Airbnb recently removed many travel experiences from its platform, causing confusion among operators. This move is part of a larger strategy to improve quality and refocus on its core offerings. Despite the delistings, Airbnb is committed to the experiences market with new initiatives like "Icons".

Kudos, an AI-driven smart wallet, raises $10M to enhance credit card optimization for rewards. The company grew from 1,000 beta testers to 200,000 users since 2022. Investors include QED Investors, Patron, and others.

TikTok is testing 60-minute videos, available to select users. This follows a trend of increasing video lengths, from 10 minutes to now an hour. TikTok is aiming to offer longer, YouTube-like content while boosting engagement and monetization.

Shopify has sued Shopline, alleging that the latter copied its customizable storefront template technology, Dawn. The lawsuit claims Shopline's Seed template carries clear evidence of copying, including the presence of Shopify’s name in Seed’s code.

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.

BigCommerce launched an open-source Buyer Portal on May 7, 2024, allowing B2B brands to create tailored buyer experiences. This move aims to reduce development costs and time, offering streamlined services and faster time-to-market. The portal supports localized experiences and automates administrative processes.

Meta's enhanced generative AI tools now offer full image and text generation for advertisers. These features help businesses create creative variations and automate ad creation, improving performance. New text overlay and image expansion tools are also included.

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.

AI companies in China, like Silicon Intelligence, offer digital avatars to help mourners talk to deceased loved ones. This technology has become more affordable, with prices dropping from $2,000 to a few hundred dollars. Ethical and emotional debates continue.

Starting today, Walmart introduces e-commerce inside Roblox, allowing players to buy real-world items. This pilot runs through May, targeting U.S. users over 13. It could redefine virtual shopping, leveraging Walmart's vast retail network.

On May 8, 2024, Shopify announced a surprising $273M loss for Q1, despite a 23% rise in revenue to $1.9B. After selling its logistics unit to Flexport in 2023, it now expects a decrease in margins. Shares fell 20%, wiping $20B off its market value.

Allbirds' revenue fell 28% in Q1, totaling $39.3M. Joe Vernachio, the new CEO, addresses urgent restructuring as the company anticipates a 25% sales drop throughout the year.

Etsy's CEO, Josh Silverman, revealed a new machine learning model that reduced USPS transit times by over a day, boosting perceived reliability and increasing estimated delivery dates of seven days or less for triple the orders.

Google's Performance Max now aids sellers on platforms like Amazon by driving sales directly through online marketplaces, eliminating the need for individual websites or Merchant Center accounts. This service has launched in beta and is still evolving.

Expedia enters the UAE market, introducing a Gen-AI app and innovative price tracking for enhanced travel planning and booking. The launch aligns with a $25B regional industry.

On April 24, 2024, in Boston, HubSpot introduced Spotlight, featuring new Service Hub and AI tools, making it easier for SMBs to manage and grow customer interactions. These tools promise rapid innovation and support.

At the 2024 Stripe Sessions in San Francisco, Stripe introduced 50+ new features to enhance payments processing and fight fraud, having processed over $1 trillion last year.

Despite a slight drop in sales, Wayfair impresses with a $107M cut in losses and a 3% rise in customer numbers, indicating strong resilience and strategic staffing reductions.

Etsy stock plunged 15% after its earnings report showed a decline in sales. Facing fierce competition from Temu and Shein, Etsy's gross merchandise sales fell by 3.7%, down to $2.99B from an expected $3.03B.

Airbnb launched 'Icons', offering exclusive experiences like a tequila tasting with Kevin Hart and a living room performance by Doja Cat. These unique events tap into the intersection of travel and pop culture, promising unforgettable memories.

Alibaba's DingTalk launched a marketplace with 200+ AI agents. The AI Assistant now handles images, videos, and 500-page texts. 2.2M companies used DingTalk AI, benefiting SaaS businesses and developers.

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.

EU Commission investigates Meta, including Facebook and Instagram, for not adhering to EU laws, amid concerns of disinformation campaigns influencing the upcoming EU election.

Decathlon extends buy-back plan, offering vouchers up to 40% of product value. Over 800K items expected to be refurbished or resold.

BigCommerce announces over 100 platform updates, enhancing B2C and B2B experiences with new features like Catalyst and BigAI suite.

