Cross-Border Commerce Europe published a report on the DIY, Home, and Garden retail market in Europe. According to the report, the total market value, including both online and offline DIY sales, reached €388 billion in 2024.

2025 Forecasts Materialized in 2024 for the Online DIY Market

Within the total market, the share of online DIY sales was 17% in 2024. The market’s revenue for 2024 stood at €66 billion. It had been predicted that online sales in the market would reach €66 billion in 2025; however, this expectation was already met in 2024.

€78 Billion Expectation for 2026

In 2023, the online share of the market was 15.2%, which corresponded to €56 billion out of the total €368 billion market value. The online Do It Yourself market in Europe is expected to reach €78 billion in 2026.

Temu and AliExpress Compete with Amazon

Among the most dominant online stores in the European Do It Yourself sector, Amazon ranks first. The company holds a 15% share of the total online market, which stands at €66 billion. Accordingly, Amazon’s DIY revenues for 2024 amounted to €9.15 billion. Following Amazon, Temu and AliExpress rank among the top competitors.

Cross-Border Online Sales Approaching €22 Billion

According to the report, the growth of the online Do It Yourself market is driven solely by the increasing market share of online-only competitors. This situation is pushing traditional DIY retailers to strengthen their cross-border e-commerce activities, leading to an increase in cross-border sales within the DIY market.

In 2023, the value of cross-border sales was €17.8 billion, representing 31.8% of the online market. In 2024, this figure rose to €21.6 billion, accounting for 32.8% of the total online market. By 2026, the share of online sales within cross-border Do It Yourself sales is expected to reach 34%. This corresponds to €26.5 billion out of the projected €78 billion online market.

Members of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) from across the political spectrum have urged the Commission to take urgent action to address the increase in low-cost imports into the EU.

Salvatore De Meo (EPP) drafted a report on product safety and e-commerce earlier this month in the IMCO committee, addressing the surge of low-value goods from third countries that “threaten consumer safety and fair competition, undermining EU standards.”

“These Platforms Target Vulnerable Consumers”

Maria Guzenina (S&D) argued that while the De Meo report was a good starting point, “the urgency to act must be emphasized.” She added, “Parliament should demand more resources for various national authorities, such as market surveillance and customs.”

Guzenina stated, “The De Meo report did not take into account the environmental impact of low-value packages and deliveries. Non-EU platforms have avoided paying any environmental fees and have undermined efforts toward a circular economy.”

She further added, “These platforms target ‘vulnerable consumers’. Ambitious rules on digital fairness are urgently needed to address addictive marketing, gamification, and the use of dark platforms.”

“Amazon, Temu, and Shein Should Be Banned from the EU”

Green MEP Saskia Bricmont likened the flow of unsafe products into the EU to a “tsunami,” asserting that further action is needed to protect consumers and prevent counterfeit goods. She also emphasized the importance of the EU proposing “alternative and affordable consumption models based on local and second-hand products and a circular economy.”

Left-wing MEP Leila Chaibi also called on the Commission to strengthen digital fairness rules, stating, “Amazon, Temu, and Shein should be banned from the EU as long as they fail to comply with EU conformity standards as well as social and environmental norms.”

Commission Unveils E-commerce Strategy in February

The Commission unveiled its e-commerce strategy in February, focusing on better cooperation between the EU and national authorities. On the same day, it announced new actions against Shein under consumer protection rules and emphasized that e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Temu, and Shein are subject to ongoing investigations under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). However, the Commission stated that it would wait one year before evaluating its e-commerce strategy.

European Parliament Approves VAT Reform

In Türkiye, where Nike has the most stores in Europe, labor strikes have started at its retail locations. Approximately 250 unionized retail workers across nine Nike stores in Türkiye have gone on strike due to the failure to reach an agreement on the collective labor contract. The workers are demanding job security and compensation rights in the event of potential store closures.

Nike operates a total of 60 stores across Türkiye. The nine stores affected by the strike are directly managed by Nike, while other franchise stores in the country are not part of the collective labor contract. Unionized workers at Nike are concerned about job security. Following the suspension of e-commerce sales, employees are worried about the company’s future in Türkiye. They are also demanding better compensation in case of layoffs or further store closures. The company recently closed two of its stores in the country.

