Decathlon partners Myntra to expand its online reach across India, focusing on Tier 1, 2, & 3 cities and the Northeast. This partnership will boost access to sportswear, footwear, and gear, promoting an active lifestyle.

TikTok introduces Symphony Creative Studios globally, allowing advertisers to create AI-powered video ads in minutes. Features include text-to-video, digital avatars, translations, and royalty-free music. Part of TikTok's broader AI strategy.

InPost is expanding its Locker Shops to more UK urban areas after a successful pilot in Camden. New sites include London’s Liverpool Street and Manchester in 2024, with more to come in 2025. The aim: faster, simpler parcel services.

CommerceIQ has launched Nexis, an AI-powered omnichannel teammate for ecommerce. It reduces reporting time by 75%, creates executive reports, and performs data analysis at MBA-level speed. Currently in beta, it will expand to the public in Q1 2024.

PhaseZero introduced five commerce-ready AI agents to optimize sales, pricing, inventory, and marketing. These tools enhance ROI and efficiency, integrate with its CxCommerce™ platform, and ensure privacy for users. Launched Nov. 14, 2024.

shöpping.at expands to Germany, offering Austrian products online. Retailers get $6/order bonuses in Nov-Dec 2024. German shoppers enjoy free shipping. This launch aims to capture holiday sales and boost Austrian exports with EU retailer onboarding.

Google Lens now helps shoppers in stores compare prices, read reviews, and check local inventory using AI. This new feature is backed by Shopping Graph and Gemini models. Available on Google and Chrome apps in the U.S. from November 19, 2024.

Therabody revamped its mobile strategy ahead of a record holiday season. With mobile sales projected to hit 53% of holiday online spending, brands like Therabody are optimizing for quick checkouts, engaging ads, and minimal steps to purchase.

Perplexity launches AI-powered shopping for Pro users in the U.S. Users can search for items, view detailed cards, and order with one click. The tool features unbiased recommendations and free shipping for Pro subscribers.

Starting Nov 14, 2024, Google Maps lets users search for local products easily, making holiday shopping simpler. Customers can now find nearby stores with available items, alongside checking travel disruptions and delays.

Etsy's CEO Josh Silverman emphasizes AI's role as key to growth. Etsy now has 7M sellers and 90M buyers. AI helps improve search and product handling. Silverman acknowledges mixed feelings from sellers but affirms the commitment to artists.

Pinterest has launched over 1,000 shoppable Gift Guides to ease holiday shopping. Celebrities like Em the Nutritionist and Ayamé have collaborated on these guides. Users can save gift ideas with a new wishlist feature, while Pinterest curates personalized suggestions.

Starting November 13, Meta reduces its ad-free plan by 40%. New prices are €6 ($6.36) for web users and €8 ($8.48) for mobile. These moves try to satisfy EU regulators as investigations continue into Meta's ad practices.

Klarna has filed plans for a U.S. IPO, valuing the firm at $14.6B, a rise from $6.7B in 2022. The company reported 27% revenue growth and $66M in profits in August. Expectations point to an IPO within the first half of 2025.

Encore, co-founded by Alex Ruber and Parth Chopra, uses AI to simplify your thrifting experience. With 50K searches each month and growing at 26%, it’s revolutionizing the $73B U.S. secondhand market expected to double by 2028.

Coveo partners with Shopify on Oct. 31, 2024, to provide AI-powered search for enterprise customers, enabling better product discovery and personalization. This collaboration aims to optimize revenue for Shopify merchants while enhancing shopper experiences.

On Nov. 7, 2024, Brizy launched a no-code Shopify app, allowing users to easily create stunning landing pages. With over 90 templates and tools, Brizy aims to empower Shopify store owners. The CEO, Dimi Baitanciuc, emphasizes ease for all users.

On November 12, 2024, DPD launched Ottobot, an autonomous delivery robot in Milton Keynes. This robot has eight compartments and can carry up to 70 kg. It aims to improve delivery efficiency and meet customer needs in real-time.

In a new holiday campaign, TikTok Shop partners with Venmo to offer exclusive discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, U.S. shoppers can get up to $35 off by paying with Venmo. TikTok Shop's holiday event, "Brand Palooza," will run Nov. 13–27, with major brands offering special discounts. This campaign underscores TikTok Shop’s community-centered approach, which aims to support small brands and creators. Recent data shows its impact: over 5M banned products and 30K revoked permissions in its latest safety report.

GoDaddy launched a Website Builder API to empower third-party platforms like Tailor Brands with new website-building capabilities. With this API, partners can offer GoDaddy's features to users without extensive development. Small businesses gain access to AI-driven tools and marketing insights, bringing affordable, high-quality websites within reach of many.

