Takealot announced that TakealotNOW has launched in selected neighborhoods of Durban, including Morningside, Berea, Westville, and parts of Durban North. Users in these areas can access a wide range of products, including technology, books, DIY products, beauty items, and household goods, delivered within minutes.

The company stated that this expansion reflects changing expectations around speed and convenience. According to Takealot, the service is positioned for consumers with busy lifestyles who prefer fast delivery over traditional delivery timelines.

Users can access the service by selecting the “Get it Now” option on eligible products in the Takealot app. Orders are fulfilled by logistics partner Mr D, which handles last-mile deliveries. In addition, users can also view the TakealotNOW store via the “Shops” section in the Mr D app.

From Pilot Project to Nationwide Expansion

TakealotNOW was launched as a pilot project in 2023 and scaled rapidly alongside rising demand for instant shopping in South Africa. The service had previously expanded to the greater Cape Town metropolitan area, Johannesburg, and Pretoria; Durban became the latest addition to this expansion chain.

Takealot stated that this expansion is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in the globally growing fast commerce segment. Consumers’ increasing preference for faster delivery for both essential goods and high-value products has been among the key factors supporting this strategy.

Takealot Subscription Model and User Benefits

Subscription users also directly benefited from the expansion. Users subscribed to TakealotMORE, priced at 99 Rand per month, receive unlimited free TakealotNOW deliveries, along with exclusive discounts and coupons. The company emphasized that this model offers access to products within minutes while enabling savings on delivery fees.

Data shared by Takealot revealed a diversification in consumer behavior on the platform. Over the past three months, the most popular TakealotNOW products by sales volume consisted mainly of everyday essentials, such as pet food, laundry detergent, health supplements, beauty gift sets, and wireless earbuds.

However, analyses based on gross merchandise value (GMV) showed that users also utilized the instant delivery service for higher-priced products. Smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, and small home appliances such as digital air fryers stood out among the leading products in this category.

According to the company, this picture demonstrated growing consumer trust in instant delivery for both routine purchases and high-budget items.

As Takealot continues to expand TakealotNOW into new urban centers, it positions the service as a response to the South African e-commerce market, where speed, flexibility, and convenience increasingly influence purchasing decisions.

Walmart’s market value exceeded the $1 trillion mark after its stock price rose more than 3% on Tuesday. The recent surge in the stock price, gaining momentum in recent months, was driven by strong demand from price-sensitive consumers in a period of persistent inflation and signs of a cooling labor market.

The shift in consumer behavior, with higher-income consumers turning to lower-priced products, has strengthened Walmart’s core value proposition. Additionally, its fast and reliable home delivery services attracted households from different income groups, reinforcing the company’s position in both physical and digital retail.

Walmart Reports Strong Sales Growth in November

In its most recent financial results published for November, Walmart reported strong sales growth in key categories including food and apparel. Company executives noted that Wal mart’s scale provided protection against economic pressures, which were challenging smaller competitors.

John David Rainey, Walmart’s Chief Financial Officer, highlighted in a statement made at the time that the company’s pricing approach had “better protected it than almost anyone else,” emphasizing resilience in a tough consumer environment.

AI Investments and Digital Transformation Shift Perception

The positive sentiment on Wall Street also reflected Wal mart’s aggressive investments in artificial intelligence and digital capabilities. Investors began to view the company not just as a traditional retailer but as a tech-enhanced player.

Wal mart’s e-commerce sales in the U.S. rose by 28% in the three-month period ending on October 31, driven by growth in online orders and digital advertising. This performance positioned Walmart as a stronger competitor to Amazon. However, Amazon’s market value still remains around $2.6 trillion.

In October, Walmart announced a partnership with OpenAI, enabling customers and Sam’s Club members to use chat-based tools to plan meals, replenish essential items, and discover new products. Company executives positioned AI as a key driver of efficiency and customer engagement moving forward.

