E-Commerce News & Trends

Live Commerce MENA Gains Momentum as Siin Secures $3 Million in Strategic Funding

Bahrain-based live commerce platform Siin has raised a total of $3 million in funding, reinforcing investor confidence in the emerging live shopping segment across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The round was led by VentureSouq and Shift Group, with participation from Plus VC, Oqal, and a group of regional backers.

Founded in 2024, Siin operates at the convergence of e-commerce and real-time digital engagement, enabling users to buy and sell products through interactive livestreams. The platform reflects a broader shift toward experience-driven commerce, where purchasing decisions are increasingly shaped by trust, immediacy, and social interaction.

From Transactional to Interactive Commerce

Live commerce, already well established in Asian markets, is gaining traction in MENA, albeit from a relatively early-stage base. Siin’s model adapts this format to regional consumer behavior by replicating the dynamics of traditional marketplaces in a digital environment.

Rather than relying on static product listings, the platform allows sellers to engage directly with audiences in real time, combining entertainment, community interaction, and instant purchasing. This approach aligns closely with the region’s culturally embedded preference for relationship-driven commerce.

The company has already expanded across key Gulf markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, signaling early operational scalability.

Early Traction Signals Category Potential

Within a short period, Siin has facilitated hundreds of thousands of product transactions while generating tens of thousands of hours of live-streamed content, pointing to strong user engagement and repeat activity.

For investors, this traction highlights the platform’s potential to evolve beyond a conventional marketplace into a behavioral commerce layer, one that integrates content, community, and transaction into a unified ecosystem.

The opportunity is particularly notable given that live commerce remains underpenetrated in MENA compared to more mature digital markets, leaving room for category leaders to emerge.

Strategic Focus: Expansion and Infrastructure

The newly secured capital will support Siin’s next phase of growth, with a focus on:

Geographic expansion across additional MENA markets
Strengthening its seller and creator ecosystem
Enhancing platform infrastructure and user experience

The startup is also backed by regional innovation platforms such as Hub71 and telecom-led accelerator InspireU, providing further institutional support as it scales.

Positioning Within the Future of Commerce

As global e-commerce continues to shift toward more immersive and interactive formats, live commerce is increasingly viewed as a key growth frontier. Siin’s localized approach, anchored in regional consumer behavior, positions it to capture this transition within MENA.

While the segment is still developing, early indicators suggest that platforms combining content, trust, and real-time engagement may play a defining role in the next phase of digital commerce evolution across the region.

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GameStop’s Bold $55.5B eBay Bid Signals a Major E-Commerce Shake-Up

GameStop has made a surprise $55.5 billion unsolicited offer to acquire eBay, marking one of the most unexpected takeover moves in the global e-commerce and retail sectors this year.

The offer values eBay at $125 per share in a cash-and-stock proposal. GameStop said the deal would combine its retail footprint and turnaround strategy with eBay’s global marketplace scale. The company has also disclosed a 5% economic stake in eBay and said the proposal represents a significant premium to its recent trading price.

GameStop’s Move Could Reshape Global Marketplaces

eBay confirmed that it received the non-binding proposal and said its board will carefully review it with financial and legal advisors. The company also noted that shareholders do not need to take any action at this stage.

The proposed acquisition comes as eBay faces stronger competition from major players like Amazon, as well as niche resale platforms and social commerce channels. At the same time, GameStop has been working to redefine its identity beyond traditional retail, led by CEO Ryan Cohen.

GameStop believes the combined entity could unlock significant efficiencies, targeting major cost reductions within the first year after closing. However, the scale of the deal raises questions around execution, financing, and integration risks.

If successful, the acquisition could reshape the online marketplace landscape by merging a legacy digital platform with a retailer known for its unconventional transformation story.

For the broader e-commerce ecosystem, the bid underscores a key trend: consolidation and strategic repositioning are accelerating as competition intensifies across global digital commerce.