CommentSold unveiled AI ClipHero, automating video creation for e-commerce, enhancing live selling. PopClips introduced for product tagging. Since 2017, facilitated $4.4B+ GMV.

Newegg introduces Newegg+, a free membership program offering perks like free shipping, exclusive deals, and advanced returns processing. Members gain VIP-style shopping experience. Launch sale until April 28.

Alibaba.com launches Logistics Marketplace, offering affordable solutions for US SMEs to streamline supply chains. With access to pre-vetted providers, SMEs navigate global markets with ease.

EU-Parliament approves Right to Repair directive with 584-3 vote, expanding repair rights to smartphones, tablets, appliances. Manufacturers required to offer repairs during 2-year warranty, extendable by 1 year. Consumers to benefit from transparent repair costs.

Klarna joins forces with Uber in the USA, Germany, and Sweden, introducing the groundbreaking "Pay Now" feature, aligning payments with salary cycles. This strategic move not only broadens Klarna's service spectrum beyond its traditional online retail domain but also positions it favorably amidst pre-IPO speculations, fostering growth aspirations.

New EU rules aim to reduce packaging waste with targets set for reduction and recycling. By 2030, certain single-use plastic packaging will be banned. The regulation emphasizes reuse, refill options, and recycling to build a circular economy.

OpenAI has appointed Glenn Worthington, ex-Shopify VP, as its new head of support. This move underlines the tightening links between AI and ecommerce.

Alibaba.com aims to boost gender equality in business with a new academy. Starting this fall, 40 women will gain vital skills and networking opportunities.

As Wayfair opens its first physical store in Wilmette, IL, it seeks to enhance its market presence and revive sales amidst a challenging retail environment.

Decathlon USA, responding to market changes, closes its last physical stores. The retailer to expand its online presence and partner with giants like Walmart and Target.

Ikea's training initiative for 3,500 employees in AI literacy aims to embed technology understanding deeply within its culture. This program is a part of Ikea's broader strategy to integrate AI across various business operations.

Etsy's evolution from a handmade haven to a crowded marketplace has doubled its buyer base but alienated artisans. Recent policy changes and SEO strategies are stirring discontent among long-time sellers.

Morgan Stanley recently adjusted their stance in the US e-commerce sector, upgrading eBay while downgrading Etsy, reflecting shifts in their market predictions and strategic approaches.

Leroy Merlin's Polish marketplace will not just mediate but showcase offers from external companies on its site, leveraging experiences from its global network.

The mass closure of 99 Cents Only and Family Dollar locations does not signal the end of discount stores, despite a challenging economic landscape and operational issues.

Through their strategic alliance, Cognizant, Shopify, and Google Cloud are set to transform commerce for retailers worldwide, focusing on AI-driven personalization and operational scalability.

TikTok's not just for videos anymore! With the new TikTok Notes app, users can soon share photos in a dedicated space, enhancing their creative expression.

Chrono24 introduces a new authentication service, "Certified," for luxury watches over $1K, bolstering buyer confidence in the used watch market.

Google introduces a new Tinder-like feature allowing users to swipe on clothing items to refine style recommendations, competing with Amazon and Walmart in AI-driven shopping.

Suzhou's new plan will ramp up its e-commerce to $20.7B by 2026, attracting global projects and building a robust digital infrastructure.

With Cart.com's acquisition of Amify, they're tapping into proprietary tech and expertise to boost Amazon marketplace performance. Amify, supporting 50+ brands, brings $1B GMV experience and a full team including founder Ethan McAfee.

TikTok Shop’s era of offering deals too good to be true is potentially ending, with seller fees jumping from 2% to 8% by July. This significant hike could lead to higher prices for shoppers, challenging the loyalty to TikTok's ecommerce model.

Google's talks with Morgan Stanley hint at a possible $35B offer for Hubspot. The deal could expand Google's CRM footprint, amid its search for growth avenues and competitive pressures.

Kingfisher plc extends its collaboration with Virtualstock for 3 years to scale B&Q's online offerings, emphasizing innovation and customer-centric solutions in the home improvement sector.

With a 38% slice of ecommerce pie by Jan 2024, B&Q's marketplace under Kingfisher eyes global domination, starting with France and Poland expansions. Ecommerce sales have surged to £2.3B, a testament to strategic partnerships and a diversified category spread.