E-Commerce News & Trends

Allegro Group GMV Rises 14% as International Expansion Accelerates

Polish e-commerce giant Allegro Group reported strong growth in the first half of 2026, with Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increasing by 13.7% year-over-year. The company also recorded a remarkable 64.8% surge in international GMV, highlighting the success of its expansion strategy across Central and Eastern Europe.

Strong First-Half Performance

Allegro Group’s preliminary second-quarter results show continued momentum despite a competitive e-commerce environment. The company’s GMV reached a 13.7% increase during the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reflecting sustained consumer demand and healthy marketplace activity.

The performance was driven by steady growth in Allegro’s domestic Polish business, alongside rapid gains in its international operations.

International Business Continues to Expand

One of the standout highlights from the results was the company’s international marketplace performance.

International GMV increased by 64.8%, demonstrating strong customer adoption in markets including the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Allegro has continued investing in localisation, logistics capabilities and merchant acquisition to strengthen its regional presence.

The rapid international growth supports the company’s long-term ambition of becoming a leading e-commerce marketplace across Central Europe.

AI Investments and Customer Experience

According to Allegro CEO Marcin Kuśmierz, the company is maintaining strong growth by improving its core marketplace while expanding into new market segments.

He noted that Allegro continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, operational efficiency and customer-centric services to improve both the shopping experience and merchant performance.

These investments are expected to enhance product discovery, logistics optimisation and marketplace efficiency while supporting future growth.

Regional Strategy Delivers Results

Allegro’s strategy focuses on combining its established leadership in Poland with rapid expansion into neighbouring European markets.

The company’s international business has become an increasingly important growth driver, helping diversify revenue while creating additional opportunities for merchants looking to sell across borders.

Industry analysts expect continued investment in technology, logistics infrastructure and AI-powered services to support Allegro’s long-term regional ambitions.

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Notino Revenue Climbs to €1.76 Billion as European Beauty Demand Remains Resilient

Notino, Europe’s largest online beauty and health retailer, reported revenue of €1.76 billion for its latest financial year, underscoring the resilience of the region’s beauty e-commerce market despite a more challenging retail environment.

The Czech-based company generated 11.5% year-on-year revenue growth during the financial year ending in April 2026, driven by continued expansion across European markets, increasing customer engagement, and sustained demand for premium beauty and personal care products. The results reinforce Notino’s position as one of Europe’s most prominent cross-border online retailers at a time when many e-commerce businesses are experiencing slower post-pandemic growth.

While consumer spending across Europe has remained under pressure from elevated living costs and cautious household budgets, the beauty category has continued to outperform broader discretionary retail. Industry analysts have increasingly pointed to cosmetics, skincare and fragrances as segments that benefit from recurring purchases and strong customer loyalty, providing retailers such as Notino with greater resilience during periods of economic uncertainty.

Strong Recovery After Holiday Season

The company said trading conditions varied throughout the year. Sales growth moderated during the traditionally important Black Friday and Christmas shopping season, reflecting a more competitive promotional landscape and cautious consumer spending. However, momentum accelerated sharply during the opening months of 2026, with revenue growth reaching 27%, signalling renewed demand and effective customer acquisition strategies.

Cross-Border Expansion Continues

Founded in Brno, Czech Republic, Notino has evolved from a regional online perfume retailer into a pan-European marketplace serving customers in 27 countries. Its business model combines centralised logistics with localised websites, language support, regional payment options and tailored marketing campaigns, allowing the company to scale efficiently while adapting to local consumer preferences.

The retailer now serves more than 40 million customers, supported by an omnichannel strategy that extends beyond e-commerce. Alongside its online operations, Notino continues to invest in physical stores, beauty consultation services and mobile commerce, seeking to strengthen customer engagement across multiple touch points. This integrated approach has become increasingly important as retailers compete on customer experience rather than price alone.

Cross-border commerce remains a key pillar of Notino’s expansion strategy. By leveraging a unified logistics network while maintaining localised shopping experiences, the company has been able to enter new markets without the substantial infrastructure investments typically associated with traditional retail expansion. The model also enables greater operational efficiency and inventory management across Europe.