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Italian E-Commerce Records Strong 6.1% Growth, Reaching €90.6 Billion in 2025

Italian e-commerce continued its upward trajectory in 2025, reaching an estimated value of €90.6 billion, according to the latest annual report by Casaleggio Associati. The figure marks a 6.1% increase compared to 2024, when online turnover in Italy was estimated at €85.4 billion.

Travel and Tourism remained the country’s largest online sector, generating more than €22 billion in sales. Marketplaces followed with €17.1 billion, while Leisure ranked third with €13.4 billion, showing the continued strength of experience-driven and platform-based digital spending.

Italian E-Commerce Growth Reflects a More Mature Digital Market

The report also highlights Italy’s broad digital adoption. The country counted 53.1 million internet users, equal to an internet penetration rate of 89.9%. On average, 44.1 million people used the internet monthly, while 37 million were online on a typical day.

Italian online businesses are now focusing more heavily on improving website performance, technology, and customer experience. These priorities were followed closely by AI adoption and marketing investment, indicating that companies are shifting from basic digital presence toward more advanced optimization strategies.

Cross-border activity is also concentrated mainly in Europe. Germany leads as the top foreign market for Italian online stores, followed by France and Spain. Outside Europe, the United States remains the most notable destination for Italian e-commerce operators.

Source: Ecommerce News Europe

Retail Sees Powerful 5-Point Shift as E-Shopping Moves to TikTok and AI

At the World Retail Congress 2026 in Berlin, one message stood out above all: e-shopping is no longer driven by intent, it is driven by influence. The industry is shifting away from search-led transactions toward a model built on content, creators, and continuous discovery.

For decades, e-commerce was defined by a simple journey, consumers searched for a product, compared options, and completed a purchase. That model is now being rapidly replaced. Platforms such as TikTok are reshaping the path to purchase, turning passive scrolling into active buying, and transforming entertainment into commerce.

From Search to Discovery

The rise of TikTok Shop signals a structural change in how products are found and sold. Consumers are no longer entering platforms with a fixed intention to buy; instead, they are discovering products through content, often without prior demand. In this environment, creators function as storefronts, and algorithms act as the new shop windows.

Traditional players are already feeling the impact. Companies like QVC, once synonymous with television retail, are now finding new audiences through TikTok, reporting significant customer acquisition driven by short-form video and live commerce formats. The shift is not incremental, it is foundational.

E-Shopping Becomes Content-Led Commerce

What is emerging is a new form of e-shopping where content is not a layer on top of commerce, it is the core of it. The entire funnel, from awareness to conversion, is collapsing into a single experience.

Consumers watch, engage, and purchase within the same interface. The boundaries between media, marketing, and retail are dissolving, creating a unified environment where inspiration directly leads to transaction. In this model, the speed of decision-making increases, and the role of brand storytelling becomes more critical than ever.

AI Enables Scale, But Not Differentiation

Artificial intelligence is accelerating this transition, particularly in areas such as content generation, personalization, and inventory optimization. Retailers are increasingly able to produce visuals, tailor recommendations, and respond to demand in real time.

Yet, the tone in Berlin was measured. AI may enhance efficiency, but it does not replace creativity or human connection. The brands that stand out will not be those that automate the most, but those that combine technology with compelling narratives.

Retail Repositions Around Experience

While e-shopping evolves, physical retail is undergoing its own transformation. Stores are no longer expected to compete with digital channels on convenience or price. Instead, they are being repositioned as spaces for experience, community, and brand immersion.

Retailers are investing in environments that encourage interaction, spaces where consumers can spend time, connect with others, and engage with products beyond the transactional moment. The store, in this context, becomes a complement to digital discovery rather than a competitor.

A New Retail Equation

The discussions in Berlin point to a broader redefinition of the industry. Retail is no longer a channel-based system divided between online and offline. It is becoming an integrated ecosystem shaped by content, technology, and human engagement.

