WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 - Early Bird Registration Ends Soon

Register Now

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

A raid was conducted by the Competition Authority at the Türkiye office of Chinese online retail company Temu. During the search, computers and other technological devices were seized.

A Temu spokesperson said that Competition Authority officials carried out a raid at the company’s office. The spokesperson, stating “We will fully cooperate with the Turkish authorities,” said that laptop and desktop computers were seized.

The Türkiye operation came after a raid was conducted at Temu’s European Headquarters in Dublin due to European Union regulators’ concerns regarding possible unfair subsidies by the Chinese state.

Competition Authority: It Should Not Be Interpreted as a Direct Transition to an Investigation Phase

The Turkish Competition Authority made the following statement regarding the matter: “The current inspection reflected to the public is being conducted within our standard procedures, and the initiation of this process should not be interpreted as a direct transition to an investigation phase. In order to protect the confidentiality and impartiality of the inspection process and to prevent any loss of rights, detailed explanations cannot be provided at this stage. Up-to-date information regarding the course of the process will be shared with the public in the coming period in line with our principle of transparency.”

Temu Representatives Had Been Summoned to the Ministry

In May 2025, Temu’s representatives were summoned to the Ministry of Trade to be reminded of their legal obligations, and authorities took action for the opening of a representation office in Türkiye. At the meeting, the Ministry reminded Temu that it could not offer products to the market without having information on an economic operator established in Türkiye under the regulation. For the protection of consumers, unsafe and non-compliant products were required to be removed from the platform within 24 hours following the request of the competent authority.

Temu representatives later announced that they had taken action to open a representation office in Türkiye. Authorities stated that they would take the necessary steps to assume responsibility for products that would enter the Turkish market.

Robertet Launched Its B2B E-Commerce Platform in North America

Robertet launched a new B2B e-commerce platform in the United States of America and Canada. The company thus expanded its digital sales channels aimed at professional customers.

The platform called “e-Robertet” enables qualified users to browse the natural ingredients portfolio online, request samples, and make purchases. This launch, which represented an important step in the company’s commercial strategy in North America, reflected its effort to modernize sales channels. Continuing to focus on natural, traceable raw materials, the company confirmed that e-Robertet was active in both markets and had started accepting registrations.

The e-Robertet platform was designed for professional users seeking direct and flexible access to Robertet’s ingredients portfolio. Users are able to view and purchase a wide range of products, including essential oils, absolutes, botanical extracts, CO₂ extracts, and specialty natural ingredients.

Robertet stated that the platform expanded digital access to products distributed through traditional and relationship-based sales models. With online browsing, sampling, and purchasing opportunities, the company aimed to accelerate procurement processes and maintain technical and commercial support.

Robertet Also Aimed to Reach Large Commercial Customers

Founded in 1850 in the city of Grasse in France, Robertet supplies natural raw materials for the fragrance, flavor, and health and beauty sectors. The company emphasized that the North American launch was an extension of its existing digital sales model and that it reached a broader customer base in the region.

The expansion in North America aimed to reach large commercial customers as well as independent formulators, laboratories, aromatherapists, and emerging brands. According to Robertet, the platform was customized for professionals who required smaller quantities, fast access, and transparent purchasing processes.

The company announced that e-Rober tet was designed specifically for the United States of America and Canadian markets and included features such as online ordering, transparent pricing, and real-time inventory visibility. In addition, the platform also supported smaller packaging options suitable for research and development activities and small-scale production.

Logistics, Support, and Supply Chain Integration

Robertet stated that all orders placed through e-Rober tet were supported by a North America-based shipping infrastructure and that this shortened delivery times and facilitated logistics processes. Dedicated support services were also provided to professional users to assist with product selection, ordering, and technical matters.

The company positioned the platform as an extension of its vertically integrated business model, which encompassed the cultivation, sourcing, extraction, and production of natural ingredients. While emphasizing the importance it placed on traceability and sustainability throughout the supply chain, Robertet described this approach as “seed to scent.”