Beauty E-commerce Maintains Momentum

The latest performance reflects broader trends within the European beauty sector, where online sales continue to capture a growing share of consumer spending. Demand for skincare, wellness products and premium fragrances has remained robust, supported by social commerce, influencer marketing and increased digital engagement. These factors have helped offset softer demand in other retail categories and reinforced beauty’s reputation as one of e-commerce’s most resilient verticals.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Notino appears well positioned to capitalise on the continued digitalisation of beauty retail across Europe. With a growing customer base, expanding omnichannel capabilities and strong momentum entering 2026, the company is expected to continue investing in technology, logistics and customer experience as competition intensifies among online beauty retailers.

For the wider European e-commerce industry, Notino’s latest results provide another indication that businesses with strong cross-border infrastructure, local market expertise and diversified customer engagement strategies remain well placed to deliver sustainable growth despite an increasingly competitive retail landscape.

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UK Online Retail Market Reaches Highest Share Since 2021

The United Kingdom’s e-commerce sector has reached a significant milestone, with online retail sales accounting for 29.4% of all retail spending in June – the highest share recorded in five years. The latest figures highlight the continued strength of digital commerce as consumers increasingly choose online shopping for convenience, speed, and wider product availability.

According to data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), total retail sales increased by 1.0% month-on-month in June, exceeding market expectations. Non-store retailers, which include online businesses, recorded a 4.4% monthly increase, making e-commerce the strongest-performing retail segment during the period.

Seasonal Demand Drives E-Commerce Growth

Several seasonal factors contributed to the sharp rise in online retail activity. The UK’s warm summer weather encouraged consumers to purchase products such as fans, air conditioning units, outdoor furniture, and summer clothing through digital channels.

In addition, major sporting events during the month helped stimulate consumer spending, with shoppers increasingly choosing online platforms to purchase apparel, electronics, and event-related merchandise. Retail analysts noted that digital channels benefited from both increased consumer demand and the convenience of home delivery.

Fashion and Technology Retailers Lead Online Performance

Fashion retailers were among the biggest beneficiaries of the June sales surge. Clothing and footwear stores experienced their strongest monthly growth since September, supported by seasonal collections and summer promotions.

Technology retailers also reported solid performance, with increased demand for computers, mobile devices, and telecommunications products. Meanwhile, some traditional retail categories-including department stores and household goods retailers-continued to experience weaker demand, reflecting changing shopping habits and growing consumer preference for online channels.

The figures demonstrate how e-commerce continues to outperform many brick-and-mortar retail segments as shoppers increasingly prioritise convenience and competitive pricing.

Challenges Remain Despite Positive Retail Momentum

Despite the encouraging retail figures, economists remain cautious about the outlook for the second half of the year. Rising household bills, persistent inflationary pressures, and global economic uncertainty may continue to influence consumer spending behaviour.

While consumer confidence has shown signs of improvement in recent months, retailers are expected to remain focused on promotions, loyalty programmes, and enhanced customer experiences to maintain growth in an increasingly competitive market.

What the Latest Figures Mean for the UK E-Commerce Market

The latest data reinforces the UK’s position as one of Europe’s most mature and dynamic e-commerce markets. With online sales approaching one-third of all retail spending, digital commerce continues to reshape the retail landscape.

As businesses invest in faster fulfilment, omnichannel experiences, artificial intelligence, and personalised shopping journeys, the role of e-commerce is expected to become even more significant. For retailers, the latest sales figures underline the importance of strengthening digital capabilities to meet evolving consumer expectations and sustain long-term growth.

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New Crisis in EU E-Commerce Parcels: Customs Duty Is Being Passed on to Consumers

Consumer organizations and members of the European Parliament in the European Union (EU) have called on the European Commission to take action to ensure that consumers do not face unexpected charges due to the new customs duty imposed on low-value e-commerce parcels. As of July 1, 2026, the EU began applying a fee of €3 per parcel to low-value e-commerce imports that had previously entered the region duty-free.

Customs Duty Should Be Included in the Total Price

The European Consumer Organisation, BEUC, which represents consumer organizations in 31 European countries, stated that consumers should be able to see the total price, including taxes and other charges, at the time of purchase. The organization found that customs duty information was displayed only at the final stage of the payment process for some orders, while in some cases it was not disclosed at all.

European postal companies such as PostNL and La Poste state that the fee may be requested from the recipient before delivery. BEUC also announced that some postal operators are charging high administrative processing fees in addition to the customs duty. The organization will conduct a comprehensive study in the coming months to determine the impact of the practice on consumers.

