OTTO releases "OTTO Live Shopping for Apple Vision Pro" on July 12, offering 3D product experiences with LEGO and Miele. Developed by Otto Group Digital Consulting, it promises delivery within 1-2 days in Germany.

Uber opens its platform nationwide to all German taxi companies, facilitating additional orders easily and transparently. This new strategy promises additional income for taxi drivers without membership fees or long-term contracts.

Austrian Post introduces AllesPost Deutschland, a service allowing Austrian customers to use a German address for international shopping. Almost 90% of Austrian online shoppers have faced issues with deliveries. This service aims to solve that.

Douglas partners with Google Cloud to test a new AI Beauty Advisor chatbot. This chatbot provides personalized product recommendations and beauty tips. The current test phase is internal and focuses on improving customer experience.

Migros discontinues FoodNow to focus on core business. Alfies buys Stash, expanding its Swiss presence. Despite 600 partners, FoodNow couldn't meet goals. Stash, active in Zurich and Lucerne, joins Alfies after struggling to break even.

TPG had its best year in 2023. Gross merchandise volume grew to $770M, and sales hit $480M. The number of partners rose to 5,520, and active customers grew to 4.05M. Profitability improved with adjusted EBITDA at $24.7M and consolidated profit at $29.4M.

Mytheresa, a leader in luxury e-commerce, reported a 15% growth in GMV in 2023, reaching $932M. It aims for $1B by year-end with a 3.9% EBITDA margin. The U.S. market saw a 42% GMV increase, driven by targeted events and pop-up shops. CEO Kliger sees bright prospects.

Germany backs ending EU import tax breaks for Shein and Temu. This change could affect their ability to offer low-cost products by eliminating the current €150 exemption, increasing scrutiny on imports, and impacting their business strategies.

At Shopware's Community Day in Schöppingen on May 16, 2024, Co-CEO Sebastian Hamann revealed AI and 3D features. 1,500 attendees saw demos of the Scene Editor, AI Copilot, and Immersive Elements. New B2B tools like Sales Agent were also introduced to enhance sales processes.

Esprit, present in over 40 countries, files for insolvency in Germany affecting 1,500 jobs. High rent, labor, and energy costs, alongside pandemic after-effects and international conflicts, cited as reasons.

Shöpping is expanding into Germany in Q4 2024. This move will allow Austrian retailers to reach German customers and attract EU merchants. This expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for Austrian products in Germany.

Mytheresa's Q3 sales grew by 17.6%, reaching $251.5M. GMV increased by 14.7% to $271.2M. EBITDA soared by 183.8%, and losses were reduced by 41.7%. The CEO highlighted their strong performance in a challenging market.

Zalando is restructuring its management board to enhance B2C and B2B strategies. David Schneider steps into a new role, with David Schröder becoming co-CEO. Changes take effect 1 September 2024, aiming to strengthen market position and customer relationships.

Dr. Carina Popovici used AI to find 40 fake paintings on eBay, including a Monet priced at $599K and a Renoir at $165K. She believes this is just the tip of the iceberg. eBay claims to use AI to block counterfeit items but has not responded to her concerns.

About You Holding SE, a Hamburg-based e-commerce company, saw sales of €1.94B, up 1.6% YOY. Adjusted EBITDA improved significantly, reaching €3.2M after a loss of €137M last year. The net loss reduced to €112.2M, nearly halving the previous year's €229M.

Zalando's first-quarter sales of $2.37M mark a minor drop but show promise of recovery with a net loss improvement from $41.4M to $9.6M. Strong B2C and B2B growth highlighted by a 1.3% margin in adjusted EBIT.

MediaMarktSaturn introduces a sustainable pop-up store in Tübingen on May 2, 2024. This store blends technology with sustainability, offering products like refurbished electronics and advising on eco-friendly initiatives.

Getir, once valued at $7.5 billion, faces closure as its key investor withdraws support. A potential merger with competitor Flink is on the table.

Lufthansa Cargo prepares to launch a dedicated route from Frankfurt to Zhengzhou for Temu, with 777F flights thrice weekly, responding to the surge in demand. Critics voice concerns over product quality and environmental impact.

With new funding of €1.5M, Truckoo, the commercial vehicle platform, now includes Austria's WaVe-X, led by the Walter Group, alongside other major German investors.

Finmid, based in Berlin, leverages its embedded fintech solution to empower SMBs with more financing options directly through digital marketplaces. Recently, they raised $24.7M in Series A funding, with a valuation reaching $107M.

Kaufland adjusts marketplace fees effective April 30, with a notable rise in small household appliances category. Other categories see minor changes.

German startup Flink just bagged another $106.7M to extend its market stay amidst a sector slowdown. Talks of a merger with competitors could reshape the grocery delivery landscape.

VAUDE starts its online second-hand shop in Germany, promoting long-term use and reducing environmental impact. Explore high-quality used products at affordable prices.

Zalando has challenged the EU supervisory fee's calculation, seeking clarity on the methodology affecting 47.5 million users, amid broader tech regulations disputes.