Carvana has sold its 2 millionth car since 2013, marking rapid growth for the e-commerce auto retailer. Carvana reported a 34% year-over-year increase in Q3 sales, moving 108.6K cars. Its growth follows challenges in the used-car market and was boosted by its acquisition of 56 auction sites for $2.2B in 2022. Carvana now offers same-day delivery in 16 states and services over 300 markets, aiming to expand its infrastructure for faster sales and delivery nationwide.

Demand for 8-ft TVs is surging, with screen sizes up 10x over last year. Lower prices and tech advancements push Best Buy and Samsung to expand XXL screen offerings. Average prices have fallen to $3.1K from $6.7K, making them a tempting holiday splurge. Some screens start at $2K but go up to $25K. Industry leaders say these TVs transform home entertainment, yet require large spaces and careful delivery planning.

Romanian online retailer eMAG plans to expand into Moldova in 2025 or 2026, according to CEO Tudor Manea. The timeline follows Moldova's recent EU accession momentum. eMAG has operated in Bulgaria and Hungary since 2012 and 2013, respectively. Customers in Moldova already connect to EU stores through Posta Romana's EUlivrez service, which handles deliveries from European retailers.

Affirm has launched in the U.K. amid a changing BNPL market. With stricter regulations on the horizon, Affirm aims to attract users by offering no late fees and fixed interest rates. Affirm’s valuation rose to $13B this year, and the company expects profitability by 2025. Despite not having major U.S. partnerships like Amazon and Apple, Affirm hopes to expand with other brands. They currently work with UK-based Alternative Airlines and Fexco, setting the stage for broader adoption in Europe.

Mozilla Foundation, known for Firefox, cut 30% of its workforce to shift its focus. Two key departments, advocacy and global programs, were dropped in a restructuring that aims to enhance impact amid tech challenges. Executive director Nabiha Syed, new to the role since February, explained that these changes allow Mozilla to sharpen its mission for an equitable online world. Mozilla says advocacy will continue across other areas.

Shopify's Finance suite centralizes tools for merchants, combining Balance, Capital, Credit, Tax, and Bill Pay into a single dashboard. With higher APY rewards, cash-back options, and new repayment flexibility, merchants can access up to $2M in capital. Shopify's user-friendly solutions ease tax compliance, loan access, and cash management, helping businesses stay focused on growth without traditional banking limits.

Apple may face fines as EU regulators enforce the Digital Markets Act. The company’s iPadOS has been targeted over compliance concerns, as it restricts app developers and limits user options. Apple’s recent tax woes include a $14.4B payment to Ireland and a $1.8B fine over its App Store practices. Under DMA rules, Apple could be fined up to 20% of its annual revenue. The EU aims to curb Apple’s market dominance, and the potential penalty could set a precedent for tech giants.

Google's AI Overviews, launched in May and expanded in August, now reach over 1 billion monthly users across more than 100 nations. Available in multiple languages, this global rollout enhances user search experiences by including more in-line links, increasing site traffic, and supporting various languages. The move connects users to creators, publishers, and businesses worldwide, with a rise in search relevance. Ad placements in AI Overviews, available in the U.S. on mobile, aim to provide relevant results. This expansion shows Google’s commitment to enhancing access to the best of the web with AI-driven insights.

Cirro E-Commerce partners with nShift to simplify global shipping. This integration will automate processes for merchants, enhance tracking, and streamline returns, improving delivery experience for customers. CIRRO’s 30+ country presence and nShift’s 1000+ carrier network aim to give merchants a competitive edge and better customer satisfaction.

Yodel partners with InPost to handle final-mile delivery from InPost lockers to customer doors across the UK. The collaboration supports a rising demand in Out of Home parcel services, with C2C deliveries up 200% over two years. Tracking is provided via InPost's app, adding convenience. This move reflects Yodel’s growth in second-hand markets and InPost’s expansion of its locker network, offering UK customers more delivery options.

Klarna now offers payment options on Apple Pay for users in the U.S. and UK, allowing them to buy items now and pay later. Klarna’s “Pay in 4” plan gives customers four installments, interest-free. With iOS 18, shoppers can select Klarna as a payment option online and in-app on Apple devices. Klarna plans to expand to Canada in the coming months.

Alibaba.com’s new Trade Assurance for European merchants boosts security in B2B trade. Covering Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, this free service includes secure payments, real-time order tracking, and market insights. Dermaroller, an SME using Alibaba.com, praised it for providing "confidence in protected transactions." Karl Wehner, Managing Director for DACH, highlighted that German companies, especially, benefit from greater security and risk minimization in global expansion. This move emphasizes Alibaba’s commitment to European SMEs, helping them expand globally with peace of mind.

