WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 - Upcoming Event

Register Now

Bangladesh Sees Positive Marketplace Shift as Jiji Acquires Bikroy

Bangladesh Sees Positive Marketplace Shift as Jiji Acquires Bikroy

African classifieds marketplace Jiji has acquired Bikroy, Bangladesh’s largest online classifieds platform, marking the company’s first acquisition outside Africa and a major step in its international expansion strategy.

The acquisition comes just 13 months after Jiji officially entered the Bangladeshi market, where it launched operations to compete directly with established local players including Bikroy, Daraz and Ajkerdeal. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, although Jiji stated that the acquisition was completed using internal resources and shareholder support.

Founded in Nigeria, Jiji has built one of Africa’s largest digital classifieds ecosystems by following a “compete-then-buy” expansion strategy. The company previously acquired OLX Africa’s operations across several African markets in 2019 and later purchased Ghana’s Tonaton in 2022. Bikroy now becomes the third major competitor absorbed by the platform within six years.

Bikroy has been one of Bangladesh’s most recognized online marketplaces since its launch in 2012. The platform operates in both Bengali and English and has built a strong presence across categories including electronics, vehicles, property, jobs and household products.

Industry analysts view the move as a strategic effort by Jiji to replicate its African growth model in high-potential emerging markets. Bangladesh’s rapidly growing internet penetration, expanding middle class and rising online shopping adoption have made the country increasingly attractive for global e-commerce and marketplace companies.

Bangladesh Becomes a Key Digital Commerce Battleground

Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector is projected to reach between $12 billion and $13 billion within the next few years, driven by increasing smartphone usage and stronger digital payment adoption. According to industry data referenced by Jiji, nearly 79% of Bangladeshi consumers already shop online, while almost half are comfortable making payments through digital platforms.

By acquiring Bikroy instead of continuing direct competition, Jiji gains immediate access to one of the country’s largest online marketplace audiences and strengthens its position against regional competitors such as Alibaba-backed Daraz.

The acquisition also signals a broader trend in emerging-market e-commerce, where consolidation is becoming a key strategy for scaling digital marketplaces faster and reducing customer acquisition costs.

As competition intensifies across Asia and Africa, Jiji’s latest move highlights how global marketplace companies are increasingly targeting high-growth developing economies to secure long-term digital commerce leadership.

Source

Vietnam’s E-Commerce Records Positive 47% Surge, Reaching $5.6B in Q1 2026

Vietnam’s E-Commerce Records Positive 47% Surge, Reaching $5.6B in Q1 2026

Vietnam’s e-commerce sector continued its rapid expansion in the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital markets.

According to recent market data, total gross merchandise value (GMV) across Vietnam’s leading e-commerce platforms reached nearly VND148.6 trillion ($5.64 billion) during Q1 2026, representing a strong 47% year-on-year increase. The growth reflects rising consumer confidence, expanding platform competition and the increasing influence of social commerce in the country’s retail ecosystem.

Major platforms including Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada and Tiki continued to dominate the market, while livestream commerce and short-form video shopping became key drivers of online consumer engagement.

The number of online transactions also grew significantly during the quarter, surpassing 1.14 billion products sold. Vietnamese consumers spent an average of nearly $63 million per day on e-commerce platforms, highlighting the growing importance of digital retail channels in daily purchasing habits.

Beauty and personal care products emerged as the strongest-performing category, generating more than VND24.4 trillion in revenue. Women’s fashion and home-related products also remained among the top-selling segments. At the same time, men’s fashion recorded one of the fastest growth rates in the market, signaling changing consumer behavior and stronger demand for lifestyle-focused online shopping.

Social Commerce and Livestream Shopping Reshape Vietnam’s Market

Vietnam’s e-commerce growth is increasingly being fueled by social commerce strategies. Platforms are investing heavily in livestream shopping, creator-driven sales and short-video content to increase customer engagement and conversion rates.

TikTok Shop continues to rapidly expand its market share through “shoppertainment” strategies, while Shopee strengthens its position through integrated creator partnerships and platform-wide promotional campaigns. Analysts note that video-led commerce is becoming one of the defining trends of Vietnam’s digital economy.

Industry experts also highlight that Vietnam’s young digital-first population, improving logistics infrastructure and growing mobile internet penetration are creating strong long-term opportunities for online retail growth.