Wal mart’s decision late last year to move its shares from the New York Stock Exchange to the tech-heavy Nasdaq also strengthened its goal of being perceived as a digitally focused company. This historic milestone was surpassed in the first week of John Furner’s leadership at the company. Furner, who previously managed Walmart’s U.S. operations, is known as a strong advocate for technology investments.

Walmart Joins an Elite Club

Wal mart became the first traditional retailer to reach a $1 trillion market value. This club remains largely composed of technology giants, although Berkshire Hathaway reached this level in 2024. Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly briefly surpassed the $1 trillion mark late last year but later fell below this level. For Walmart, this valuation stands out as a significant indicator of how a decades-old retail giant is reshaping itself in a period of changing consumer habits and accelerating technological transformation.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to Retire in 2026; New CEO John Furner to Take Over

Saks Global took a step toward closing its luxury store on Amazon, one of the high-profile partnerships aimed at expanding its digital reach.

According to a Reuters report, this decision was taken as part of the comprehensive restructuring process carried out by the US luxury retailer following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing at the beginning of January.

While the move was considered a setback for Amazon’s goals of gaining a stronger position in high-end retail, it also brought renewed attention to luxury brands’ concerns about being present on mass-market e-commerce platforms.

Saks Plans to Redirect Traffic to Its Own Platform

According to a source close to the matter who spoke to Reuters, Saks plans to redirect online traffic back to its own website, saks.com, by closing the online store called “Saks on Amazon.” The same source stated that brand participation on the Amazon store remained limited and conveyed that some leading luxury brands expressed concerns that selling on a mass-market-oriented platform could weaken their brand positioning.

While Saks did not make a public statement on the matter, a brief statement from Amazon said that beyond the Saks experience, Amazon’s luxury store continues to offer a broad range of high-end brands and regularly adds new luxury brands.

The partnership between the two companies had already been under pressure after Saks Global filed for bankruptcy on January 14. The company had announced that it was reassessing its operational footprint, but had not made a clear statement on whether it would cancel the Amazon agreement as part of the bankruptcy process. Recent developments, however, revealed a shift in strategic direction.

Bankruptcy Pressure and Withdrawal From Off-Price Sales

The decision to end the Amazon partnership came immediately after other major downsizing steps by Saks. According to a separate Reuters report published a day earlier, the company was preparing to shut down most of its off-price-focused operations. This included the majority of Saks Off 5th stores and the entirety of the Neiman Marcus Last Call brand.

In its bankruptcy filing, Saks stated that the off-price division had become a significant financial burden for the company, noting that Saks Off 5th, including both physical stores and e-commerce operations, was expected to incur a loss of USD 139 million in fiscal year 2025.

Saks Global had been formed about a year earlier through the combination of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus. While attempting to stabilize its financial structure, the company clearly shifted its focus back to full-price luxury sales.

Amazon’s Investment and Legal Objection

Amazon had made an equity investment in Saks Global during the company’s formation in 2024. After the bankruptcy process began, Amazon filed an objection in court, arguing that its investment had become “presumptively worthless.” It also claimed that certain terms of the USD 1.75 billion financing secured by Saks were unfavorable to creditors.

Despite this, Amazon stated that it remains committed to its own luxury retail offerings independent of the Saks store and continues to work with selected brands.

Broader Implications for Luxury Retail

Industry observers noted that Saks’ decision to withdraw from Amazon reflected the structural pressures facing traditional department stores. As consumer traffic increasingly shifts to digital channels, the number of luxury stores is expected to decline, while the resulting vacancies may create new expansion opportunities for off-price and beauty retailers.

For Saks, the move away from Amazon represents a transition to a digital strategy that prioritizes direct customer relationships and brand control. As the company seeks to redefine its position in a rapidly changing retail environment, this step is regarded as a significant strategic shift.

The Biggest Layoff Wave in Recent Years at Amazon: 16,000 People Will Be Affected!