No Agreement Reached on Collective Bargaining!

In ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between Nike and the union, disagreements have arisen over issues such as bonuses, seniority premiums, meal allowances, and disciplinary committees. The union has stated that it will continue to fight for a contract that guarantees workers’ rights. Currently, the strike affects only the nine company-operated stores, with other franchise locations remaining outside of the process.

Nike confirmed in a statement that discussions with the union are ongoing, but no collective labor agreement has been reached yet. The company stated, “We will continue to work openly and determinedly to reach an agreement with the union representatives.”

Nike Operates 60 Stores in Türkiye

Nike positions Türkiye as a key operational hub within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. However, the company is facing declining sales in the region in recent quarters. Nike operates 60 stores in Türkiye, a number higher than its stores in France and the United Kingdom.

Nike Suspended Online Sales in Türkiye

On August 10, 2024, after the Turkish government reduced the customs duty limit for international online shopping from 150 euros to 30 euros, Nike suspended its e-commerce operations in Türkiye. Nike’s website in Türkiye still displays a message stating that online orders are “currently suspended” seven months after the policy change. The company states that it cannot guarantee that orders will be “delivered smoothly and on time.” The message on Nike’s website reads: “Unfortunately, due to the recent customs regulations in Türkiye, it is currently not possible to shop on Nike.com or the Nike App.”

Since Nike does not have a warehouse in Türkiye, individual orders were previously fulfilled from distribution centers in Europe. According to the company’s production guide, Türkiye is listed as a manufacturing hub for clothing and equipment, but not for footwear production. Although Nike has suspended its direct online sales in Türkiye, some Turkish retailers can still sell Nike products online under license.

The Australia Post 2025 Annual E-Commerce Report, which provides a detailed analysis of Australia’s e-commerce ecosystem, has been released. The report highlights the growth of e-commerce in the country. According to the findings, Australians spent a record $69 billion on online shopping in 2024. This figure represents a 12% increase compared to the previous year.

E-Commerce Report in Australia: 9.8 Million Households Shopped Online

According to the e-commerce report, 9.8 million households in Australia made online purchases in 2024. The top spending categories were as follows:

• Online marketplaces ($16 billion)
• Food and beverages ($13.6 billion)
• Fashion and apparel ($9.6 billion)

Although online shopping in Australia has reached record levels, the average basket size declined by 2.1% to $95 compared to the previous year due to cost-of-living pressures. This marks the lowest basket value in the past decade. Australian households are carefully managing their expenses and strategically shopping for affordable products.

How Much Did Each Generation Spend Online?

Other key insights from the report include:

• Millennials (Gen Y) – $25 billion
• Gen X – $19 billion
• Gen Z – $12 billion
• Baby Boomers – $10 billion
• Builders – $2.7 billion

According to the Australian e-commerce report, with the rise of social commerce, nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials make a purchase via social media every week.

Northern Territory Leads E-Commerce Growth in Australia

The regions with the highest growth in online shopping were:

• Northern Territory (11.3% growth)
• Tasmania (11.1% growth)
• Queensland (7.3% growth)

“Retailers Cannot Ignore the Shift Towards Social Shopping”

Jordan Berke, founder of global retail consultancy Tomorrow Retail Consulting, stated:

“The integration of content and commerce is rapidly evolving the e-commerce channel, providing retailers with an opportunity to connect with consumers through storytelling. Today, 5 billion people use social media, and retailers cannot ignore the shift towards social shopping. The sooner a business learns how to stand out on social media, the better positioned it will be in the future.”

Gen Alpha Drives Global Spending

As consumer habits continue to shift in favor of online shopping, Gen Alpha is now influencing $8.5 trillion in global spending. Social Researcher Mark McCrindle commented:

“Gen Alpha is not just the next generation of consumers. They are digital natives redefining retail and shaping the future of e-commerce. For retailers looking to connect with consumers, understanding Gen Alpha’s values and preferences is crucial.”

Customer Loyalty is Declining

Today’s online shoppers distribute their spending across an average of 16 different retailers. While this makes price comparison easier, it also reduces customer loyalty.