The future of e-shopping will not be won through logistics alone, nor through platforms alone. It will belong to those who understand how to capture attention, build relevance, and convert inspiration into action, often within seconds.

In that sense, the evolution of retail is not just about where consumers shop, but how and why they decide to buy at all.

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Retail Transformation Shows Philadelphia Malls’ Resilient Shift in the E-Commerce Era

Philadelphia’s shopping malls are no longer operating as they did decades ago, but their role in the retail ecosystem is far from over. As e-commerce continues to reshape consumer behavior, malls across the Philadelphia region are adapting to a new era of shopping, entertainment and community engagement.

The region is home to more than a dozen indoor malls, many of which once served as major social and commercial hubs. Philadelphia’s first mall, The Gallery, opened in Center City in 1977, followed by Franklin Mills in Northeast Philadelphia in 1989 and The Shops at Liberty Place shortly after. These destinations attracted strong foot traffic and sales during their early years.

From Retail Hubs to Experience-Driven Destinations

However, the rise of online shopping, changing consumer expectations and pressure on traditional retail brands have transformed the mall model. The 2008 recession and the pandemic further accelerated this shift, leaving many malls with lower foot traffic and new financial challenges.

Instead of disappearing, malls are being reimagined. Retail experts say their future will depend on experiences that cannot be fully replicated online, including dining, entertainment, services, mixed-use spaces and community-focused concepts. E-commerce has not eliminated malls; it has pushed them to become more flexible and experience-driven.

The transformation of The Gallery into Fashion District Philadelphia in 2019 reflects this broader trend. Across the region, malls are increasingly moving beyond traditional shopping and positioning themselves as lifestyle destinations.

As retail continues to blend physical and digital channels, Philadelphia’s malls show how brick-and-mortar spaces can evolve rather than vanish.

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Digital Economy Jobs Boom 21.2% 1 in 5 Filipinos Now Work Online

The Philippines’ digital transformation is accelerating rapidly, with more than one in five jobs now tied to the digital economy, signaling a major shift in how the country works and grows.

According to recent data, the digital economy employed around 10.39 million Filipinos in 2025, accounting for 21.2% of total national employment, a notable increase from previous years.

This surge highlights how digitalization is no longer limited to tech companies but is deeply embedded across industries, from e-commerce and logistics to IT services and digital media.

E-commerce Leads Employment Growth

Among all digital sectors, e-commerce dominates employment, contributing over 75% of digital jobs, making it the primary driver of digital workforce expansion.

Meanwhile, digital-enabling infrastructure, including ICT services and telecommunications, accounts for a significant portion of the remaining jobs, reinforcing the backbone of the country’s digital ecosystem.

Economic Contribution Continues to Rise

Beyond employment, the digital economy is also becoming a key economic pillar. In 2025, it generated approximately ₱2.74 trillion in gross value added, representing 9.8% of the Philippines’ GDP.

This steady growth reflects increasing digital adoption among businesses, the rise of online marketplaces, and the expansion of digital services nationwide.

A Structural Shift in the Labor Market

The data underscores a broader structural transformation in the Philippine labor market. Digital jobs are no longer niche, they are becoming mainstream, reshaping workforce demand and skill requirements.

As digital adoption continues, sectors such as fintech, logistics tech, digital marketing, and platform-based services are expected to create even more employment opportunities.

What It Means

The rapid expansion of digital employment signals both opportunity and urgency:

Opportunity for economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness
Urgency for upskilling the workforce to meet digital demands

With over 20% of jobs already digital, the Philippines is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital economies.

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Leaders of e-commerce and retail are gathering under one roof: ELC GLOBAL

The global e-commerce platform WORLDEF is bringing together the leaders of the e-commerce and retail sectors under the “ELC GLOBAL” community. The launch of the community, which aims to build a corporate-based ecosystem, attracted great interest. WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart said, “We are at the beginning of a structure where employers and leaders who speak the same language, carry similar responsibilities, and think at the same level come together.”

