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.

BEAMS, one of Japan’s leading fashion brands, is making a significant move into the North American market. The company is launching its first e-commerce site in the region, marking a key part of its strategy to expand its global reach.

The new online platform will offer not only BEAMS’ own products but also a curated selection of items from other brands, making them available to North American customers. The site will be managed by BEAMS America, a local subsidiary established in September of last year in collaboration with Pacific Fashion Works.

Pop-up Store to Open in Los Angeles

To celebrate the launch of its e-commerce site and strengthen its presence in the U.S., the company will open a pop-up store in Los Angeles from March 7 to April 20. The company also plans to open a permanent physical store in the U.S. in the future.

These moves reflect BEAMS’ goal to enhance its influence on the global fashion scene and make Japanese aesthetics and design more accessible to fashion enthusiasts in North America.

“We are Finally Ready to Establish a Base in the U.S.”

BEAMS President Yo Shitara commented, “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary next year, we are finally ready to establish a base in the U.S.” Shitara also expressed his excitement about the potential synergy arising from the fusion of different cultures.

Founded in Tokyo in 1976, BEAMS currently operates approximately 150 stores across Japan and has expanded to international locations such as Taipei, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Bangkok.

Singapore-based technology holding company Sea Limited reported a total revenue of $16.8 billion in 2024, marking a 28.8% year-on-year growth. The company announced that its revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024, which ended on December 31, reached $5 billion, up 36.9% from the previous year, driven by strong e-commerce growth. Sea’s e-commerce revenue for 2024 rose to $12.4 billion, showing a 37.9% year-on-year increase.

Sea Limited, Singapore’s technology giant, has revealed impressive growth figures. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company’s e-commerce segment revenue grew by 41.3% year-on-year, reaching $3.7 billion. Digital financial services revenue surged 55.2% year-on-year, amounting to $733.3 million. Digital entertainment revenue also increased, rising from $510.8 million to $519.1 million compared to the same period the previous year.

Sea’s Quarterly Net Income: $237.6 Million

Sea reported a quarterly net income of $237.6 million, marking a significant turnaround from the $111.6 million net loss recorded in Q4 2023. The company’s total adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) stood at $590.9 million, compared to $126.7 million during the same period in 2023.

E-Commerce Revenue Reaches $12.4 Billion

Key figures for Sea in 2024 include:

• Total revenue of $16.8 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 28.8%.
• E-commerce revenue increased by 37.9% year-on-year, reaching $12.4 billion.
• Digital financial services revenue rose 34.6%, totaling $2.4 billion.
• Digital entertainment revenue declined from $2.2 billion to $1.9 billion.
• Sea’s total net income for 2024 grew to $447.8 million, compared to $162.7 million in 2023.
• The company’s total adjusted EBITDA was $2 billion, up from $1.2 billion the previous year.

CEO Forrest Li: Shopee’s GMV Exceeds $100 Billion

Forrest Li, Chairman and CEO of Sea, highlighted that all three business segments returned to strong double-digit growth throughout 2024 and exceeded the company’s initial targets. “This marks the second consecutive profitable year, with all three of our business segments posting positive adjusted EBITDA,” Li said.

Li also pointed out that the gross merchandise value (GMV) of the e-commerce segment grew by 28% year-on-year, surpassing $100 billion. He noted that Sea reached adjusted EBITDA profitability in both Asia and Brazil. For 2025, the company expects Shopee’s annual GMV growth to be around 20%, with profitability continuing to increase. In the digital financial sector, Li emphasized that the company’s credit portfolio grew by more than 60% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, surpassing $5 billion by the end of 2024, making Sea one of Southeast Asia’s largest consumer credit providers.

“We expect our credit portfolio to grow faster than Shopee’s GMV growth in 2025, further increasing credit penetration both within and outside of Shopee,” Li stated. In terms of digital entertainment, Li reported that Garena had a remarkable year in 2024, with Free Fire’s annual bookings growing by 34%, showing signs of resurgence.

About Sea Limited

Founded in 2009, Sea Limited is a global consumer internet company with operations across three primary business segments:

• Garena: A global online game developer and publisher.
• Shopee: The largest pan-regional e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, with a significant presence in Latin America.
• SeaMoney: A provider of digital financial services in Southeast Asia, expanding its footprint in Brazil.