Amazon plans to layoff approximately 16,000 positions globally, primarily within Amazon Web Services (AWS). The plan came to light after an internal email that informed employees in advance about the upcoming layoffs was mistakenly sent. It was stated that this plan is part of a broader restructuring process aimed at reducing bureaucracy and reshaping the corporate workforce.

The internal email in question was mistakenly sent on Tuesday night. The email message, which was understood to be erroneous, caused confusion among teams before Amazon made its official announcement on Wednesday morning. Amazon did not provide a detailed explanation regarding which teams or countries would be affected by the layoffs. However, it was noted that this step is a continuation of a comprehensive corporate downsizing plan that had been previously signaled.

The Mistakenly Sent Email Created Confusion Within AWS

According to information reviewed by Reuters and the BBC, the confusion began when a draft email signed by “Colleen Aubrey” was mistakenly sent to employees. Aubrey’s message, who is the Senior Vice President responsible for Applied Artificial Intelligence Solutions at AWS, had been embedded in a calendar invitation sent to employees. The title of the invitation was “Send Project Dawn email.” This phrase referred to the internal code name used by Amazon for the layoffs.

The email stated that some employees in the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica had been informed that they had been laid off. However, at that time, no official notification had yet been made to the affected employees. Employees who received the message stated that the related meeting planned for Wednesday was canceled shortly afterward and that the uncertainty increased even further.

The message emphasized that the layoffs were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the company. It also stated that such changes were difficult but necessary for the future success of Amazon and AWS. Amazon did not initially respond to requests for comment regarding the erroneous sending.

Amazon Enters a Broad Restructuring and Strategic Change

Early on Wednesday, Amazon officially announced that it would carry out layoffs of approximately 16,000 people in order to streamline operations and reduce organizational layers. This announcement came after the elimination of approximately 14,000 corporate positions in October. In addition, the company had also reported that it made additional layoffs this week as part of its plan to close Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go branded stores or convert some of them into Whole Foods stores.

Sources close to the matter who spoke to Reuters stated that some roles within AWS, retail operations, Prime Video, and human resources units would be affected. However, the full scope of the cuts was not shared with the public. Although these layoffs constitute a small portion of Amazon’s global workforce of approximately 1.5 million people, they correspond to about 10 percent of corporate employees.

These steps are considered part of the cost-cutting policies carried out under the leadership of Andy Jassy, who took office after founder Jeff Bezos stepped down from the CEO position four years ago. During this period, Amazon introduced a requirement to work from the office five days a week and began implementing stricter controls over corporate spending.

Beth Galetti Addressed Employees Regarding the Layoffs

Beth Galetti, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, confirmed the scope of the layoffs and explained the company’s rationale in a message she shared with employees on Wednesday. Galetti stated that this step is a continuation of the efforts announced in October to reduce layers within the organization, increase ownership, and eliminate bureaucracy.

Galetti said that the changes would affect approximately 16,000 roles across Amazon and stated that they were working to provide support to affected employees. She noted that the majority of U.S.-based employees would be given 90 days to find a new position within the company, while international processes would vary according to local regulations. She added that employees who are unable to find a new role within Amazon or who choose not to pursue this option would be provided with benefits such as severance pay, career transition support, and, where applicable, health insurance.

Galetti also addressed concerns that the company would carry out broad layoffs every few months, stating that this was not Amazon’s plan. However, she emphasized that teams would continue to evaluate their speed and capacity to innovate for customers. Galetti also added that Amazon would continue hiring and investing in strategically important areas.

The Ongoing Transformation Process

Amazon had previously linked the layoffs to the increased use of artificial intelligence and the improvement of operational efficiency in its earlier statements. In Galetti’s blog post published in October, it was also stated that the company was likely to make additional adjustments in line with changing market conditions and technological transformation.

While the mistakenly sent email revealed disruptions in internal communication during a sensitive period, Amazon’s official statement demonstrated that the company continues to reshape its corporate structure in line with its cost control, innovation, and long-term growth objectives.