As Southeast Asia’s e-commerce competition intensifies, Vietnam is increasingly positioning itself as one of the region’s most dynamic and high-potential digital commerce markets for both local and international brands.

Source

E-Commerce Volume in Türkiye Exceeded 115 billion USD

Türkiye

New data on e-commerce in Türkiye has been released. In 2025, the e-commerce volume in the country increased by 52.2% compared to the previous year, exceeding 4.57 trillion TL (115.43 billion USD). The number of transactions reached 5 billion 940 million.

The Ministry of Trade of Türkiye has announced the “2025 E-Commerce Outlook Report in Türkiye“. According to the announced data, the retail e-commerce volume in Türkiye reached 2 trillion 460 billion Turkish liras (54.3 billion USD) in 2025, showing a 51.8% increase compared to the previous year. The number of retail e-commerce transactions was 1 billion 940 million. Between 2019 and 2025, the annual compound growth rate of the total e-commerce volume was 79.6%, and the annual compound growth rate of retail e-commerce volume was 83.7% during the same period.

E-Commerce Volume in Türkiye Increased by 382% in USD Terms

In 2019, the e-commerce volume in Türkiye was 23 billion 940 million USD, and it steadily increased each year, reaching 89 billion 580 million USD in 2024. In 2025, it reached 115 billion 430 million USD, marking a 28.9% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2019 and 2025, the growth rate in USD terms was 382%.

E-Commerce’s Share in Total Trade Reached 19.3%

In 2025, the domestic e-commerce volume accounted for 6.9% of Türkiye’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was 63 trillion 20 billion 905 million TL (1.40 trillion USD) according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). The share of e-commerce in total trade in Türkiye showed a high trend in the first quarter, decreased in the second quarter, remained stable in the third quarter, and increased again in the last quarter, mainly due to the impact of campaigns, but declined in the last month of the year.

634,611 Businesses Engaged in E-Commerce Activities in Türkiye

In 2024, 600,800 businesses in Türkiye were engaged in e-commerce activities, and by 2025, this number reached 634,611. Among the businesses involved in e-commerce, 75% are sole proprietorships, 21% are limited liability companies, and 4% are joint-stock companies. Among the e-commerce business owners, 72% are male, and 28% are female. The majority of male and female business owners are in the 30-34 age range.

Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories Sector Ranked First

In the distribution of businesses engaged in e-commerce by sector in Türkiye, the food sector had the highest share at 20.3%, followed by the clothing, footwear, and accessories sector at 13.8%, electronics at 11.9%, and home, garden, furniture, and decoration sectors at 10.5%. In 2025, the sector that took the largest share of e-commerce volume was clothing, footwear, and accessories, with 428 billion 700 million Turkish liras, followed by electronics at 304 billion 340 million Turkish liras, airlines at 285 billion 440 million Turkish liras, and food at 270 billion 160 million Turkish liras.

The Most Preferred Payment Method in E-Commerce Was Card Payments with 62.5%

When examining the payment methods used in e-commerce in Türkiye, card payments ranked first with 62.5%, followed by wire/EFT payments at 29.2%, cash on delivery at 3.5%, and other payment methods at 4.8%. Of the card payments, 64.1% were made using the 3D secure security method.

In November 2025, e-commerce volume increased by 41.5% compared to the same period in 2024. During the same period, the number of products and services sold increased by 11.6%. In the campaign month, the highest volume increase compared to the previous year occurred in the following sectors: books and magazines, food, entertainment and arts, and groceries and supermarkets.

Quick Commerce Reached 388.7 Billion Turkish Liras

Quick commerce (Q-Commerce), where consumers can reach the products they need within minutes, increased by 55.6% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with its share in the total e-commerce volume reaching 8.5%. In quick commerce, the food sector led the list with 69.5%, showing a noticeable difference compared to other sectors.

Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) e-commerce demonstrated significant potential in terms of sustainability. In 2025, the transaction volume in consumer-to-consumer (C2C) sales reached 21 billion 800 million Turkish liras, with 23 million 600 thousand transactions. The clothing, footwear, and accessories sector accounted for 36.7% of the sustainable e-commerce volume, followed by the electronics sector with 29.5%.

Blackstone’s Positive €635M Skroutz Deal Signals New Growth Era for Southeast European E-Commerce

Blackstone’s Positive €635M Skroutz Deal Signals New Growth Era for Southeast European E-Commerce

Global investment giant Blackstone has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Greek e-commerce platform Skroutz from CVC Capital Partners in a deal valued at approximately €635 million, including debt. The acquisition marks one of the most significant recent e-commerce transactions in Southeast Europe and highlights growing investor confidence in the region’s digital retail ecosystem.

