Ecommerce
Coverage from the Ecommerce desk.
Delivery Rider Wins China’s Top Literary Prize
Wang Jibing, a delivery driver, has won one of China’s most prestigious literary prizes for his poetry collection about the struggles of delivery work.
EU Ends Duty-Free E-Commerce Imports, Shifting Customs Liability to Merchants
As of July 1, all parcels entering the European Union are subject to customs duties, ending the de minimis exemption for low-value goods. Merchants now bear the legal responsibility for duty payments, impacting cross-border e-commerce operations.
Agentic AI Set to Reshape Consumer Shopping Journey by 2030
Agentic commerce is moving from theory to practice as tech giants embed AI agents into search and checkout. By 2030, such agents could drive 15–25% of US e-commerce, according to Bain & Company.
Indie Beauty Brands Generate Over $500 Million on TikTok Shop in Past Year
Indie beauty brands on TikTok Shop have collectively earned more than $500 million in the past year, driven by a shift toward practical problem-solving products.
Cavu unifies three travel-tech platforms under single brand
Cavu, the travel technology company owned by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), has rebranded its ecommerce, distribution and lounge platforms under one identity to simplify its offering to clients.
Partner Season II Uses Celebrities to Push C-Beauty Brands Global with London Pop-Up
A new reality docuseries, Partner Season II, follows six Chinese celebrities—including top livestreamer Austin Li—as they operate a temporary C-beauty store in London to help 14 Chinese beauty brands gain international exposure beyond traditional livestream commerce.
Michaels' AI Assistant Doubles Conversion Rate with Google Gemini
Michaels reports that its Google Gemini-powered shopping assistant, Ask Mike, has achieved a conversion rate more than double that of traditional search since its quiet launch in May.
Snif to Launch Notewrks Men's Fragrance Line at Ulta Beauty
Snif is bringing its masculine-leaning Notewrks cologne line to Ulta Beauty, targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha male fragrance enthusiasts with $74 masstige scents.
Albertsons launches 'micro sitcom' branded entertainment with Procter & Gamble for retail media
In June, Albertsons Media Collective and Procter & Gamble debuted "Rico's Tacos," a 22-episode micro drama series airing on in-store screens, the e-commerce platform, and social media.
Bookshop.org pivots to post-pandemic survival, finds new footing
After riding a pandemic tailwind, the e-commerce platform for independent bookstores has reinvented its business model to thrive as consumer habits normalised.
About You’s Scayle Studios Brings AI-Powered Photo Studio to UK
About You’s Scayle Studios has launched its AI-driven photo and video production service in the UK, promising to cut turnaround times from weeks to minutes.
Amazon Q2 2026 Beauty Rankings Show Prime Day Impact and Suncare Revival
Medicube Toner Pads retained the top spot as Amazon's Q2 2026 top beauty product, while suncare products surged and bodycare expanded beyond lotions.
Ikea's Parent Ingka Group Sells Eight Former Retail Sites in China
Ingka Group, Ikea's parent company, has hired JLL to sell eight former retail properties in mainland China, marking its largest asset disposal in nearly 30 years in the market.
Elon Musk's son sparks surge in Chinese heritage bag sales, highlighting US$14.8b e-commerce sector
A tiger-head bag worn by Elon Musk’s son has gone viral in China, driving sales for traditional artisan brand Yestee and underscoring the rapid growth of the country’s intangible heritage e-commerce market, valued at US$14.8 billion.
Funmi Monet Launches Influxious, a Fragrance Brand at Sephora
TikTok perfume influencer Funmi Monet is launching her own fragrance brand, Influxious, exclusively at Sephora. The four-scents line is priced at $150 per bottle and launches on July 27.
AI-Driven Commerce Reshapes China's Beauty Market, Says Yaso Co-Founder
Adam Knight, co-founder of Yaso, advises beauty brands to adopt an AI-first approach as China's market shifts away from legacy retail routes, with AI integration far ahead of the West.
Livestream Shopping Evolves Into Core Retail Channel in Southeast Asia
Livestream commerce has evolved from a marketing experiment into a distinct retail channel in Southeast Asia, with brands building dedicated teams and creator partnerships to drive long-term sales.
Smart Packaging Evolves into Information Network for Brands and Regulators
Smart packaging is transitioning from product protection to a connected information system that links regulators, brands, manufacturers, and consumers, driven by new traceability demands.
Lotte Duty Free Launches ChatGPT-Powered Shopping Service in Korean Travel Retail
Lotte Duty Free has introduced a ChatGPT-based shopping platform, the first generative AI service in Korean travel retail, allowing customers to browse and purchase via natural language conversations.
China’s convenience store cocktail trend racks up billions of views on Douyin
Young Chinese consumers are turning to convenience stores to mix their own low-alcohol cocktails, a trend that has garnered billions of views on Douyin and is reshaping retail and drinking habits.
UK BNPL rules take effect, consumer groups warn of more rejections
New regulations for buy now, pay later services came into force in the UK on 15 July, enhancing consumer protections but potentially leading to more credit rejections, according to advocacy groups.
Race-Day Fashion Drives Search Surge at Debenhams Group
Britain's summer horse racing season is fueling increased demand for occasionwear, with Debenhams Group reporting significant rises in searches, sales, and page views for race-day attire.
Freitag Taps China's Bag Charm Craze with Blind Boxes and Recycled Tarps
Swiss bag maker Freitag launched bag charms and blind boxes on Tmall to mark its seven-year anniversary, tapping into China's trend for personalized accessories.