Responsibility of Platforms Emphasized

Dutch lawmaker Dirk Gotink, who is responsible for customs regulations in the European Parliament, stated in a letter sent to EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic that the payments should be the responsibility of e-commerce platforms rather than consumers. Gotink said consumers should not face unexpected charges at the time of delivery or as a precondition for delivery.

A European Commission spokesperson also stated that companies are legally responsible for customs procedures, customs duties, and taxes, and that the charges should not be collected from consumers. The Commission was reported to be monitoring current practices.

Practices of Temu, AliExpress, and Shein

Temu and AliExpress display customs duty charges to consumers on the checkout screen. AliExpress presents the amount as an estimated fee. Shein, meanwhile, does not show a separate customs duty item during checkout, but states that it pays the applicable taxes itself and includes these costs in product prices. Some deliveries made by the company from EU warehouses are not subject to the new fee.

The EU’s new practice aims to reduce unfair competition caused by online retailers and the volume of e-commerce parcels, which reached 5.8 billion in 2025. In the first 48 hours after the duty came into effect, direct air cargo capacity from China to Europe fell by 18%, while the decline in the first week was recorded at 14%.

The EU Has Launched a New Tax Era for Small Parcels in E-Commerce

E-Commerce Rules in Türkiye Are Changing on August 1; Regulations Are Coming for AI-Powered Advertisements

New regulations concerning the e-commerce, digital advertising, and retail sectors in Türkiye will enter into force on August 1, 2026. The rules prepared by the Ministry of Trade aim to protect consumers more effectively against misleading advertisements and unfair commercial practices. The regulations cover AI-powered advertisements, influencer posts, targeted advertising, campaigns, and discounted sales.

Artificial Intelligence Must Be Clearly Disclosed in E-Commerce Advertisements

In the new period, if advertisements feature digital characters created using artificial intelligence technologies that are difficult to distinguish from real people, it will be mandatory to clearly and understandably disclose this situation to consumers.

The regulation introduces new rules in many areas, including digital marketing, artificial intelligence, social media influencers, discounted sales, and environmental claims. Advertising content prepared by analyzing consumers’ online behavior and personal data within the scope of targeted advertising also falls under the new regulations. (e-commerce)

The Last 10 Days Rule for Discounted Sales

Campaigns that make discounts or other advantages offered to consumers conditional on certain requirements will now be subject to the rules concerning discounted sales advertisements. In discounted sales advertisements, the reference price will be the lowest price applied within the last 10 days before the campaign begins. For perishable products such as fruit and vegetables, as well as services, the price applied immediately before the discounted price will be taken as the basis.

Advertising Disclosure Will Be Mandatory in Influencer Posts

In posts made by social media content creators in exchange for any income, free or discounted products, services, or participation in an event, it will be necessary to clearly state that the content is an advertisement. Within this scope, the use of expressions such as “advertisement” or “promotion” in influencer posts will become mandatory.

Response Time for Complaints Is Reduced to 48 Hours

The 72-hour period given to sellers and service providers to respond on consumer complaint platforms will be reduced to 48 hours. If no response is provided within this period, the consumer review may be published directly. In addition, the ban on advertisements for fortune-teller, psychic, and astrologer services, as well as illegal betting and gambling, will be expanded to also cover illegal games of chance. Experts state that the regulations will increase transparency in digital advertising, contribute to consumer protection, and strengthen fair competition in the e-commerce sector.

Türkiye Introduces New Rules to Combat Misleading Advertising and Strengthen Consumer Protection

UNIEF and HKFEC Explore Strategic Cooperation Across Asia-Pacific

UNIEF General Secretary Burak Yalım Meets with HKFEC to Strengthen Asia-Pacific Collaboration

Burak Yalım, General Secretary of the United E-Commerce Federation (UNIEF), held a productive meeting with Joseph Yuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of E-commerce (HKFEC), to discuss opportunities for expanding international cooperation and strengthening the global e-commerce ecosystem.

The meeting focused on UNIEF’s vision of bringing together national e-commerce associations under a single global federation that promotes knowledge sharing, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable growth across the digital economy.

A key topic of discussion was the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region, one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic digital commerce markets. Both sides exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges facing e-commerce organizations across the region and emphasized the importance of stronger international cooperation among industry stakeholders.