ELC GLOBAL, pioneered by WORLDEF and aiming to create an exclusive community that will shape the future of the e-commerce and retail sectors, was introduced with an official launch event attended by special guests. The program, held at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, was attended by leading figures from the e-commerce and retail ecosystems. At the beginning of the program, participants watched promotional videos of the WORLDEF ISTANBUL and WORLDEF DUBAI events. In addition, a presentation was made covering the platform’s structure, community model, and participation requirements.

Ömer Nart: Real power is being able to sit at the same table with the right people

WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart said in his speech at the program, “We are at the beginning of a structure where employers and leaders who speak the same language, carry similar responsibilities, and think at the same level come together.” Pointing out that ELC GLOBAL is a closed-circuit network established in 2019, Nart said, “This structure is being revived today to bring together employers and leaders who truly have a say in the world of digital commerce and retail. It is necessary to be able to discuss the right topics with the right people on the right ground. Today, it is still very difficult to find a space in the business world where there is reliable, qualified, and open communication. ELC GLOBAL responds exactly to this need.”

Emphasizing that ELC GLOBAL is built on a model beyond the traditional understanding of networking, Ömer Nart stated the following: “It is a system where every contact is meaningful and every meeting produces a return. Through strategic roundtables, mastermind sessions, and carefully designed matches, we are building a structure where time is used in the most efficient way. From content production to stage positioning, we aim to increase the visibility and impact of our members in every area. Communication based on trust, mutual respect, and disciplined participation form the foundation of this structure. Because this place was established not to spend time, but to create value.”

Ömer Nart concluded his words as follows: “We believe this: Real power is being able to sit at the same table with the right people. Real impact is the implementation of what is discussed at that table. ELC GLOBAL is exactly the meeting point of employers and decision-making leaders who want to create this impact.”

Sezgin Şener: The winners will be those who manage quality, not quantity

ELC GLOBAL Advisory Board Chairman and ToptanTR CEO Sezgin Şener emphasized that e-commerce is undergoing a very serious development process compared to traditional commerce and said, “Almost one out of every five trades is now being conducted online. This attraction has naturally led to the emergence of many investments, many investors, many entrepreneurs, and more competition. When we look at it today, we are in a massive ecosystem with many players, including dozens of logistics companies, hundreds of software companies, and thousands of service providers. In other words, we are now in a period where quantity has reached its peak. This is exactly where ELC GLOBAL comes into play, and a breaking point begins here.”

Şener stated the following: “We say that from now on, the winners will be those who manage quality, not quantity. Because time is now very limited for all of us. The attention of our customers or target audience has become much more critical. In a world with a population of 8.1 billion, where everyone is speaking, we are together to create an ecosystem made up not of those who make noise by raising their voices, but of those who will truly make a difference by raising their value. We want to bring together the most qualified players in the sector.”

Cem Oğuz: The right leaders are together

Sürat Kargo General Manager Cem Oğuz stated that it is very important to come together with the right people and the right community and discuss the right topics, and noted the following: “The leaders of the e-commerce world here are truly leaders; the right leaders are together. How can we understand that this is the right time? We want to look only at the last 5 years of Sürat Kargo. I never forget our presence at WORLDEF; we started with a small booth in 2020. Today, we continue as the main sponsor. This shows our growth. I hope that these opportunities provided to us will be provided for everyone.”

Aytaç Akıncı: ELC GLOBAL will help enable successful transitions from export to e-export

Ship to More Founder Aytaç Akıncı said, “It is a great honor to see everyone who manages, grows, and shapes e-commerce in Türkiye here this evening. You are people who ship thousands of packages in Türkiye and have previously entered the homes of millions of people. I believe that ELC GLOBAL will increase the exports of those who export. It will also help those who do not export to make successful transitions from export to e-export.”

