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Temu Announces Partnership with Correos in Spain

Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced a partnership with Correos, Spain’s national postal service. Through this collaboration, e-commerce sellers in Spain will be able to benefit from fulfillment solutions, while consumers will have access to alternative delivery options.

The affordable e-commerce marketplace Temu is strengthening its presence in Europe. Having been active in the region for some time and expanding rapidly, Temu has reached a significant market share in various European e-commerce sectors. Last year, the platform invited European e-commerce sellers to join its marketplace.

New Delivery Partnership in Spain

Earlier this year, the platform began collaborating with local warehouses in Europe. These facilities store products from both Chinese and European sellers, enabling faster deliveries to consumers. In the long term, Temu aims to fulfill 80% of its European sales through local warehouses.

Now, Temu has announced a new partnership to enhance delivery options in Spain. To facilitate sales and expedite deliveries, the company has partnered with Correos. This collaboration will optimize fulfillment solutions while also reducing delivery times. Leveraging Correos’ extensive distribution network, Temu will be able to offer additional service options to consumers.

Temu’s New Partnership Covers Spanish Islands

The partnership between Temu and Correos extends to the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. With nationwide coverage, this collaboration allows Temu to better align with local market demands.

A spokesperson for Temu commented on the partnership, stating, “Temu’s mission is to make quality products more affordable for consumers worldwide. By partnering with Correos, we are strengthening our commitment to delivering a superior customer experience through reliable and efficient logistics services.”

Temu Was the Most Downloaded App in Spain in 2023 and 2024

This collaboration integrates Temu’s optimized supply chain model with Correos’ logistics network and e-commerce expertise. It underscores Temu’s ongoing commitment to adapting to local market needs while empowering consumers with convenient and cost-effective shopping solutions.

Temu launched in Spain in March 2023 and has since offered a vast selection of products across more than 600 categories. Its direct-to-consumer model connects buyers with manufacturers, reducing costs and inefficiencies commonly found in traditional retail supply chains—without compromising quality. Reflecting the growing consumer demand for value-driven shopping, Temu became the most downloaded app in Spain in both 2023 and 2024.

Recently, the company has begun inviting local sellers in key markets such as Spain, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Mexico to join the platform. Temu expects up to 80% of its total sales to come from this local-to-local model and anticipates that European-based sellers will be able to expand globally through the platform in the future.

Temu enters South Korean market

Most Second-Hand Online Stores Violate Consumer Rights!

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.

JD.com Becomes the Official E-Commerce Partner of the UEFA Champions League

China’s leading e-commerce marketplace, JD.com, has signed an official partnership with the UEFA Champions League (UCL). Under this agreement, JD.com will serve as the tournament’s “e-commerce innovation partner” until the end of the 2026-27 season. Through this partnership, football fans will gain access to exclusive products, digital experiences, and special campaigns. The primary goal of the partnership is to further enhance the fan experience.

JD.com (Jingdong) has become the official e-commerce innovation partner of the UEFA Champions League (UCL). As a leading e-commerce retailer and technology service provider in China, JD.com and its European e-commerce brand, Ochama, will offer fans and consumers unique football interactions, exclusive products, discounts, prizes, and innovative services.

The Official UEFA Champions League Online Store Will Open in China

The collaboration between UEFA and JD.com stands out as a key part of JD.com’s strategy to expand its presence beyond China. Through JD.com’s European e-commerce brand, Ochama, official UEFA Champions League products will be available for sale, offering football fans innovative shopping experiences. Additionally, the official UEFA Champions League online store will be launched in China, providing Chinese consumers with access to licensed products, limited-edition collectibles, and match tickets.

“Football Fans Worldwide Will Feel Closer to the UEFA Champions League”

UEFA Marketing Director Guy-Laurent Epstein stated, “This partnership with JD.com will allow football fans around the world to feel closer to the UEFA Champions League. By leveraging JD.com’s technological expertise, we aim to provide exclusive products and unique opportunities.”

JD.com Senior Vice President James Shao added, “The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world and offers an excellent platform to increase JD.com’s visibility in Europe. We are committed to providing unique digital experiences and access to official products for football fans in both Europe and China.”

A Comprehensive Sponsorship Agreement

In addition to the UEFA Champions League, JD.com will also sponsor other UEFA competitions, including the UEFA Futsal Champions League, the UEFA Youth League, and the UEFA Super Cup. This strategic move will strengthen JD.com’s commitment to the global football community while increasing its brand recognition in international markets.