During the meeting, Joseph Yuen expressed HKFEC’s strong support for UNIEF’s mission and shared his willingness to contribute to the federation’s expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. Drawing on HKFEC’s extensive network, he offered to facilitate introductions with leading e-commerce associations, beginning with organizations in Malaysia and Singapore, while also supporting UNIEF’s broader engagement with associations across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive international platform that enables participation from industry leaders regardless of language or geography. Both sides agreed that multilingual collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stronger institutional partnerships will play a vital role in advancing cross-border digital commerce.

Building UNIEF’s Regional Network

Burak Yalım shared UNIEF’s long-term vision of establishing a truly global federation that connects national e-commerce organizations through regional committees, collaborative initiatives, and international representation. He also outlined UNIEF’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among associations and fostering a more connected and sustainable global digital economy.

The meeting concluded with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and future collaboration. As a next step, UNIEF and HKFEC will work together to initiate discussions with e-commerce associations in Malaysia, Singapore, and other Asia-Pacific markets, supporting the federation’s mission of building a stronger and more connected international e-commerce ecosystem.

CEVA Logistics Opens 44,000 sqm E-Commerce Hub in France to Strengthen Contract Logistics Network

CEVA Logistics has expanded its European logistics footprint with the opening of a new 44,000-square-meter e-commerce fulfillment center in France, reinforcing its contract logistics capabilities and supporting the growing demands of online retailers.

The new facility is designed to enhance warehouse operations, inventory management, and order fulfillment while increasing capacity for both domestic and international e-commerce customers. The investment reflects CEVA Logistics’ ongoing strategy to strengthen its contract logistics network across key European markets.

Supporting E-Commerce Growth

The warehouse is equipped to process large volumes of online orders efficiently, enabling faster fulfillment and scalable logistics solutions for retail and marketplace businesses.

According to CEVA Logistics, the facility can handle up to 200,000 e-commerce parcels per week, with capacity rising to 350,000 parcels during peak shopping seasons. The site also features dozens of loading docks to improve inbound and outbound logistics efficiency.

Expanding Contract Logistics in France

The new hub becomes part of CEVA Logistics’ expanding contract logistics network in France, supporting customers with warehousing, distribution, inventory management, and value-added logistics services.

The expansion comes as demand for outsourced logistics services continues to increase, driven by the rapid growth of e-commerce and retailers seeking more flexible, scalable supply chain operations.

Strengthening CEVA’s European Network

As one of the world’s leading third-party logistics providers, CEVA Logistics continues to invest in modern logistics infrastructure across Europe and globally. The new French facility complements the company’s broader expansion strategy, which includes new e-commerce and distribution hubs in multiple international markets.

By increasing fulfillment capacity and improving delivery performance, CEVA aims to help customers respond more effectively to evolving consumer expectations and seasonal demand spikes.

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Dubai CommerCity and NQuBator Launch Incubation Program for Digital Commerce Startups

Dubai CommerCity is launching a new startup incubation program with NQuBator to support high-potential entrepreneurs and emerging digital commerce companies.

The memorandum of understanding regarding the collaboration was signed by Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai CommerCity, and Saeed Al Hamli, Co-Founder and CEO of NQuBator.

The program aims to provide startups from different countries around the world that develop solutions in e-commerce, retail technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital commerce with access to the Dubai market and opportunities to scale.

Applications for the Dubai CommerCity Program Will Open on August 10

Global applications for the first incubation cohort will open on August 10, 2026. Selected startups will be admitted to the structured program, which is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Participants will be supported in developing their business models, testing their solutions, and preparing to expand into new markets. The program will offer tailored mentorship, expert consultancy, capability-building activities, and access to industry networks.

Pilot Project and Investor Access for Startups

Dubai CommerCity will support the selected ventures in developing pilot projects with corporate companies. Startups will also be brought together with investors, strategic partners, and industry representatives through demo days and ecosystem events.

Eligible companies will also receive support in establishing a business in Dubai, navigating regulatory processes, and entering the market. The program aims to transform innovative early-stage ideas into commercially viable and scalable businesses.