By integrating e-commerce capabilities with the existing infrastructure, Rober tet aimed to balance digital convenience with quality control and transparency. The company stated that while the platform supported its responsible sourcing commitment, it also adapted to changing purchasing habits in the ingredients market.

Amazon Now Expands in Europe; Launched in London!

Amazon has taken a significant step in Europe by launching its Amazon Now service in London. This new service offers users in the city the ability to receive everyday essentials, groceries, and personal care products within 30 minutes.

The launch of Amazon Now in London centers around the opening of the United Kingdom’s first fast delivery hub, ‘QLD1.’ Located in the Southwark area, a business and creative hub on the south bank of the Thames, this facility is poised to become a key site for fast deliveries. This move is an important part of Amazon’s fast delivery efforts in Europe, following similar models in regions like India and the UAE.

Elisa Michelin Salomon, EU Quick Commerce Program Lead at Amazon, stated, “We carried out this project by working with 57 different Amazon teams. Now, the foundations have been laid for our next steps in the United Kingdom and the EU.” The company’s entry into the fast commerce space strengthens its growth targets in the online retail market across Europe.

Amazon Now and the Establishment of the Last-Mile Delivery Model

Amazon’s quick commerce initiative aims to meet the growing demand for fast access to everyday products. Salomon highlighted that developing a new last-mile delivery model is one of the core focuses of the Amazon Now service. She emphasized the significant responsibility of building a new network from scratch and shaping the operations.

Unlike its predecessor, Amazon Prime Now, Amazon Now is fully integrated into Amazon’s main platform. This move aims to simplify the user experience and make operations more efficient.

Amazon’s Expansion Plans in Europe

The rapid launch of Amazon Now in London signals the company’s goal to expand its fast delivery services across Europe. Fast delivery is becoming increasingly important in the competitive e-commerce market. To achieve this, Amazon plans to establish a network of smaller distribution hubs in densely populated urban areas.

As the market leader in e-commerce in the United Kingdom, Amazon is expected to reach 36.7 billion euros in revenue in 2024, an increase of 12.7%. A significant portion of this growth is attributed to Amazon’s ability to deliver over one billion products per day. The success of the Amazon Now service could further increase these numbers and strengthen the company’s presence in Europe.

In a time when quick commerce is rapidly rising globally, Amazon’s initiative in London demonstrates that the company is prepared to capture a larger share of the fast delivery market in the coming years.

Amazon Launches 30-Minute “Ultra-Fast Delivery” Pilot Program in the United States

eBay Launches SpeedPAK Service to Simplify International Shipping for German Sellers

eBay has introduced the SpeedPAK service in order to simplify international shipping processes for German sellers. This service offers shipments with customs clearance completed and ensures that import duties are paid in advance. Thus, international shipping processes become more practical, especially for German sellers engaged in cross-border sales.

The US-based popular online marketplace eBay entered a growth trajectory in Germany in 2024 following a decline experienced in 2022. The company increased its revenues by 1 million dollars, reaching a total of 972 million dollars. This positive growth came after various policy changes, such as improvements for commerce sellers and the introduction of the new Top-Service label. This label helps sellers stand out on the platform by providing shoppers with insights into timely shipping and high service levels.

The launch of eBay’s SpeedPAK service represents another important development, particularly for sellers engaged in cross-border sales. Developed through a collaboration with the logistics provider Orange Connex, SpeedPAK manages all customs documentation, thereby reducing the administrative burden for sellers. Considering the changes in customs regulations across Europe, this innovation is expected to be highly beneficial for many sellers.

“With SpeedPAK, We Strengthen Trust Between Buyers and Sellers”

Andreas Häntsch, Senior Director of Seller Engagement at eBay Germany, emphasized that the introduction of SpeedPAK in Germany is an important step toward facilitating German sellers’ access to global markets. Häntsch said, “We know that international shipping processes can be complex. With SpeedPAK, we not only offer competitive prices and simplified processes, but also strengthen trust between buyers and sellers.”