Sadem Pehlivan: It became a structure where very positive experiences were shared for the development of the ecosystem

eStar Global E-Commerce General Manager Sadem Pehlivan also said, “I was probably the most inexperienced e-commerce person in the closed-circuit ELC GLOBAL structure mentioned. Because I had no network at all. That is why, at the very beginning, I felt it was completely like a networking platform. At that time, it became a structure where we did business together and very positive experiences were shared for the development of the ecosystem. There are dozens of people here who are devoted to this sector. In this sense, being together will be valuable in terms of productivity and efficiency.”

ECOM BRANDS 100 Awards Ceremony was introduced

Meanwhile, at the launch, WORLDEF Vice President Orxan Isayev provided information about the “ECOM BRANDS 100” project, where the best of the e-commerce ecosystem are awarded. Isayev shared the methodology and vision of the award ceremony that will determine the giants of e-commerce. ECOM BRANDS 100 awards the most innovative and successful internet brands shaping the future of the sector. The ECOM BRANDS 100 Awards Ceremony will be held at the WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 event, which will take place at Yenikapı Event Area between June 11-13, 2026, following the announcement of candidate lists, public voting, evaluation with the Power Index, and the announcement of the winners.

About ELC GLOBAL

ELC GLOBAL aims to build strong connections among e-commerce and retail leaders, support strategic collaborations, and create an exclusive community that will shape the future of these sectors. Company owners with a minimum annual e-commerce turnover of 5 million dollars, decision-making executives of brands with a minimum turnover of 25 million dollars, and high-growth entrepreneurs with a growth rate of 400 percent or above can join the platform.

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Ozon Global Shares Strong Growth and New Seller Opportunities in Latest Update

Ozon Global Türkiye has announced a series of platform updates and performance highlights, reinforcing its rapid expansion and growing appeal among international sellers, particularly from Türkiye.

The company reported that 2025 marked a strong growth year, with total revenue reaching approximately $49.99 billion, representing a 45% increase year-over-year. At the same time, the total number of delivered orders climbed to 2.48 billion, up 69%, while average annual orders per customer rose to 38, reflecting stronger user engagement.

Marketplace Momentum Continues

The platform’s growth is also visible in seller performance. Turkish merchants recorded a 48% increase in revenue, highlighting rising cross-border demand and the effectiveness of Ozon’s marketplace tools.

In addition, the company strengthened its position in the regional tech ecosystem, ranking second among Russia’s most valuable internet companies, with a valuation of around $28 billion.

As one of the leading multi-category e-commerce platforms in the region, Ozon continues to leverage its extensive logistics network and marketplace infrastructure to expand internationally and attract new sellers.

New Logistics and Seller Tools

To further support cross-border commerce, Ozon Global introduced a new air cargo delivery channel via TT Express TR, enabling faster shipments from Türkiye to Russia.

Alongside logistics improvements, the company launched updated seller onboarding guides, focusing on product listing optimization and logistics models such as rFBS. These resources aim to simplify entry for new merchants and improve operational efficiency.

Community Engagement and Expansion

Ozon Global is also investing in its seller ecosystem through offline engagement. A recent networking event in Istanbul brought together over 100 participants, offering insights into the Russian market and opportunities for Turkish businesses.

Strategic Outlook

With continued investment in logistics, seller enablement, and marketplace growth, Ozon Global is positioning itself as a key gateway for cross-border e-commerce between Türkiye and Russia.

The latest updates underline a clear strategy:

expand international seller participation
enhance delivery infrastructure
and strengthen platform usability

As global e-commerce competition intensifies, Ozon’s combination of scale, logistics capabilities, and localized seller support is expected to play a central role in its next phase of growth.

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UAE E-Commerce Sees Strong 20% Growth as Digital Retail Accelerates

The UAE’s e-commerce sector has recorded a strong 20% increase since February 2026, reflecting a major shift in consumer behaviour as digital shopping becomes a central part of the country’s retail economy.