The Digital Commerce Ecosystem Will Be Strengthened

By combining the expertise of Dubai CommerCity and NQuBator, the collaboration will create a growth environment in which startups can attract investment and access regional and global markets. The program is expected to contribute to a more competitive and innovation-driven digital commerce ecosystem in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

NQuBator operates as a startup platform that supports entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into scalable and market-ready businesses through technology-focused incubation and acceleration programs. Through mentorship, investor access, business development, ecosystem connections, and operational support, the platform aims to help startups expand from local markets into regional and global markets.

Dubai CommerCity Joins UNIEF as Founding Member from the UAE at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026

China’s Live Commerce Market Approaches $900 Billion

China’s live commerce market reached a size of approximately $900 billion in 2025, approaching the scale of the total e-commerce market in the United States.

According to NielsenIQ’s report titled “The Commerce Revolution: Where East Meets West,” models that have become widespread in Asia, such as live shopping, social commerce, and rapid delivery, are emerging as key growth channels in global retail.

The report stated that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for approximately 55 percent of global e-commerce revenue as of 2025. China’s social commerce market, currently valued at around $500 billion, is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030. It was noted that these figures are based on third-party market estimates used in the report.

Live Commerce and Social Shopping Become Widespread in Asia

According to NielsenIQ data, 59 percent of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region shop through social platforms. In contrast, 68 percent of consumers in North America and 67 percent of consumers in Europe stated that they have never purchased a product through social media.

Regional differences also stood out in quick commerce. Approximately 69 percent of consumers in North America and 66 percent of consumers in Europe reported that they had never used quick commerce services. In India, however, quick commerce accounts for approximately 80 percent of online fast-moving consumer goods sales. Around 10,000 dark stores operating in China enable deliveries across the country in 30 minutes or less.

Artificial Intelligence Connects Retail Systems

The report stated that artificial intelligence accelerates product discovery in live commerce and social commerce, while also supporting retailers in pricing, targeting, and measurement processes. It was noted that brands are increasingly moving away from managing separate channels and toward operating data, media, commerce, and delivery processes as connected systems.

NielsenIQ Western Europe President Emilie Darolles said that developments in Asia should not be seen as a threat to Western retailers, but as a preview of future shopping habits. Darolles stated that live shopping, live commerce, social commerce, and instant delivery are no longer emerging channels in Asia and have become standard shopping methods for consumers.

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

UAE E-Commerce Grows as Average Order Value Reaches $111

The e-commerce market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continued to grow in the first half of 2026 despite a broader contraction across the Gulf region. As consumers made fewer but higher-value purchases, the country’s gross merchandise value increased by 2 percent year on year, while e-commerce volume across the Gulf Cooperation Council declined by 9 percent. The average e-commerce order value in the UAE rose from $97 to $111.

The research, conducted by UAE-based gifting marketplace Udora and Admitad, is based on data from more than 2.5 million online orders placed across Gulf countries. According to the study, digital shopping has become an increasingly important part of everyday consumer habits in the UAE, particularly in the home and lifestyle categories.

UAE E-Commerce Orders Decline as Average Order Value Rises

Although the number of e-commerce orders in the UAE declined by 9 percent during the first six months of the year, the average order value increased from $97 to $111. The data showed that rather than abandoning shopping altogether, consumers shifted toward more planned and higher-value purchases.

Categories linked to everyday consumption stood out in terms of growth. Sales of home products increased by 18 percent, food and delivery services by 15 percent, and sports and entertainment products by 11 percent. Fashion remained the largest category, accounting for 20.6 percent of total online purchases. It was followed by home products, automotive products, and electronics.

Mobile Shopping Share Reaches 53 Percent

Orders placed via smartphones increased by 20.5 percent year on year. As a result, mobile devices accounted for 53 percent of total e-commerce orders. The expansion of delivery services, increased use of cashless payments, and the growing number of super apps supported the rise in mobile shopping.

Discounts and promotions also played an influential role in purchasing decisions. Coupons or promotional codes were used in more than half of all transactions, while the average value of discounted orders rose from $89 to $122. Electronics, fashion, and automotive were among the categories that benefited most from promotional campaigns.

Digital Content Influences Purchasing Decisions

Admitad CEO Anna Gidirim said consumers have become more selective about where and when they spend their money. Gidirim noted that customers are not abandoning online shopping; instead, they continue to use digital channels as part of their daily lives by making larger and more planned purchases. According to the research, 15 percent of consumers are influenced by online media and content websites when making purchasing decisions, while 13 percent are influenced by social media content.

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