The new service also provides greater transparency for buyers. All costs, including shipping, customs duties, and taxes, are displayed at checkout, eliminating hidden fees. While this transparency benefits buyers, it also offers greater protection for sellers. “Item not received” complaints will no longer be included in service metrics, defects related to undelivered items will be removed. In addition, late shipments will not be counted as “late delivery,” and negative or neutral feedback related to shipping will be automatically removed.

The Service Is Now Available to Sellers

German sellers can select SpeedPAK as a shipping option when listing their products on eBay and can purchase the relevant shipping labels through the platform. Sellers who sign up by the end of March can benefit from a 10 percent discount on SpeedPAK labels. With SpeedPAK, eBay aims to make cross-border e-commerce more efficient, providing a faster and easier shipping process for sellers while making the buyer experience more transparent and reliable.

eBay Launches the Livestream Shopping Era in Germany

Temu Matches Amazon in Cross-Border E-Commerce Sales!

The Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has become a significant competitor in global online shopping, now matching Amazon in cross-border e-commerce sales. According to the 2025 Cross-Border E-Commerce Shopper Survey by the International Post Corporation (IPC), nearly a quarter (24%) of consumers made their most recent purchase from Temu, placing it on equal footing with Amazon.

The IPC survey covered 30,970 shoppers across 37 different countries. The survey highlights the rapid growth of Temu, which was launched in the United States in September 2022. In just three years, Temu’s share of cross-border e-commerce sales skyrocketed from 1% to 24%. In comparison, Amazon’s share remained steady at 24%, with both platforms together accounting for nearly half of all cross-border sales globally.

Temu’s rapid rise, according to the survey data from September 2025, is remarkable considering the platform didn’t exist before 2021. This growth is supported by Temu’s aggressive international expansion, including the opening of its European headquarters in Dublin in 2023.

Mixed Trends in Shein and AliExpress in Cross-Border E-Commerce

While Temu’s growth has been rapid, other platforms have shown less noticeable changes. Shein, the third-largest player in cross-border sales, maintained a 9% share. AliExpress saw a decline from 9% to 8%. eBay holds a 5% market share, while Zalando, the first European-based platform, holds 3%, ranking fifth.

However, signs of slowing growth have appeared in Temu’s European expansion. In the first half of last year, the number of users increased by only 12.5%, reaching 115.7 million. To overcome this, Temu plans to accelerate growth by shipping products primarily from local warehouses and partnering with European sellers.

China’s Dominance in Global E-Commerce

The IPC report also emphasizes China’s dominance in cross-border shopping. In 26 out of 30 European countries, China is the most popular destination for cross-border shopping. Only Luxembourg and Austria prefer Germany over China for cross-border shopping, while Ireland and Iceland most frequently shop across borders in the United Kingdom. With its rapid growth and expansion into international markets, Temu continues to challenge established competitors like Amazon, gaining a significant share in the cross-border e-commerce space.

Temu Expands Operations in the UAE

Amazon Ads and Creators HQ Launched the “Amazon Creators Foundry”

Creators HQ, the MENA region’s first dedicated content creators hub, launched the Amazon Creators Foundry program in collaboration with Amazon Ads. The program aims to enable content creators to transform their ideas into real products that can be offered for sale on Amazon.ae and to reach global markets.

The announcement of the program was made within the scope of the fourth 1 Billion Followers Summit, attended by thousands of content creators and industry leaders. The new initiative aims to provide content creators with practical tools and mentorship to build sustainable business models. It also aims to further strengthen the United Arab Emirates’ rising position in the field of digital entrepreneurship.

Amazon Creators Foundry Aims to Transform Content Creators into Entrepreneurs

Amazon Creators Foundry was introduced as a structured program providing end-to-end support for content creators to transform their creativity into commercial value. The initiative, developed through a collaboration between Creators HQ and Amazon Ads, was designed to cover the process from product ideation to global sales.