Gary Starr, Executive General Manager of Parcels, Post, and E-Commerce Services at Australia Post, stated:

“Cost-of-living pressures and high inflation are driving Australians towards major discount events and loyalty programs. Three out of four businesses are concerned that frequent sales promotions are conditioning consumers to buy only discounted items. However, we must acknowledge that Australians love discounts—strategic shopping has now become the norm. During the record-breaking Cyber Sales period, Australians spent $2.2 billion, indicating that consumers are timing their purchases around major sales events.”

Starr added: “As online shopping continues to outpace physical stores, retailers that do not frequently discount throughout the year should consider developing an attractive loyalty strategy. Subscription models, rewards, or point systems can enhance customer retention and drive repeat purchases.”

India is increasing its oversight of unsafe and uncertified products sold on e-commerce platforms. During raids carried out by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), thousands of uncertified items were confiscated from warehouses linked to Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-commerce marketplaces. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is involved in this effort.

India and the United States (US) have recently been in disagreement over regulatory flexibility for online platforms. India is requesting stricter compliance measures to protect local consumers. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, is conducting inspections of consumer products to ensure compliance with mandatory safety and quality standards, conducting raids on e-commerce warehouses.

Uncertified Products Continue to Be Sold on E-Commerce Platforms

In a statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, it was reported that the inspected products included pressure cookers, hand mixers, food blenders, electric irons, room heaters, PVC cables, stoves, toys, two-wheeled helmets, switches, sockets, and aluminum foils. Given the safety risks posed by substandard products, the government has made the BIS certification mandatory for these items.

Despite the regulations, many uncertified products continue to be sold on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Myntra, and BigBasket. These products often lack the legally required ISI mark and contain fake certification information. According to the Ministry’s statement, these products are frequently sold with counterfeit certifications. To prevent this, search and seizure operations were carried out at e-commerce warehouses in cities like Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi.

Raids on E-Commerce Giants’ Warehouses

During the raids, 215 uncertified toys and 24 hand mixers were seized from an Amazon warehouse. Another raid in Gurugram resulted in the confiscation of 58 aluminum foils, 34 metal water bottles, 25 toys, 20 hand mixers, 7 PVC cables, 2 food blenders, and 1 speaker. In Flipkart’s Gurugram warehouse, 534 uncertified stainless steel vacuum drinking bottles, 134 toys, and 41 speakers were seized.

Further investigations revealed that many uncertified products were linked to Techvision International Pvt. Ltd. BIS raided the company’s two facilities in Delhi, seizing 7,000 uncertified electric water heaters, 4,000 electric food blenders, 95 electric room heaters, and 40 stoves.

Amazon’s Statement Regarding the Issue

An Amazon spokesperson commented on the issue, stating, “We require all product sellers to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Amazon policies. We also ensure that our selections meet industry-accepted standards and are developing innovative tools to prevent unsafe products from being listed. To ensure a safe choice for our customers, we take steps such as removing non-compliant products and, when necessary, communicating with sellers, manufacturers, and government authorities.”

Dispute Between India and the US on E-Commerce Regulations

A disagreement has arisen between India and the United States regarding e-commerce regulations and the oversight of online trade. India seeks to enforce stricter safety and quality standards for products sold on online platforms to protect local consumers. In this context, it is argued that stricter measures should be taken to prevent the sale of uncertified, unsafe, or low-quality products on platforms operating in India.

The US, on the other hand, advocates for more flexible regulations and a freer approach to online trade. The US believes that India’s stricter rules on e-commerce platform regulations create barriers to trade and that platforms should be more flexible to ensure the smooth functioning of global trade.

This dispute is particularly focused on the increased inspections of large e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as the tightening of certification requirements in India. It has been noted that the US advocates for India to adopt a more relaxed approach to e-commerce and online trade regulations.

Guangdong, China’s largest provincial economy, has introduced a series of new policies aimed at promoting cross-border e-commerce. These policies are designed to facilitate cross-border transactions, enhance customs clearance efficiency, and reduce operational and logistics costs for businesses.