A widespread outage in France’s e-commerce platforms has left millions of users unable to access key services. Reports suggest that the disruption was caused by faulty anti-bot verification systems, inadvertently blocking legitimate users.

France’s E-Commerce and Chaos

On March 3, 2025, a significant technical failure affected several major French e-commerce platforms, including SNCF Connect, Vinted, Fnac, and Leboncoin. Users across France suddenly found themselves unable to access these services shortly after noon. The disruption quickly gained attention among internet users, sparking confusion and frustration.

Widespread Service Interruptions

Initial reports of the outage began surfacing early in the afternoon, as millions of users reported issues accessing their accounts. Many took to social media to voice their disappointment and confusion. Downdetector, a service monitoring internet outages, confirmed that the issue was widespread.

Unlike a typical website crash, this disruption manifested in an unusual way. Users received messages stating they were blocked and were asked to verify their identities. SNCF Connect, a vital component of France’s transportation network, displayed cryptic warnings such as, “We noticed unusual behavior from your browser,” fueling speculation about the cause of the outage.

Major E-Commerce Platforms Affected

As users scramble to regain access following an outage across France’s e-commerce ecosystem, online forums have been awash with theories about the source of the problem. Many suspected a malfunction in anti-bot verification mechanisms. These security systems, designed to filter out automated bot traffic, appeared to have malfunctioned, mistakenly blocking real users instead.

By 1:20 PM, SNCF Connect announced that the technical issue had been resolved and services were back to normal. However, many users remained frustrated, unable to understand why they had been abruptly blocked without explanation. Reports also emerged that beyond e-commerce platforms, other major services like Darty, Leclerc Drive, and even Spotify had experienced disruptions, raising concerns about a broader systemic issue.

Some users reported being flagged for “suspicious activity” despite browsing at a normal pace, while others received messages about JavaScript functionality failures, adding another layer of mystery to the incident.

Lack of Transparency from E-Commerce Platforms

As the day progressed, reports of outages gradually decreased. However, affected companies faced criticism for failing to provide clear communication. Experts suggested that potential explanations ranged from isolated system failures to a more serious coordinated cyberattack. The simultaneous nature of the disruptions led to speculation about whether these platforms shared a common security infrastructure, highlighting possible systemic vulnerabilities.

This incident underscores the fragility of digital platforms and modern consumers’ reliance on e-commerce services. With millions depending on these websites for daily transactions, technical failures of this scale can cause significant economic and logistical challenges. Moving forward, companies will need to prioritize transparency and robust security measures. Users, on the other hand, hope that lessons will be learned from this event, leading to clearer communication and swifter resolutions in the event of future disruptions.

Rising Demand for a Seamless E-Commerce Experience

Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) has introduced the Global E-Commerce Data Library, which currently contains data from 35 countries worldwide.

PCMI has created the Global E-Commerce Data Library, which will be further expanded. The library includes e-commerce data from 35 countries across the globe and provides strategic e-commerce insights for professionals in payment systems, online sales, financial services, and other industries. This initiative has been launched as part of PCMI’s global payment market research services.

“Tailored to Meet Professionals’ Needs”

PCMI General Manager Lindsay Lehr stated, “While a vast amount of e-commerce data is available, it is often not specifically tailored to the needs of professionals trying to uncover revenue opportunities for their companies. That’s why we developed the Global E-Commerce Data Library. The library includes both transaction data that reflects real behaviors and historical trends over time.”

Lehr added, “We also conducted interviews with leading e-commerce executives to better understand market dynamics and shape the library in a way that provides the highest value for users.” She further emphasized, “Our team is working intensively to expand the library’s coverage, particularly in regions such as Asia-Pacific and EMEA.”

Global E-Commerce Data Library Focuses on Developed and Emerging Markets

The Global E-Commerce Data Library includes e-commerce data from both developed markets (Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan) and emerging markets (Bolivia, Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan, and Vietnam). However, it is not designed as a static data set.

Lehr stated, “Companies purchasing country data have the option to work with our team to customize the data. This allows us to expand the data to address more specific concerns, focusing more deeply on e-commerce segments, purchasing types, or consumer behaviors.”

