a minor detail on their existing packaging that no longer meets the updated standards. Such regulatory shifts, even for seemingly small elements, underscore the significant operational and financial burdens they can impose on brands.

For cross-border e-commerce, this highlights the critical need for continuous monitoring of evolving packaging compliance across different markets. Brands must anticipate and adapt to diverse and often granular local regulations to avoid costly re-labeling, production delays, and potential market access issues.

Source: Händlerbund / Read more

Migros Faces Product Gaps Amid New Fulfillment Center Rollout

Migros’s online shop is experiencing temporary product shortages, including essentials, following the opening of its new Regensdorf distribution center. While the company attributes this to a controlled ramp-up of new processes, it highlights the operational complexities and potential service disruptions during major fulfillment infrastructure transitions.

Source: etailment / Read more

Zalando Faces Lawsuits After Erfurt Logistics Center Closure

Over 100 employees are suing Zalando following the closure of its Erfurt logistics center. This situation underscores the significant labor relations challenges and potential legal ramifications associated with large-scale operational restructuring and facility closures in the e-commerce fulfillment sector.

Source: Haendlerbund / Read more