At a cross-border e-commerce conference organized by the local government in Guangdong, the new policies were publicly announced. According to these policies, cross-border e-commerce companies will no longer be required to register their overseas warehouses. Export certification procedures for companies will be simplified. A “pre-inspection, post-shipment” supervision model will be implemented for consolidated export shipments. Additionally, inter-customs return processes will also be streamlined.

Fan Ming, General Manager of Public Relations at the 1688 platform, and Simon Huang, President of Moscow-based Ozon China, stated in their speeches at the conference that nearly one-third of the products sold on Alibaba’s 1688 platform and Ozon originate from Guangdong province.

“The U.S. and European countries have tightened their policies”

Liu Feina, Executive Director and Secretary-General of the Guangdong E-Commerce Association, stated, “In recent years, cross-border e-commerce has been growing rapidly. Since the Chinese New Year holiday in February, the U.S. and European countries have tightened their policies. This is a process that Chinese companies facing global competition must go through. Industry associations are actively guiding sellers and logistics firms to strengthen their compliance awareness.”

Wang Haicheng, General Manager of Shenzhen PostPony Supply Chain Management, emphasized, “Companies need to focus on localized branding and marketing strategies, including product management, operations, and after-sales services. Furthermore, understanding local laws, regulations, and cultural norms is crucial when expanding overseas.”

Simon Huang, President of Ozon China, highlighted that in the past two years, the number of Chinese sellers on Ozon has grown nearly tenfold, with sales exceeding 10 billion yuan ($1.3 billion). He also noted that in 2024, the repurchase rate of Chinese goods in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) market has increased more than threefold.

Global Giants Establish Regional Cross-Border E-Commerce Hubs in Guangdong

In 2024, Guangdong’s cross-border e-commerce transactions reached 745.4 billion yuan ($103 billion), accounting for more than one-third of the national total. Global giants such as Amazon, Shein, and Alibaba International have established regional cross-border e-commerce hubs in Guangdong. Additionally, 15 cross-border e-commerce companies, including Sailvan Times and Edayun, are publicly listed in the province.

China’s E-Commerce Market Leads Globally for 12 Consecutive Years

The Swiss e-commerce ecosystem is growing every year. With the impact of cross-border shopping, Switzerland’s e-commerce volume continues to expand. In 2024, e-commerce sales reached 15 billion Swiss francs (CHF), equivalent to $17 billion.

Some data on the Swiss e-commerce ecosystem has been released by Swiss Post, the commerce.swiss Association, and the market research institute GfK. According to the report, Swiss online consumers purchased goods and products worth approximately 15 billion CHF ($17 billion) online in 2024. This figure represents a 3.5% annual increase.

The 18% increase in cross-border shopping, driven especially by small parcels from Asia, played a significant role in Switzerland’s e-commerce growth. In 2023, this segment had recorded a 10% increase.

Bernhard Egger, Director of the commerce.swiss Association, stated, “For Temu alone, we estimate 15 million packages and 900 million CHF in sales in 2024. Due to low pricing, the revenue loss in Swiss retail e-commerce is estimated at approximately 2.25 billion CHF ($2.55 billion).”

Three-quarters of Swiss youth shop online from Asia

According to research findings, Swiss Gen Z is turning to online stores in Asia. A survey on this topic reveals that three-quarters of Swiss Gen Z consumers shop from China-based platforms such as Temu or AliExpress.

Despite this, Swiss websites with the “.ch” domain, including giants like Zalando, continue to make up the majority of sales. The total sales of these platforms reached 12.3 billion CHF ($14 billion), but the growth rate remained at just 1%. Meanwhile, Digitec Galaxus maintained its position with an 18% annual revenue increase.

Popular Categories in the Swiss E-commerce Ecosystem

• The consumer electronics sector continues to hold the largest share of Swiss e-commerce with a 24% market share.
• This segment is followed by fashion at 16%.
• Home goods rank third with a 14% share.
• These three non-food sectors account for more than 50% of the Swiss e-commerce market.
• The food sector stands out with a 1% share, with wine and beverage sales particularly contributing to growth.
• The fashion sector experienced a 7% decline in sales in 2024, similar to the trend seen in 2023.
• The consumer electronics sector, following its strong years during the pandemic, remained in positive territory with just a 1% increase.
• E-commerce sales of food products continued to grow by 6%. However, the sector still constitutes a relatively small portion (3.1%) of the total market.