She continued, “Beyond customization, all customers are entitled to a free one-hour consultation with a PCMI expert after their purchase to review and explain the data set. We added this feature to better understand why customers are purchasing the data and to demonstrate how it can help them achieve their goals. Through customization and consultation, we transform the data from static numbers in a file into insights that align more closely with our customers’ objectives.”

About PCMI

PCMI is a consulting group focused on the global payments industry. With over 30 years of experience, it provides market intelligence to global companies and has completed more than 500 client projects in the payments sector since 1993. PCMI conducts specialized strategic studies covering over 50 global markets across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. These studies include market size analysis, opportunity assessment, go-to-market strategies, customer insights, and more.

Türkiye’s e-commerce sector continues its steady growth, with the total market volume reaching 1.86 trillion Turkish liras ($78 billion) by the end of 2024.

Speaking at the launch event of the “e-Easy Export Platform” (e-KİP)—a digital platform designed to facilitate cross-border e-commerce—Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat shared new insights into Türkiye’s e-commerce expansion.

Bolat emphasized that e-KİP was built using modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to provide exporters with essential data and insights on international trade. He highlighted that the platform integrates data from nearly 20 global marketplaces, offering businesses market analysis tools to refine their export strategies.

He also noted that e-KİP features dedicated modules covering market and marketplace analysis, e-export, professional solution partners, industry trends, and key events. Additionally, the platform has received international recognition, earning the “Horizon Interactive Awards” for its innovation.

“Türkiye’s E-Commerce Boom Continues”

Minister Bolat pointed out that global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $6 trillion in 2024, with China leading the market, followed by Europe at 20% and the U.S. at 18.7%. He underlined that Türkiye’s e-commerce sector is experiencing rapid and sustained growth, stating:

“In 2023, Türkiye’s e-commerce volume stood at 850 billion liras. By the end of 2024, this figure surged to 1.86 trillion liras ($78 billion)—a remarkable 92% increase over the past four years. Just four years ago, our e-commerce volume was around $40 billion. Additionally, the share of e-commerce in total trade increased from 20.3% in 2023 to over 21% in 2024.”

230 Businesses Benefit from E-Export Incentives

Bolat also emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global digital marketplace. He recalled the launch of the E-Export Consortium Model, designed to support Turkish SMEs in expanding their overseas sales.

“By the end of 2024, a total of 230 beneficiaries have been included in the e-export support program. This includes 213 companies, two major marketplaces, six retail e-commerce platforms, and nine e-export consortia. Additionally, we provide comprehensive guides and resources for exporters looking to enhance their digital trade strategies. Looking ahead, we are also preparing the E-Export Action Plan for the 2026-2028 period to further strengthen Türkiye’s presence in global e-commerce.”

UAE-based WEE Marketplace, in collaboration with the analytics firm Data Insight, has introduced the first e-commerce market map for the MENA region. Designed for sellers, analysts, and all e-commerce professionals, this project provides valuable insights into the UAE’s digital marketplace. The interactive map is freely accessible via a link, requiring no registration or additional steps.

The newly launched tool by WEE and Data Insight organizes key platform data, offering a structured overview of the UAE’s e-commerce ecosystem. It serves as a strategic resource for businesses operating in or looking to expand within the rapidly growing MENA market. The map will be updated twice a year, in spring and autumn, with the next update scheduled for September 2025.

“MENA is Emerging as a Key Global E-Commerce Player”

Commenting on the initiative, Anton Sizemin, Commercial Director at WEE, stated: “At WEE, we are committed to fostering the UAE’s e-commerce market by providing analytical insights and industry expertise. This map is part of our educational initiative, ‘Seller Academy,’ and also serves as an independent tool for market analysis and strategic planning. MENA is rapidly becoming a key player in global e-commerce, and we are proud to offer a resource that helps businesses navigate this evolving landscape more effectively.”

For inquiries, including requests to add a company or project to the map, users can contact [email protected].

About WEE and Data Insight

WEE is a UAE-based online marketplace, offering fast and reliable delivery across multiple categories, including beauty products, groceries, electronics, home essentials, pet supplies, fashion, and accessories. The company actively supports market growth by developing analytical and educational projects aimed at empowering businesses.

Data Insight is Russia’s first research agency specializing in ecommerce. The firm provides a wide range of services, including sales analysis, market research, consulting, and e-commerce optimization, helping businesses maximize their potential in the digital economy.