According to industry data cited by Khaleej Times, the growth has been supported by mobile-first shopping habits, faster delivery services and the UAE’s wider move toward cashless payments. Food and beverage delivery volumes rose by 18% over the past two months, while beauty and personal care increased by 15%. Fashion recorded 14% growth, and long-shelf grocery purchases rose by 11%.

The figures show that online retail demand is expanding across several categories, not only in essential goods. Consumers are increasingly using digital platforms for regular purchases, supported by strong smartphone usage, reliable logistics and broader trust in online payments.

Mobile Shopping Drives Consumer Demand

The UAE’s high internet penetration and advanced digital infrastructure continue to support e-commerce adoption. Mobile shopping has become one of the strongest drivers of this change, with consumers choosing faster, more flexible and convenient purchasing options.

The country’s cashless economy ambitions are also playing an important role. As digital payment usage grows, online transactions are becoming easier and more trusted for both consumers and businesses.

Retailers are responding by investing in omnichannel strategies, marketplace integration and data-led demand planning. These tools help brands manage inventory, improve availability and provide a smoother customer experience across online and offline channels.

UAE Strengthens Its Digital Retail Position

Government initiatives are also reinforcing the sector’s momentum. The UAE Digital Economy Strategy aims to increase the digital economy’s contribution to non-oil GDP to more than 20% over the coming decade. Logistics investments and smart infrastructure upgrades are also improving fulfilment speed and supporting cross-border trade.

With strong connectivity, consumer confidence and continued investment in digital commerce, the UAE is strengthening its position as one of the Middle East’s most advanced e-commerce markets.

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E-Commerce Has Become Mainstream in Türkiye; Online Card Payment Volume Grew 28 Times in 5 Years

As the development of e-commerce continues in Türkiye, growth figures in sectors connected to e-commerce draw attention. Online card payment volume in Türkiye, which was at the level of TL 260 billion in 2020, reached TL 7.3 trillion as of 2025, growing 28 times. While the average basket amount increased 9.4 times, the number of transactions rose from 848 million to 2.8 billion.

The “Türkiye E-Commerce Ecosystem Report,” prepared in collaboration with KPMG and ideasoft, has been published! The report shows that e-commerce has made a leap in the last five years. According to the report, online card payment volume, which was at the level of TL 260 billion in 2020, reached TL 7.3 trillion as of 2025, growing 28 times. In the same period, the average basket amount increased approximately 9.4 times, while the number of transactions rose from 848 million to 2.8 billion. The average amount per transaction increased from TL 306.7 to TL 2,607. These figures show that consumption habits in the country are shifting to digital.

46.2% of E-Commerce Sellers in Türkiye Are in Istanbul

According to the report, the internet usage rate in Türkiye increased from 79% in 2020 to 90.9% as of 2025. The rate of individuals shopping online increased from 36.5% to 55.7% in the same period. These figures reveal that digital consumption has now become mainstream. This transformation points to strong growth not only on the user side, but also in transaction volumes.

The timing of consumer behavior also draws attention in the report. During the day, e-commerce transaction density reaches its peak especially between 13:00 and 15:00, while on a weekly basis, shopping is seen to take place predominantly at the beginning of the week. When the geographical distribution is examined, 46.2% of e-commerce sellers in Türkiye are located in Istanbul. Ankara follows Istanbul with 9% and İzmir with 6.4%, while other cities show a more fragmented structure.

“E-Commerce Has Become an Area Managed with Insights”

ideasoft CEO Sinan Akdal stated the following in his assessment of the report: “Today, e-commerce has become an area managed with insights. The data we present in the report shows that while e-commerce in Türkiye has made great progress, it has also evolved into a more competitive structure. In particular, the changing balance between categories, the digitalization of daily consumption habits, and the strong increase in transaction volume are among the clearest indicators that the sector has moved into a new phase. Indeed, the 28-fold growth of card payments made only online from 2020 to 2025 clearly reveals the scale that e-commerce has reached.”

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