Maesa Opens Applications for 2027 Magic Incubator
Maesa has launched the fourth edition of its Magic Incubator, offering grants, AI education, mentorship, and industry access to underrepresented beauty founders.
Google Debuts AI Search and YouTube Shopping Tools for Southeast Asia
Google has introduced new AI-powered search and YouTube advertising tools at Marketing Live Southeast Asia, aimed at streamlining online shopping and boosting sales for brands in the region.
Very Group Partners with Estée Lauder to Boost Premium Beauty Range
The Very Group has added Estée Lauder to its premium beauty lineup, expanding its offering for online shoppers.
Hong Kong retail sales rise 7.9% in May, online spending surges 33.1%
Hong Kong's retail sales grew 7.9% year on year to HK$33.8 billion in May, with online sales accounting for 10.1% of the total, according to the Census & Statistics Department.
Boots Expands Midnight Delivery Via Deliveroo for World Cup Fans
Boots is extending on-demand delivery hours until midnight at 25 UK locations through Deliveroo, tapping into World Cup viewership spikes and rising demand for same-day essentials.
John Lewis Partnership Taps Kevel for On-Site Retail Media Network
The John Lewis Partnership has appointed media technology firm Kevel to power its on-site retail communications network across both John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarket websites.
Shoppers Willing to Pay for Speedy Delivery, Zippd Report Finds
A new report from Zippd reveals that consumers are increasingly expecting and willing to pay for delivery within hours rather than days, signaling the rise of instant commerce.
Perseve Hair Brings Korean Innovation to Mass Haircare Aisle
Perseve Hair launches a new line blending Korean beauty philosophy with professional salon expertise, targeting the mass haircare market with projected 2026 revenue of $2M-$5M.
Thailand's e-commerce enters monetisation phase as platforms raise fees and cut subsidies
Thailand's e-commerce sector has shifted from growth-at-all-costs to a monetisation phase, with platforms prioritising profitability by raising commissions, reducing subsidies, and expanding revenue streams from logistics and advertising.
VEJA Debuts in China via Tmall, Eschewing Physical Stores for Now
French sustainable sneaker brand VEJA has entered the Chinese market with an online-first strategy, launching a flagship store on Alibaba's Tmall platform to build brand awareness and gather consumer data before opening physical retail locations.
U.S. Shoppers Spend $26.4 Billion in Amazon Prime Day Deal Frenzy
U.S. online shoppers spent over $26.4 billion during Amazon's Prime Day event, hunting for discounts on electronics, appliances, children's items, and everyday essentials as consumers grapple with tighter budgets.
Amazon Prime Day Sales Rose 9% to $26.4 Billion Amid Inflation
US shoppers spent $26.4 billion during Amazon's Prime Day event from June 23-26, a 9% increase from last year, as inflation drove demand for deals on essentials and electronics, according to Adobe Analytics.
German Regulator Probes Zalando Over Undisclosed Shareholder Stake
Zalando is under investigation by Germany's financial regulator for failing to disclose in its annual report that its largest shareholder also held a stake in a company the e-commerce giant acquired last year.
South Korea's CU adopts online-first strategy for China entry
South Korean convenience store chain CU has launched a limited online trial in China, selling just 11 products on Alibaba's Tmall platform as it tests demand before any physical expansion.
Boutiqaat Plans Goldman Sachs-Backed IPO with $1 Billion Valuation Target
Kuwait-based beauty and lifestyle e-commerce platform Boutiqaat is working with Goldman Sachs on a potential initial public offering that could value the company at over $1 billion, with a possible listing as early as the first quarter of 2027.
Dragon Boat Festival Zongzi Debate Shifts from Sweet vs Savory to Old vs New
While the classic sweet versus savory zongzi argument persists each Dragon Boat Festival, a new dichotomy—old versus new—is emerging among consumers and producers in China.
Amazon Prime Day to test US consumer spending power as focus turns to essentials
Amazon's Prime Day sales event, starting Tuesday, will gauge U.S. shoppers' financial strain as promotions shift toward basic necessities rather than discretionary splurges.
Brastop Unveils New Brand Identity and Enhanced E-Commerce Platform
Brastop, the specialist retailer for D+ cup lingerie, has launched a major brand refresh and upgraded its website to support the next phase of growth.
China's 618 Shopping Festival Growth Stalls
E-commerce growth during China’s 618 festival has stalled, according to a round-up of global market news that also covers Panama’s luxury malls, Polish retailer LPP, and Indian textile exporters.
Victoria’s Secret & Co. to Launch Digital Product Passport in February 2025
The lingerie retailer will introduce its first Digital Product Passport on select bras, enabling customers to trace product origins via QR codes and supporting circular fashion.
Lanx names Sophia Rosemary as first female brand ambassador
Footwear brand Lanx has appointed influencer Sophia Rosemary as its inaugural female ambassador, tapping into the Manchester-based creator's modern style.
Mytheresa launches mobile Hamptons pop-up with Airstream trailer
The luxury e-tailer will park a customized Airstream at Hamptons hotspots from July 1 to Aug. 6, selling summer fashion and accessories from top designers.
Beauty Brands That Target Multiple Generations Outperform Peers, Data Shows
New analysis reveals that beauty brands adopting multigenerational marketing strategies are outperforming competitors, as the sector faces a projected growth slowdown and increasing share battles.