Originally founded in 2005 as a price-comparison platform, Skroutz has evolved into Greece’s leading online marketplace, now offering more than 26 million products from around 9,000 merchants to approximately 2.5 million active users. Over the years, the company expanded its operations beyond marketplace services into logistics, fulfillment, fintech, retail media, and last-mile delivery infrastructure.

Why the Blackstone–Skroutz Deal Matters for the E-Commerce Industry

The transaction reflects a broader trend of major global investment firms targeting regional digital commerce leaders with strong infrastructure and long-term expansion potential. Blackstone sees Skroutz as more than just an online marketplace; the company has built a vertically integrated ecosystem that includes payment services, logistics operations, and fulfillment capabilities across Greece and neighboring markets.

Skroutz has already expanded into Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria, positioning itself as an emerging regional player in Southeast Europe. Analysts believe Blackstone’s backing could accelerate this growth strategy and strengthen the platform’s competitiveness against global marketplaces and rapidly growing Asian e-commerce platforms.

Economic Growth and Digital Retail Expansion in Greece

The acquisition also underlines the rapid transformation of Greece’s digital economy. Greece has become one of Europe’s faster-growing economies in recent years, while e-commerce penetration across Southeast Europe still remains below Western European levels , creating significant room for future growth.

According to reports, Skroutz’s revenue grew from approximately €30 million in 2020 to more than €130 million by 2024, driven by rising online shopping adoption, stronger logistics capabilities, and expanding merchant participation.

Despite the ownership change, Skroutz’s founders will remain actively involved in the company. Co-founder George Chatzigeorgiou is expected to continue serving as CEO, while the founding team retains a minority stake in the business.

Source

Kaspi.kz Posts Robust Q1 Growth as Türkiye Becomes Core E-Commerce Market

Kaspi.kz Posts Robust Q1 Growth as Türkiye Becomes Core E-Commerce Market

Kaspi.kz delivered another quarter of strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by accelerating marketplace activity and the rapid expansion of its operations in Türkiye.

The Kazakhstan-based fintech and e-commerce giant reported a 31% year-over-year increase in total revenue, reaching approximately $2.3 billion, while e-commerce gross merchandise value (GMV) climbed 41% to $2.6 billion.

A key highlight of the quarter was the growing contribution of Türkiye to the company’s regional commerce strategy. Following the consolidation of Hepsiburada, Türkiye now accounts for nearly half of Kaspi.kz’s total e-commerce GMV, underlining the strategic importance of the market in the company’s international expansion plans.

Türkiye Emerges as a Strategic Growth Engine

Kaspi.kz’s latest results reflect a broader transformation underway within the company. Once primarily known as Kazakhstan’s dominant super app, the group is increasingly positioning itself as a regional digital commerce and fintech ecosystem spanning Central Asia and Türkiye.

Marketplace revenue rose 49% year-over-year to roughly $1.1 billion, supported by stronger consumer demand, increased order frequency, and deeper engagement across its integrated services. Revenue generated from advertising and logistics services surged 73%, demonstrating the growing monetization potential of Kaspi.kz’s broader ecosystem infrastructure.

The company’s expansion strategy in Türkiye appears to be gaining momentum as it integrates Hepsiburada into its platform operations while leveraging cross-border commerce and digital payment capabilities.

Profitability Pressured by Investments and Funding Costs

Despite the strong top-line growth, profitability remained under pressure during the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA increased 9% year-over-year to $768 million, while net income remained relatively stable at $526 million.

Kaspi.kz attributed the slower profit growth to higher funding costs in Kazakhstan as well as continued investments tied to the integration and scaling of Hepsiburada’s operations in Türkiye.

The company also completed a $600 million Eurobond issuance with a five-year maturity during the quarter, strengthening its liquidity position and supporting future strategic investments.

Regional E-Commerce Competition Intensifies

Kaspi.kz’s expansion comes at a time when competition across emerging e-commerce markets is intensifying. Companies throughout Central Asia, the Middle East, and Türkiye are increasingly investing in marketplace ecosystems, fintech integration, logistics infrastructure, and AI-powered commerce tools to capture long-term digital retail growth.