Ceconomy, parent of MediaMarkt and Saturn, saw a 4.1% rise in sales to €22.4B ($23.7B) in FY ending Sept 30. After four years of steady growth, profitability is up for the seventh quarter, expected to hit $305M. CEO Wildberger cites success from smaller Xpress shops, closing unprofitable locations, and expanding online. Over 66% of stores have been modernized, with a goal of 90% by 2026. More conversions from Saturn to MediaMarkt, shop-in-shop models, and department store placements with Galeria will fuel growth. Online marketplaces also add to this positive trend.

Optiwise.ai raised $2.4M in seed funding to expand Olivia, an AI assistant designed to enhance listings and ads for Walmart Marketplace sellers. Olivia analyzes product listings, offers tailored keyword and pricing suggestions, and even adapts content from Amazon for Walmart. The funding will support Olivia's growth and enable sellers to maximize holiday sales. StartupXseed Ventures led the funding, betting on Optiwise.ai’s ability to transform Walmart sales through AI-powered automation. With Optiwise.ai’s integrated strategy, sellers are set for increased conversions and smoother compliance with Walmart standards.

The UK will ban disposable vapes on June 1, 2025, a win for Trojan Electronics' campaign. With vaping risks addressed, focus now turns to e-waste from small devices, stronger repair laws, battery recycling, and VAT-free electronics repairs.

Wayfair unveils Wayfair Rewards, a $29/year loyalty program. Customers get 5% back on purchases, free shipping, and special sales access. With perks like priority support, the program aims to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

MediaMarktSaturn introduces a GenAI voicebot to its customer hotline. Launched in Germany in September, it's now being tested in Austria and the Netherlands, with a planned rollout in Spain by early 2025. The AI voicebot uses website FAQs to answer queries quickly, even outside normal hours, reducing wait times. The initiative is part of MediaMarktSaturn’s digital strategy to improve customer service efficiency. If the bot can't handle a request, calls are transferred to a human. Vice President Henny Steiniger says the goal is to offer innovative, always-available service.

Salesforce now offers integrated ecommerce storefronts within its Starter and Pro Suites, targeting small and growing businesses. Available in the U.S. starting October 22, 2024, these suites combine marketing, sales, service, and now commerce in one package.

DPD and GLS partner to expand their delivery services with a new network of parcel shops and lockers across Germany. With 8,000 drop-off points each, the companies plan to reach 20,000 out-of-home locations by 2027. They will launch 1,000 shared lockers by 2025. This initiative aims to enhance customer convenience and reduce delivery distances. Both companies invest equally in this nationwide expansion, providing an alternative to closed systems and supporting sustainable growth. Customers will enjoy more flexibility, with lockers situated close to everyday routes and retail locations.

YouTube’s new affiliate program partners with Flipkart and Myntra in India. Creators with 10K+ subscribers can earn through referrals by tagging products in their videos. India, YouTube’s largest market with over 400M users, offers massive growth potential.

Facebook launches Local and Explore tabs to connect users with local content and interests. Messenger Communities aim to help small groups interact. AI tools like Comment Summaries enhance user experience. Tests roll out in 10 U.S. cities.

Apple’s Business Connect now lets all businesses, even without physical locations, manage their brand across Apple apps like Maps, Wallet, and Mail. Over 1B users can access accurate business info, driving brand visibility and trust.

DHL Express introduces its Label-Free service for returns. Available in over 50 countries, this eco-friendly solution allows consumers to return packages using a QR code, removing the need for printed labels. The service targets industries like fashion and technology.

Alibaba’s international arm has launched a new version of its AI-powered translation tool, which it claims is superior to Google and ChatGPT. With 500K merchants using it across 15 languages, the tool is set to help sellers increase international sales.

General Motors is converting OnStar into an e-commerce platform. It will offer Super Cruise plans, auto insurance, SiriusXM, and accessories. This shift aims to streamline shopping for services with a responsive, flexible system.

Alibaba's 2024 Singles' Day will see $4.3B in perks for both consumers and merchants. Over 300K brands will participate on Tmall, and SMEs will benefit from $13B in cross-platform traffic and marketing subsidies.

Storfund is deepening its collaboration with Mangopay to provide sellers with an embedded wallet solution. This partnership enhances cash flow, offering faster payments and better currency conversion across 50 marketplaces globally, including Amazon.

Starting soon, canceling subscriptions like Amazon Prime or streaming services will be as simple as signing up. The FTC's new "click-to-cancel" rule is designed to eliminate obstacles, going into effect 180 days after publication.

Square introduced a new Orders Platform in Q3 2024 to help U.S. sellers. The platform offers flexible options like pre-authorization, bar tabs, and subscriptions. This shift aims to improve business operations and customer experiences.

Apple Pay celebrates 10 years with new features in iOS 18. Users can redeem rewards from Discover cards and use Klarna's flexible payments. Installment loans are available with Affirm in the US and Monzo in the UK, expanding payment flexibility.