Amid an 8% decline in revenue, Otto's resilience shines with a 2% increase in platform sales, backed by an aggressive AI strategy. With 65 AI tools now operational, Otto is redefining e-commerce efficiency in Germany, setting a benchmark for the industry despite a broader market downturn.

CEO Niklas Östberg outlines Delivery Hero's strategy, focusing on grocery delivery's role in 2024 growth and the importance of affordable, quick service.

Kaufland marketplace now extends its digital retail presence to Poland and Austria, leveraging local brand recognition and a lack of competitors in Austria.

OTTO's GMV hit $7.05B in 2023 with a 2% increase, despite a retail downturn. The online marketplace now hosts over 6,500 partners, expanding its EU network.

Secret Sales' strategic acquisition of Dress-for-less, a German retailer with a £85M turnover in 2023, marks a significant move in its European expansion, providing brands a new route to pan-European market control.

German consumer watchdogs flag Temu for questionable tactics, but the e-commerce giant stands firm, claiming EU law compliance and transparency in their operations.

After a rapid rise in the European market, Temu is under scrutiny for misleading discounts and manipulative designs, according to the Federation of German Consumer Organizations. Temu defends its practices, emphasizing fairness and transparency.

After acquiring Gorillas, Getir is now eyeing Flink, the German leader in quick delivery. Talks with Flink are progressing, with its CEO potentially becoming Getir's European head. Flink's need for funds amid rising costs and shrinking demand might seal the deal.

Zalando, partnering with RTL+, introduces an in-stream shopping feature for "Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten" fans. This tech marvel allows viewers to shop directly via the RTL+ app, blending entertainment with instant fashion gratification since March 11th.

Zalando announces a late summer opening for its new outlet in Dresden, promising a shopping haven with up to 70% discounts. Spanning 1,500 square meters over two floors, the outlet brings a unique mix of fashion, beauty, and pre-owned items.

In a bid for a greener future, Otto Group's new climate targets aim for a 42% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2031, endorsed by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). These efforts align with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal, highlighting Otto's leadership in sustainable market transformation.

eBay's bold strategy to axe selling fees in Germany led to a "double-digit percentage" spike in sellers and a 20% increase in listings. This surge reflects eBay's deep dive into the untapped German market, revealing a potential goldmine for private online sales.

Renault's partnership with Carwow, announced on March 7, 2024, is set to boost online car sales, making the car-buying process smoother for internet shoppers. With over 4 million monthly users on Carwow, Renault aims to meet the digital needs of 96% of buyers who research online.

The Swiss National Council's decision on customs law may lead to Zalando customers in Switzerland facing delays. The change allows importers to decide on customs clearance, potentially delaying deliveries by days.

Hugo Boss is doubling down on the gaming world, not just with a denim launch in Roblox but also debuting a fragrance-themed island in Fortnite. These moves highlight the brand's innovative approach to marketing, blending virtual experiences with fashion and fragrances to captivate gamers.

Razor Group acquires Perch, hinting at e-commerce shakeup. The move adds 40,000 products and aims for over $1B revenue. Investors back with Series D amidst a sales boom dip.

Douglas, with roots dating back to 1821, seeks a major IPO in Frankfurt, aiming for $1.2B to slash debt and sprint ahead in the premium beauty market.

Delivery Hero restructures with a USD syndication, extending maturity to 2029 and reducing interest rates, while preparing to repurchase convertible bonds.

Since Kaufland acquired Real's online marketplace in 2020, it's been a rising star in Germany's e-commerce sky. With the launch of Fulfillment by Kaufland (FBK), it's not just selling products but also fulfilling dreams across Europe.

Adidas is stirring the sneaker world by launching a Yeezy sale on Feb 29, aiming for $250M, despite Kanye West slamming the move as selling "fake" shoes. The drama unfolds as Adidas and Ye's partnership crumbles, with accusations and financial claims flying.

The Cologne-based Hood Media, known for its Hood.de platform with over 4,900 active dealers across 20+ product categories, now joins The Platform Group's "consumer goods" segment. This strategic move is part of TPG's broader ambition to dominate the ecommerce space, with Hood Media being one of several acquisitions aimed at expanding TPG's presence in both B2B and B2C sectors.

Despite 97% of the population having internet access, a quarter lacks digital literacy. Swiss Post's advisory service in selected branches aims to bridge this gap, offering guidance on digital issues, from phishing to smartphones.

Recent tests by the German Association of the Toy Industry and Toys Industries of Europe reveal a shocking 95% of Temu toys fail EU safety standards. The findings include dangerous boron levels in slime toys and choking hazards.

After months of intense negotiations, Delivery Hero's deal to sell its Foodpanda business in key Southeast Asian markets falls through. CEO Niklas Östberg cites failed agreement terms as the core issue, yet remains optimistic about the region's growth potential.

Zalando, the Berlin-based fashion giant, is ditching misleading sustainability badges for real eco data. By April 15, 2024, expect to see clear info on recycled materials instead of vague green symbols. It's a makeover that's not just skin-deep.