By combining fintech services, payments, marketplace operations, and logistics within a single ecosystem, Kaspi.kz continues to differentiate itself from more traditional e-commerce players operating in the region.

The company maintained its full-year 2026 guidance, signaling confidence in continued growth across both Kazakhstan and Türkiye as digital commerce adoption accelerates across the wider region.

Source: TradingView

Allegro and OpenAI Partnership Signals a Powerful New Era for European E-Commerce

Allegro and OpenAI Partnership Signals a Powerful New Era for European E-Commerce

Poland’s leading marketplace platform, Allegro, has officially entered into a strategic partnership with OpenAI, marking one of the most significant AI-focused collaborations in the European e-commerce sector this year. The move is expected to accelerate AI innovation across Allegro’s marketplace ecosystem, from smarter shopping experiences to advanced seller tools and personalized commerce services.

The partnership gives Allegro direct access to OpenAI’s latest artificial intelligence technologies, models, and expert support. According to the company, the collaboration will focus on designing, testing, and deploying AI-powered applications specifically tailored for e-commerce operations.

AI Becomes the Core of Allegro’s Growth Strategy

Artificial intelligence has already become a major part of Allegro’s platform development strategy. The company recently introduced AI-powered assistants for both shoppers and sellers, aiming to simplify product discovery, improve offer management, and optimize marketplace performance.

One of the newest developments is Allegro’s AI assistant for sellers, which provides merchants with real-time insights, quality score explanations, optimization recommendations, and logistics support. The solution is currently moving beyond its pilot phase and is expected to roll out more broadly in the coming months.

At the same time, Allegro is expanding AI functionalities for consumers through intelligent shopping assistants integrated into its mobile app and browser experience. The marketplace says these tools are designed to help users compare products faster, make better purchasing decisions, and receive more personalized recommendations.

OpenAI Collaboration Could Reshape European Marketplace Competition

The partnership arrives at a time when AI competition among global marketplaces is intensifying. Companies such as Amazon, Zalando, and several European retail platforms are rapidly integrating conversational commerce and AI-driven recommendation systems into their ecosystems.

For Allegro, the collaboration with OpenAI is not only about operational efficiency but also about positioning itself as one of Europe’s most technologically advanced marketplace companies. CEO Marcin Kuśmierz described AI as a transformational force capable of redefining how e-commerce operates across the region.

Industry observers see the move as another sign that European marketplaces are accelerating investments in generative AI to compete with global tech giants while improving merchant productivity and customer engagement.

Poland Emerges as a Growing AI Commerce Hub

The announcement also highlights the growing role of Poland and Central Europe in the AI and digital commerce ecosystem. OpenAI representatives noted that the region is showing strong adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, particularly in e-commerce and digital services.

Allegro remains the dominant marketplace platform in Poland and continues expanding its technological capabilities despite increasing pressure from international competitors. The company has recently focused on streamlining operations, investing in AI infrastructure, and strengthening marketplace services for merchants and consumers alike.

As AI rapidly becomes central to online retail strategy, the Allegro-OpenAI partnership could become a defining example of how European marketplaces adapt to the next generation of digital commerce.

Source

UAE and Syria Open a New Economic Chapter With First Positive Business Forum Since Assad’s Fall

UAE and Syria Open a New Economic Chapter With First Positive Business Forum Since Assad’s Fall

The United Arab Emirates and Syria have taken a significant step toward rebuilding economic relations with the launch of their first bilateral business forum since the fall of former Syrian president Bashar Al Assad. Held in Damascus, the forum brought together government representatives, investors, and business leaders from both countries, highlighting a renewed regional push toward economic recovery, investment, and long-term cooperation.

The event reflects a broader transformation taking place across the Middle East, where regional powers are increasingly prioritizing economic diplomacy and reconstruction opportunities in post-conflict markets. For Syria, the forum represents more than a symbolic diplomatic development, it signals an effort to reposition the country as an emerging investment destination after years of political isolation and economic instability.

Economic Cooperation Between the UAE and Syria Gains New Momentum

Delegations from the UAE explored opportunities across several sectors considered critical for Syria’s recovery, including infrastructure, logistics, construction, tourism, technology, healthcare, energy, and real estate. Syrian officials emphasized the importance of attracting foreign direct investment to help rebuild damaged industries and modernize the country’s economic foundations.