It was planned that content creators participating in the program would be provided with training and mentorship in key areas such as product development, brand building, digital marketing, and customer acquisition. Participants also gained the opportunity to establish their own dedicated storefronts on Amazon.ae and offer their products directly to consumers.

Within the scope of the Amazon Creators Foundry program, eligible content creators were provided with Amazon Ads advertising credits. This support aimed to increase brand visibility and enable more effective reach to target audiences. In addition, access to Amazon’s global selling programs was provided, paving the way for products to reach millions of customers worldwide.

The Launch Was Announced at a Global Summit

The collaboration was announced at the fourth edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, described by organizers as the world’s largest event focused on the content creation economy. More than 15,000 content creators and over 500 speakers attended the summit; it was stated that the participants’ combined follower base reached 3.5 billion people.

The event served as an important platform for discussions on content creators’ revenue models, technology, and their roles in digital commerce. The launch of Amazon Creators Foundry was positioned as a concrete response to the need for content creators to build structures that enable long-term income generation, rather than solely producing content.

Organizers stated that the program aims to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce and to provide content creators with a clear roadmap for product development and scaling.

New Opportunities in Commerce and Entertainment

The Amazon Creators Foundry program went beyond traditional product sales by introducing participants to gaming- and entertainment-focused commerce opportunities. It aimed to enable content creators to expand their brands into different sectors and to explore new revenue models connected to their audiences.

Through structured guidance and operational support, the initiative aimed to reduce the barriers content creators face when transforming their ideas into tangible products. The program focused on building sustainable, revenue-generating business models rather than short-term promotional campaigns.

Program managers stated that the combination of mentorship, advertising support, and global market access would help content creators scale their brands more efficiently while preserving their creative control.

The UAE’s Position in the Creator Economy Is Strengthening

The launch of Amazon Creators Foundry was evaluated as part of the goal of positioning the United Arab Emirates as a global hub for the creator economy. It was stated that such initiatives, which provide digital entrepreneurs with infrastructure, education, and access to international markets, align with the country’s vision of attracting talent and encouraging innovation.

Industry observers drew attention to the fact that collaborations between creator-focused hubs and global technology companies demonstrate the increasing convergence of content, commerce, and entrepreneurship. Amazon Creators Foundry stood out as an example supporting content creators’ transition from audience building to product ownership and global distribution.

With its official launch, Amazon Creators Foundry added a new layer to the regional content creators ecosystem, offering a new pathway aimed at transforming creative ideas into scalable businesses and delivering unique products to regional and global markets.

Tajer Launched Its E-Commerce Platform in Qatar

Tajer officially put its e-commerce platform into use in Qatar, introducing a new digital shopping destination aimed at bringing curation-focused regional and international brands together with consumers.

While positioning itself as a trust-based alternative in an increasingly crowded e-commerce ecosystem, Tajer aims to simplify product discovery and support both local and global brands. The platform was introduced as “a shopping platform that places curation-focused discovery at its center instead of mass product variety.” Company officials stated that the platform was designed to offer selected products supported by clear brand stories and reliable delivery in an environment where product abundance has turned into complexity for consumers.

Tajer brought together Qatari brands as well as leading companies from the MENA region and selected international brands entering the region. As of the launch, consumers are able to purchase products belonging to brands from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. The company announced that new regional and global markets, including Brazil, will also be gradually added to the platform.

According to the company, every product featured on Tajer Shops was deliberately selected by considering quality, authenticity, and relevance criteria, and while variety was ensured, no compromise was made on standards.

Tajer Is Growing in MENA

One of the core elements of Tajer’s strategy has been to support MENA-based and local brands by providing them with a space through which they can reach new audiences. The company stated that this approach aims to bring together regional creativity and global quality standards within the same ecosystem.

Wissam Abuorf, Regional Head of Operations at Tajer, said that the platform was launched in response to changing consumer expectations. Stating that consumers now place greater importance on trust and meaningful curation in the face of excessive choice, Abuorf said that Tajer aims to provide access to brands that reflect customers’ lifestyles, tastes, and values. He also emphasized that the platform aims to support both emerging talents and well-established businesses.