The authors of the Swiss e-commerce report expect that consolidation in the retail sector will largely be completed by 2025. The improvement in consumer sentiment is projected to drive online retail sales growth between 4% and 7%.

Temu Announces Partnership with Correos in Spain

Eurostat’s study, which covers European Union (EU) countries, reveals complaints from men and women engaging in e-commerce. The findings show that one in three Europeans faced difficulties while shopping online. In 2023, 33% of e-commerce users were affected by these problems. The most frequently reported issues include deliveries exceeding the promised timeframe, difficult-to-navigate websites, and the receipt of damaged or incorrect products.

Luxembourg Leads in Complaints

The 33% rate represents the European average. However, some EU member states report significantly higher percentages of customers experiencing e-commerce-related issues. Luxembourg (55.5%), the Netherlands (55.2%), and Spain (49.7%) rank highest in complaints. In contrast, Italy records the fewest bad surprises in e-commerce, placing last in terms of negative experiences.

E-Commerce Remains Resistant to Fraud

Despite these challenges, they do not necessarily indicate fraud. As confirmed by the European Statistical Institute, the most frequent problems encountered in online shopping involve extended delivery times or receiving products that differ from what was ordered. These issues are primarily linked to logistics rather than fraudulent activities. Based on consumer feedback, e-commerce remains resilient against fraud.

Kroger, one of the leading retail chains in the United States, is making significant strides in digitalization and e-commerce. The company has decided to expand its e-commerce operations to compete with industry giants such as Amazon and Walmart. As part of this initiative, it plans to establish a new online marketplace that will also include third-party sellers.

To strengthen its e-commerce strategy, Kroger has accelerated its investments in technology. In line with this, the company is partnering with Ocado Group to open a new Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in North Carolina. This center will be equipped with robotics and artificial intelligence technologies, aiming to provide customers with faster and more efficient service.

Kroger Launches the “Kroger Delivery Now” Express Delivery Service

Additionally, Kroger has partnered with Instacart to launch a 30-minute delivery service called “Kroger Delivery Now.” This service aims to quickly deliver fresh food and household essentials to customers.

These initiatives are seen as part of Kroger’s broader efforts to enhance its competitive strength in digitalization and e-commerce. Through these strategies, the company aims to improve customer satisfaction and expand its market share.

A research study on online second-hand product stores has revealed some interesting findings. According to the study, more than half of these online stores violate consumer rights!

The European Commission conducted a study on online sellers of second-hand products. In a so-called “sweep” investigation, it was found that most of the companies examined were violating European consumer rights.

52% of Second-Hand Sellers Violate Regulations

The European Commission’s research was coordinated by the executive body of the European Union (EU). The study was carried out by national consumer protection authorities in 25 EU member states, as well as in Norway and Iceland. The authorities examined online sellers of second- hand products such as clothing, electrical equipment, and toys. The research, which reviewed 356 online second-hand stores, found that 185 of these stores, or 52%, were potentially violating relevant EU regulations.

Warranty Period Ignored!

According to the research, two-thirds of the examined sellers failed to inform consumers about their cancellation rights. Consumers have the right to return second-hand products free of charge within 14 days without providing any justification. A large portion of the examined companies did not take into account the legal one-year warranty period for second-hand products. The study also frequently encountered misleading or insufficiently supported environmental claims. Additionally, 8% of the sellers failed to display total prices, and 5% provided incorrect information about their identities.

Will Action Be Taken Against Sellers?

National consumer authorities will decide whether or not to take action against these 185 sellers in accordance with national procedures. In a statement regarding the issue, the European Commission said, “Sellers’ obligations regarding consumer information are regulated by the Consumer Rights Directive and the E-Commerce Directive. Sellers’ commercial practices should not mislead consumers and must comply with the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive.”

The Second-Hand Market Exceeds 100 Billion Euros

The second- hand (recommerce) market in Europe is estimated to be worth over 100 billion euros. This market is growing faster than the general retail market. Amazon’s second-hand sales in Europe have reached a business volume of billions of euros.