The UAE’s growing interest in Syria aligns with its broader regional strategy of expanding economic influence through trade, infrastructure, and strategic investment partnerships. Emirati companies are already reported to be assessing major projects in cities such as Damascus and Latakia, particularly in urban development and hospitality. Analysts believe Gulf-backed investments could play an important role in accelerating Syria’s reconstruction process over the coming years.

The forum also arrives at a time when regional supply chains and trade routes are undergoing significant shifts. Syria’s geographic position has historically made it a strategic gateway connecting the Gulf, the Levant, and Europe. Renewed commercial activity between the UAE and Syria could eventually strengthen logistics corridors, cross-border trade, and regional connectivity initiatives.

Beyond economics, the meeting demonstrates how business cooperation is increasingly becoming a tool for political normalization in the region. Following leadership changes in Syria in late 2024, several Middle Eastern countries have gradually reopened channels of communication with Damascus, focusing on stability, economic integration, and regional development.

For Syrian businesses, the forum provides an opportunity to reconnect with Gulf investors and re-enter regional markets after years of limited international engagement. For UAE companies, Syria offers long-term potential in sectors that require modernization, digital transformation, and infrastructure redevelopment.

While challenges including sanctions, financing conditions, and political uncertainties remain, the forum signals cautious optimism for a new phase of regional cooperation. As Gulf economies continue seeking new investment frontiers, Syria’s reconstruction could become one of the Middle East’s most closely watched economic stories in the years ahead.

Source

Positive Mother’s Day Shopping Boom to Generate $9 Billion in Türkiye’s E-Commerce Market

Positive Mother’s Day Shopping Boom to Generate $9 Billion in Türkiye’s E-Commerce Market

Türkiye’s e-commerce sector is expected to generate nearly $9 billion in transaction volume this May as online shopping activity accelerates ahead of Mother’s Day, according to industry representatives. The surge highlights the growing importance of special occasions in driving digital commerce across the country.

What Happened?

The Electronic Commerce Operators Association (ETİD) estimates that Türkiye’s total e-commerce volume could reach around 400 billion Turkish Liras (approximately $9 billion) during May, fueled largely by Mother’s Day shopping demand.

According to ETİD Chairman Hakan Çevikoğlu, online demand has significantly increased across several gift-oriented categories, including:

  • Jewelry
  • Fashion and footwear
  • Cosmetics
  • Home textiles
  • Baby products
  • Accessories and handbags

Çevikoğlu stated that Mother’s Day has become Türkiye’s second-largest gift shopping period after New Year celebrations, with online purchasing activity beginning in late April and continuing throughout May.

Jewelry and Fashion Lead the Growth

The strongest increase in demand has been recorded in the jewelry category, particularly gold products, where order volumes reportedly climbed by as much as 70 percent ahead of the holiday.

Average basket sizes have also increased in several product categories. Spending per order rose by around 20 percent in home textile and baby product segments, while fashion-related purchases such as sunglasses, accessories, handbags, and clothing also recorded higher average spending levels.

Industry representatives attribute much of the momentum to aggressive promotional campaigns launched by online marketplaces and retailers before the holiday period.

Digital Shopping Habits Continue to Grow

The latest figures reflect Türkiye’s broader shift toward digital commerce and mobile shopping habits. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms for seasonal and emotionally driven purchases, including flowers, chocolates, and curated gift boxes.

Çevikoğlu noted that the growing digitalization of consumer behavior continues to strengthen the role of e-commerce during special shopping occasions and seasonal campaigns.

Consumers Warned About Online Fraud Risks

Alongside the expected growth, industry representatives also warned consumers to remain cautious while shopping online during high-demand periods.

ETİD advised shoppers to verify whether e-commerce websites carry Türkiye’s official “Trust Stamp” certification and to carefully check website domain names to avoid fraudulent or imitation platforms.

What This Means for Türkiye’s E-Commerce Sector

The projected Mother’s Day shopping boom highlights the continued expansion of Türkiye’s digital retail ecosystem despite economic pressures and changing consumer spending patterns.

As promotional campaigns, mobile commerce adoption, and digital payment usage continue to grow, seasonal shopping periods are becoming increasingly important revenue drivers for marketplaces, retailers, and logistics providers across the country.

Source

Indonesia Plans New E-Commerce Rules After Seller Complaints

Indonesia Plans New E-Commerce Rules After Seller Complaints

Indonesia is preparing to revise its e-commerce regulations following growing complaints from online sellers about rising platform fees and operational costs. The move reflects the government’s broader effort to create a fairer and more sustainable digital commerce ecosystem while strengthening protections for local businesses and consumers.