Abuorf stated that curation will continue to remain a priority during the expansion process, noting that Tajer focuses on offering what truly matters to consumers rather than “selling everything.”

Tajer Offered More Than 6,000 Products on the Platform

As of the launch, Tajer offered more than 6,000 products to customers on the platform. The company reported that new regional and global business partners continue to join the platform regularly and that the product range is supported by long-term brand collaborations. On the platform, a wide range of categories is available, including women’s, men’s, and children’s fashion, seasonal collections such as winterwear and loungewear, home and lifestyle products, accessories, and everyday necessities. Tajer stated that it designed its digital experience to make discovery easy, reliable, and rewarding for modern consumers.

On the logistics side, Ta jer announced that it offers delivery to more than 90 countries. This structure enables local and regional brands to expand into global markets, while also allowing consumers in Qatar to shop cross-border through a single platform.

With its official launch, Tajer entered Qatar’s growing e-commerce sector with a model focused on curation, regional brand support, and global access. Company officials stated that the platform reflects Qatar’s local identity while also adopting an approach open to international trade, and that it will continue to expand its partnerships and product variety.

Amazon Is Establishing Its First Same-Day Delivery Facility in Memphis

Amazon announced plans to establish its first same-day delivery facility in Memphis by taking a step that will significantly expand its logistics network in West Tennessee. The project, confirmed by local authorities and the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, aims to increase last-mile delivery capacity and create new employment opportunities in the region.

The same-day delivery facility planned to be located in Southeast Memphis is expected to begin operations toward the end of 2027. The project is expected to further strengthen the city’s position as one of the major logistics centers in the southern United States.

The Same-Day Delivery Station Will Be 350 Thousand Square Meters

According to a statement made by the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Amazon plans to develop an approximately 350 thousand square meter same-day delivery station at 4131 Clarke Road in Southeast Memphis. Once the facility becomes fully operational, it is expected that approximately 100 employees will be employed, in addition to independent delivery partners operating in the region.

Chamber officials stated that the facility will focus on local package processing and last-mile logistics activities; thus, Amazon will be able to deliver orders to customers within hours through same-day delivery instead of days. Same-day delivery facilities generally function as final sorting and dispatch points and enable products to reach nearby customers more quickly.

It was stated that this facility to be established in Memphis will be the first of its kind in the city. Amazon officials reported that additional information regarding the project will be shared as the launch date approaches, depending on progress in the construction and planning process.

Amazon’s Investments in Tennessee

The Memphis project is considered part of Amazon’s broader investment strategy across Tennessee. The company announced that it has created more than 28 thousand full-time and part-time jobs across the state since 2010. In the same period, it was reported that Amazon invested over 29 billion dollars in Tennessee through infrastructure investments, employee wages, and expenditures with small and medium-sized businesses.

It is stated that these investments also support indirect employment in sectors such as construction, transportation, professional services, and logistics. State and local authorities frequently emphasize that Amazon’s presence makes significant contributions to economic growth and supply chain development.

Although the Memphis facility is not expected to become operational before the end of 2027, officials state that this announcement once again demonstrates the city’s attractiveness for major logistics and technology companies. With a strong transportation infrastructure supported by air, rail, river, and road connections, Memphis has long stood out as a strategic distribution center for national and global trade.

Amazon did not disclose the total investment amount of the Memphis project or details regarding possible future expansions planned in the region. However, company officials stated that the same-day delivery station will play a key role in meeting the growing demand for fast delivery as e-commerce continues to expand across the United States.

“10-Minute Fast Delivery” Promises End in India!

Temu Expands Operations in the UAE

Global e-commerce platform Temu, backed by Chinese group PDD Holdings, has expanded its operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance delivery speeds and broaden its product range. This move is part of the company’s efforts to better respond to the growing demand in the region.