JD.com will not only focus on product sales but also plans to develop innovative digital strategies to enhance fan engagement. Special discounts, limited-edition prize campaigns, and interactive fan experiences will be offered. The company’s advanced logistics and technology solutions will ensure that UEFA Champions League products reach consumers faster and more efficiently.

As part of this collaboration, JD.com will work with UEFA and other sponsors to create a dedicated e-commerce community within the JD.com app. This platform will offer interactive content, official football club merchandise, and exclusive prizes, further strengthening fans’ passion for football.

A New Era in UEFA’s Commercial Strategy

This agreement comes at a time of significant changes in UEFA’s commercial operations. UEFA recently announced that it has entered exclusive negotiations with Relevent Sports for marketing rights to club tournaments for the 2027-33 period. This development is expected to reshape the commercial structure of European football and position strategic partnerships like JD.com’s as key contributors to fan engagement and revenue growth.

With this partnership, JD.com aims to redefine fan engagement with the UEFA Champions League, offering a unique digital shopping and interaction experience. As the tournament continues to captivate football fans worldwide, this collaboration is set to leave a lasting impact on the global football market.

BEAMS, a Japan-based fashion brand, launches e-commerce site in North America

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.

Zalando Reports Strong Growth in 2024

Zalando has recorded significant revenue and profitability growth in 2024, reinforcing its expansion strategy. The company has announced plans to enter Portugal, Greece, and Bulgaria, marking its first international expansion since 2022.

The Berlin-based fashion e-commerce giant rebounded in 2024 after two years of declining sales. The company reported a 4.2% increase in revenue and a 4.5% rise in gross merchandise volume (GMV). Net income surged to €251.1 million, tripling its 2023 earnings.

Zalando Nears 52 Million Active Customers

Zalando’s active customer base has grown to nearly 52 million, reflecting an increase of 2.2 million compared to the previous year. The company attributes this success to its ecosystem strategy, which integrates both B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business) models. This dual approach not only unlocks new revenue streams but also cements Zalando’s leadership in the online fashion market.

Looking ahead, platform aims to further strengthen its presence across Europe. The company plans to expand its premium loyalty program, Zalando Plus, which is already available in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria.

Additionally, Zalando’s planned acquisition of About You is expected to enhance its B2B segment, positioning the company as a dominant player in fashion wholesale and logistics.

Expansion into Three More Countries in 2025

Despite global economic uncertainties, platform remains optimistic, forecasting revenue and GMV growth of 4% to 9% for 2025. The company’s transition into an integrated e-commerce ecosystem and its targeted expansion strategy are seen as key drivers of its continued success.

By entering Portugal, Greece, and Bulgaria, Zalando will expand its operations to 28 countries by 2025. The company last expanded internationally in 2022, when it entered Hungary and Romania, followed by Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia in 2024.

Zalando’s Co-CEO Robert Gentz emphasized the company’s strategic direction, stating: “Our ecosystem strategy is our exciting new North Star. It has already contributed to a strong financial performance in 2024, and we are now accelerating our execution efforts and investing to capture future growth.”

Sea Increases E-Commerce Revenues by Nearly 40% in 2024

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.

Takealot and Joe Public Forge Strategic Partnership to Redefine E-Commerce in South Africa

Takealot, one of South Africa’s leading e-commerce marketplaces, has announced a strategic partnership with creative agency Joe Public. This collaboration marks a significant step in the country’s digital retail sector, aiming to strengthen Takealot’s market presence while reshaping the e-commerce experience for South African consumers.

With internet penetration on the rise and mobile commerce gaining momentum, South Africa’s online shopping landscape is undergoing a pivotal transformation. In response, key players in the e-commerce ecosystem are forming strategic alliances to stay ahead of evolving consumer behaviors.

Recognized as one of the country’s largest e-commerce platforms, Takealot is joining forces with Joe Public, one of South Africa’s most influential advertising agencies. This partnership is set to enhance Takealot’s brand narrative, boost customer engagement, and elevate its digital marketing strategies. By offering a diverse range of products across categories such as electronics, fashion, and home essentials, Takealot continues to lead South Africa’s e-commerce industry. Through this strategic move, Takealot and Joe Public are not only combining their expertise but also shaping the future of digital commerce in the region.

“Our Goal Is to Create Campaigns That Resonate with South African Consumers”

Mpume Ngobese, Co-Managing Director of Joe Public, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating: “We are thrilled to work with a pioneering brand like Takealot. Our objective is not only to enhance Takealot’s brand awareness but also to develop compelling, culturally relevant campaigns that foster deeper connections with South African shoppers.”