What Happened?

Indonesia’s Trade Ministry announced plans to revise Minister of Trade Regulation Number 31 of 2023, which currently governs e-commerce activities in the country. Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the revision comes after many sellers, especially small businesses, raised concerns over high administrative and logistics fees charged by online marketplaces.

While the government has not yet shared the full details of the revised regulation, officials confirmed that discussions with industry stakeholders are ongoing and that the new rules will focus on improving fairness across the sector.

Why Is Indonesia Revising the Rules?

Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing e-commerce markets. However, increasing competition among platforms has also led to concerns from sellers regarding profitability and sustainability.

According to the Trade Ministry, the revised regulation aims to:

  • Protect local products and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
  • Improve consumer protection
  • Encourage marketplaces to prioritize domestic products
  • Build a healthier and more sustainable e-commerce ecosystem
  • Strengthen collaboration between platforms, sellers, and regulators

Government officials emphasized that consultations with businesses and digital economy stakeholders are still continuing before the regulation is finalized.

Indonesia Increases Oversight of Digital Platforms

The planned revision comes as Indonesia continues tightening oversight across its digital economy. Earlier this month, authorities also introduced stricter child protection requirements for e-commerce platforms under new electronic system governance rules.

The measures require platforms to implement age verification systems, parental consent mechanisms for minors, and stronger privacy protections for children’s data.

These developments highlight Indonesia’s growing focus on building a more regulated, locally supportive, and consumer-focused digital marketplace environment.

What This Means for the Industry

If implemented, the revised rules could significantly impact how major e-commerce platforms operate in Indonesia. Marketplaces may face stricter obligations related to fee structures, seller protections, and domestic product prioritization.

The changes could particularly benefit local MSMEs, which play a major role in Indonesia’s economy but often struggle with rising costs on digital platforms.

For international and regional e-commerce companies, the upcoming regulation may also indicate stronger localization requirements and increased government involvement in marketplace operations.

Source

E-Commerce Opens Employment Opportunities for Women; 27% of Tradespeople in Istanbul Are Women

e-commerce

The number of women tradespeople among registered tradespeople in Istanbul, Türkiye’s metropolitan city, is gradually increasing. The share of women among tradespeople in the city has risen to 27% over the past five years. E-commerce has also played a role in this increase.

According to data from the Istanbul Union of Chambers of Tradespeople and Artisans, there are approximately 280,000 tradespeople registered with tradespeople chambers in Istanbul. Women account for 27% of this figure. This rate was 22% five years ago.

“Many People Sell Products Through Digital Platforms”

According to the announced data, this increase was associated with technological change, lighter workloads in some sectors, digital sales, and the expansion of e-commerce. The statement from the chamber included the following remarks: “Economic conditions are causing this number to rise. Although one might think the opposite, because of the impact of global problems on economies, we may witness some closures, but new fields created by technology can lead people to other professions. Many people now work from home. They sell the products they produce or source through digital platforms.”

Women Show Interest in Beauty Services Linked to E-Commerce

According to chamber data, the increase in women tradespeople has become more visible since the pandemic period. However, it has accelerated more recently as women seek a stronger role in economic life. Women are now directly involved in trade. Women tradespeople in Istanbul are especially active in handmade goods, textiles, beads, decorative objects, and jewelry design. In addition, women show interest in beauty services linked to e-commerce and training programs offered by the chambers.

The statement from the chamber included the following remarks: “E-commerce has enabled women to create space for themselves in the business world and at the same time contribute to household income. In addition, women have become more confident in presenting their skills, craft, and artistic work to customers. Women are now taking part in different areas of Istanbul’s commercial life, including neighborhood markets, taxi driving, and bus driving. State institutions also provide support that helps increase the number of women entrepreneurs. Young people are particularly interested in digital commerce because they use digital environments more easily and comfortably.”

“E-Commerce Has Changed Traditional Trade”

The statement noted the following: “E-commerce has changed traditional trade by allowing people to sell the products they produce, source, or stock through online platforms. The spread of e-commerce and the increase in trade in this field have carried traditional trade into another dimension. Physical shops will continue to exist alongside e-commerce rather than disappear. Although people turn to digital environments for trade, sometimes citizens want to go outside, breathe fresh air, and shop in person. People want to shop by walking around, talking, dealing with tradespeople, and bargaining.”