Amazon Decided to Close All Amazon Fresh and Go Stores!

Amazon announced that it would close all Amazon Fresh markets and Amazon Go stores. The company thus took another step back from one of its physical retail models. The decision, covering approximately 70 stores, was taken as the company redirected its physical retail strategy toward the expansion of Whole Foods Market.

Seattle-based e-commerce giant Amazon stated that it had not found a suitable economic model to scale its “Amazon”-branded market concepts. While the company did not share a clear timetable for the closures, it was reported that some stores had already ceased operations.

58 Amazon Fresh and 14 Go Stores Are Closing

Amazon announced that it planned to close approximately 58 Amazon Fresh supermarkets and 14 Amazon Go stores across the United States. The company stated that it had received some positive signals in its Amazon-branded stores but had not been able to offer customers a sufficiently distinctive and strong experience.

Amazon said that some of the closed stores would be converted into Whole Foods Market stores; however, it did not disclose how many locations would fall within this scope. Whole Foods, which Amazon acquired in 2017, stands out as the company’s most successful physical investment in grocery retail.

It Had Announced the Closure of All Amazon Fresh Stores in the UK

Amazon executives have frequently emphasized in their public statements that they are not afraid to try different concepts and take the risk of failure. This decision came after the company’s previous retreats in physical retail. In March 2022, Amazon closed 68 stores belonging to the Amazon Books, Amazon 4-star, and Amazon Pop Up brands in the United States and the United Kingdom. In September of last year, it announced that all Amazon Fresh stores in the United Kingdom would be closed.

More Than 100 Whole Foods Market Stores to Open

Amazon emphasized the performance of Whole Foods Market and announced that it planned to open more than 100 new stores over the next few years. According to information shared by the company, Whole Foods has achieved over 40 percent sales growth since the acquisition and expanded to more than 550 locations. Customer traffic and comparable store sales growth were stated to be above the industry average.

Amazon also announced that it would continue to invest in new physical store concepts. The company confirmed a large-scale 229,000-square-foot store project planned outside Chicago and stated that it was working on a supermarket-like concept that brings together fresh food, household essentials, and general merchandise.

In addition, Amazon plans to expand the small-format Whole Foods Market Daily Shop concept that it launched in 2024. For this format, which currently has five operating stores, the goal is to open five more new stores by the end of the year.

Amazon stated that while closing Amazon Fresh and Go stores, it would continue to test hybrid retail experiences that include Amazon products within Whole Foods stores. The company said that this approach aims to make it easier for customers to access a broad range of grocery products from a single point.

Shein announced that it has temporarily halted its online sales in Türkiye. The company cited upcoming local regulatory and legislative changes as the reason for this decision. The Turkish Ministry of Trade had announced that, effective as of February 1, 2026, the “simplified customs procedure” applied to products under 30 euros for individual overseas purchases would be abolished. The company stated that, rather than completely withdrawing from the Türkiye market, it is carrying out efforts to overcome the process and resume services.

Shein: We Hope to Resume Our Services in Türkiye in the Near Future

Shein made the following statement on its official website; “Due to recent changes made to local legislation, we regret to inform you that we have had to temporarily suspend our sales in Türkiye. We understand the disappointment this situation may cause you. However, in order to continue offering you the latest fashion and lifestyle trends, we would like you to know that we are working with all our strength to overcome any obstacles that may be encountered. We hope to resume our services in Türkiye in the near future. We extend our endless thanks to you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team.”

In the statement, while attention was drawn to the efforts being carried out to return to the Türkiye market, no clear date was shared regarding when sales would resume.

With the “30 Euro Law,” All Orders Will Be Subject to Customs Duty

With the regulation known to the Turkish public as the “30 euro law” coming into force, the practice of users paying low customs duty on low-value purchases has been abolished.