Temu, which launched in the UAE in September 2023, quickly gained popularity thanks to its wide product selection and competitive pricing. The new local seller program allows UAE-registered businesses with locally stocked inventory to sell directly on the Temu platform. This initiative helps ensure faster delivery times while offering UAE-based businesses a valuable new distribution channel to expand their customer base.

Temu’s Local Seller Program has been successfully implemented in over 30 markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Japan, and is now being rolled out in the UAE. This marks an important step in Temu’s strategy, as the company aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while enhancing its service capabilities in international markets.

A Temu spokesperson said, “With our local-to-local initiative, we aim to create new growth opportunities for UAE businesses, while providing consumers with a wider selection of affordable, quality products and faster delivery.” This local-to-local model further strengthens Temu’s commitment to improving its market offerings and fostering closer ties with local businesses.

Temu Strengthens Its Position in the UAE

Since its launch in September 2023, Te mu has gained significant momentum in the UAE, quickly establishing itself in the competitive local e-commerce market. According to SimilarWeb, Te mu became the most used shopping app on the Android platform in the UAE as of January 1, 2026. Expanding into the local seller market will further bolster the company’s position and help it compete with both established players and new entrants, all of whom are striving to capture market share through faster logistics and localized offerings.

This move reflects the substantial investments e-commerce platforms are making in logistics infrastructure and localized strategies to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the region. As Te mu continues to improve its service offerings and expand its local seller network, it aims to solidify its position in the increasingly competitive UAE e-commerce market.

Temu Opens Platform for Swiss Companies

Shopify Introduces Universal Commerce Protocol in Partnership with Google

Shopify has introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), a new open standard that will enable the scaling of AI-powered “agentic” shopping. Developed in collaboration with Google, this protocol allows AI agents to connect with any merchant and facilitate transactions. Through UCP, Shopify sellers will be able to make direct sales on Google Search and the Gemini app.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and Shopify accelerated their efforts to facilitate AI-based “agentic” shopping significantly at the National Retail Federation’s annual conference on Sunday. At NRF 2026, Shopify and Google introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol, a new open standard for AI agents to connect and transact with any merchant. With Universal Commerce Protocol, AI agents can complete payment transactions on behalf of a customer.

“Potential Benefit for Google and Shopify”

Analyst Justin Patterson anticipates potential benefits from the UPC standard for both Google and Shopify: “For Google, this announcement reinforces its historical strength with retailers and the momentum in AI. Google has a long history of helping retailers navigate technological change. Google’s Shopping Graph, introduced in 2021, lists over 50 billion products, providing a rich set of data that can be discovered via the core Search experience and the Gemini app. For Shopify, UCP extends agentic partnerships and offers more ways to engage with merchants.”

In September, Google announced a new Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) developed with 60 industry partners. AP2 is also designed to address authorization, authentication, and accountability in agentic payments. To provide secure commerce for AI agents, it is supported by cryptographically signed digital contracts.

Building Agentic Shopping Ecosystems

At NRF 2026, Google also introduced new retail tools for deploying AI agents that help shoppers locate items and provide customer support. Google named these agentic AI tools “Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience.” These tools are offered through Google’s cloud computing platform and are used by retailers such as Lowe’s, Kroger, and Papa Johns.

Additionally, Shop ify announced new agentic AI initiatives. In October, AI pioneer OpenAI revealed that its ChatGPT app would enable direct purchases from Shop ify, Etsy, and other online sellers. In a similar deal, Shopify stated that its merchants would be able to sell directly in Google Search’s “AI Mode” and the Gemini app. Furthermore, Shopify announced plans to work with Microsoft on agentic AI online payment features. Last week, Microsoft, in collaboration with partners such as PayPal Holdings (PYPL) and Stripe, introduced a series of AI-powered agentic commerce tools.

As part of its strategy, the software company will open its Shop ify Catalog and infrastructure to brands on other platforms. This will allow brands that do not use Shop ify for their online stores to list their products on Shopify Catalog and present them to AI channels.

Shopify Introduced the Winter ’26 Edition Featuring More Than 150 AI-Powered Tools for Merchants