Takealot’s Chief Marketing Officer, Julie-Anne Walsh, emphasized the significance of this partnership in strengthening the brand’s messaging. She added: “Joe Public’s expertise in storytelling and brand-building makes them the ideal partner. Our aim is to create campaigns that resonate with South African consumers, making online shopping more engaging, accessible, and rewarding.”

Takealot Aims to Stand Out with Strong Marketing Strategies

Through this partnership, Takealot’s platform is set to become more user-friendly and dynamic, featuring innovative promotions, community-driven initiatives, and enhanced digital experiences. Consumers can look forward to more personalized marketing efforts, creative advertising campaigns, and interactive content designed to enhance their online shopping journey.

This approach aligns seamlessly with Takealot’s vision of delivering a customer-centric and innovative retail experience. As competition in the e-commerce sector intensifies, Takealot is committed to differentiating itself through robust marketing strategies and cutting-edge consumer engagement techniques.

Ranked 27th in the 2024 Kantar BrandZ South Africa Report, Takealot continues to solidify its position as a dominant force in the industry. Meanwhile, Joe Public embraces this opportunity with enthusiasm, eager to contribute to Takealot’s ongoing brand evolution.

Amazon Haul Expands Into New Markets

E-commerce giant Amazon is preparing to expand its discount retail platform, Amazon Haul, into new markets. Launched in November 2024, Amazon Haul positions itself as a direct competitor to low-cost, Asia-based online marketplaces such as Temu and Shein. The platform offers budget-friendly products across categories like cosmetics, clothing, and accessories, with most items priced at $20 or less.

Amazon Haul Set to Enter the European Market

Amazon is gearing up to introduce Haul in Europe later this year. The company has been steadily increasing its market share in the region, generating €39.6 billion from Germany and €36.7 billion from the United Kingdom in 2024 alone. These figures represent an annual growth of 8.7% and 12.7%, respectively. However, with discount-focused competitors gaining traction, Amazon is actively seeking ways to maintain its dominance in the e-commerce landscape.

Currently, Amazon Haul is accessible exclusively through the company’s mobile app. The platform aims to attract price-conscious shoppers looking for affordable yet trendy products. Given the success of budget-friendly e-commerce platforms, Amazon’s decision to expand Haul into Europe is viewed as a strategic move to tap into a rapidly growing market segment.

Amazon Hiring for Amazon Haul Expansion

According to industry sources, Amazon has recently posted job openings for software development engineers dedicated to the Haul platform. These positions are expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the platform’s global rollout. The recruitment drive suggests that Amazon is preparing to launch Haul across multiple countries, with Europe emerging as its next key expansion target.

Amazon Launches Pilot of Amazon Now in Bengaluru

Major Disruption in France’s E-Commerce Platforms

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

Trendyol Unveils Exclusive Ramadan Collection for the Gulf

Türkiye-based e-commerce marketplace Trendyol has introduced its 2025 Ramadan Collection, inspired by the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia and designed exclusively for customers in the Gulf region. The collection features 90 carefully curated pieces, including abayas, dresses, kaftans, and coordinated top-and-bottom sets, blending cultural heritage with contemporary elegance.

Crafted by Trendyol’s in-house design team and produced by top-tier Turkish suppliers, the collection embraces pastel, neutral, and earthy tones that reflect the essence of Cappadocia. Designed for modest yet stylish dressing, the collection showcases flowing silhouettes and delicate ruffle details.

Gold buttons, jewel embellishments, and elegant bow accents add versatility, making the pieces ideal for both iftar gatherings and suhoor celebrations. Additionally, the collection includes a limited-edition Eid series, featuring chic “mini-me” outfits for mothers and daughters to celebrate the festive season in style.

“Our Modest Wear Collection Was Met with Great Enthusiasm in the Gulf”

Reflecting on Trendyol’s previous success in the region, Mohamad ElAnsari, CEO of Trendyol Gulf, stated: “Last year, we introduced Trendyol’s first Ramadan Collection tailored for the Gulf, which received overwhelming interest and sold out rapidly. Inspired by Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and the timeless beauty of Cappadocia, this latest collection reaffirms our commitment to the region and our dedication to understanding our customers’ preferences. We remain focused on delivering relevant, high-quality, and accessible products to our Gulf shoppers.”

A Dedicated Home Collection for Ramadan

Expanding beyond fashion, Trendyol has also launched its first-ever in-house Home Collection for Ramadan, offering a Mediterranean-inspired selection of home essentials. The collection includes elegant table covers, runners, placemats, towels, and duvet covers, helping customers prepare their homes for the holy month and festive gatherings.

Trendyol entered the Gulf market in 2023 and has since become one of the most downloaded shopping apps in the region, attracting over 4 million customers across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.