According to the regulation, which will be effective as of February 1, overseas orders under 30 euros will be subject to a stricter customs process, the costs of items such as customs brokerage fees and full taxation will increase, and the era of “buying cheap products from abroad” for individual users will come to an end. The decision was taken following the detection of toxic and carcinogenic substances in tests conducted on imported products and complaints of unfair competition from domestic manufacturers.

Temu Shut Down Cross-Border Sales to Türkiye

Chinese e-commerce giant Temu shut down the overseas shipping option in Türkiye. Sales are continuing only from the Türkiye warehouse. Last week, a raid was conducted at Temu’s office in Istanbul, and digital data were seized.

The Ministry of Trade of Türkiye had taken the decision to “abolish the customs procedure for products under 30 euros.” The decision will enter into force on February 1, 2026. Following this decision, Chinese e-commerce giant Temu shut down the overseas shipping option in Türkiye.

On Temu, customers in Türkiye were able to order products directly from China. When entering the application, products listed under the “global” category can no longer be seen. Currently, sales are proceeding only from the Türkiye warehouse.

The company did not make a statement on whether this change is temporary or permanent. No timeline was shared regarding when cross-border sales may resume. This step eliminated Temu’s core appeal among price-focused consumers, which had stood out with access to low-priced imported products.

With the “30 Euro Law,” All Orders Will Be Subject to Customs Duties

With the entry into force of the regulation known in the Turkish public as the “30 euro law,” the practice of users paying low customs duties on low-value purchases was abolished. According to the regulation, which will be effective as of February 1, overseas orders under 30 euros will be subject to a stricter customs process, the costs of items such as customs brokerage fees and full taxation will increase, and the period of “buying cheap products from abroad” for individual users will come to an end.

The decision was taken following the detection of toxic and carcinogenic substances in tests conducted on imported products and complaints from domestic producers regarding unfair competition. On the other hand, it is stated that Temu will not completely withdraw from Türkiye; however, it will narrow its operation. This decision was taken following the new customs practice as well as the increasing legal pressures in recent periods.

Developments regarding Temu in Türkiye reflected increasing regulatory scrutiny of Chinese online marketplaces as Türkiye and the European Union tightened rules regarding low-value imports, product safety, and fair competition.

This regulation followed the exclusion of high-risk categories such as toys, shoes, and leather goods from simplified customs procedures in October. Similar concerns also came to the agenda in the European Union, and the EU decided to abolish the customs exemption for shipments under 150 euros in line with pressure from local retailers.

A Similar Practice Was Implemented in Europe as Well

European authorities carried out a similar practice in December at Temu’s European headquarters in Dublin to determine whether it received unfair state support from China. Although the scope of the inspection in Türkiye was not disclosed, it revealed increased oversight at a time when Temu was expanding its local presence.

Temu opened an office in Türkiye in June 2025 following regulations by the Ministry of Trade of Türkiye requiring foreign digital marketplaces to establish a legal entity in Türkiye and appoint a local representative. The company also enabled local sellers to list their products by including Turkish sellers on the platform.

As Temu Grows Rapidly, It Struggles With Regulations in Global Markets

Owned by China-based PDD Holdings, Temu began operations in 2022 and grew rapidly thanks to low-cost products shipped directly to consumers. The company’s growth model is based on offering lower prices compared to local retailers by benefiting from customs exemptions applied to low-value shipments.

As Chinese platforms such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress increased their market shares, they began to be subject to stricter inspections in many countries regarding product safety, tax practices, and competitive balance. The steps taken in Türkiye overlap with a global reassessment of how cross-border e-commerce should be handled within existing regulatory frameworks.

For Turkish consumers, the suspension of cross-border sales changed shopping habits based on inexpensive imported products. For Temu, however, this decision raised questions regarding its long-term strategy in Türkiye; uncertainty remains as to whether the company will focus on local seller integration or return to its global model.

Raid on Temu’s Türkiye Office; Digital Data Seized!