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Grab Expands Beyond Southeast Asia with $600 Million Foodpanda Deal in Taiwan

Grab Expands Beyond Southeast Asia with $600 Million Foodpanda Deal in Taiwan

Grab is making its most significant international move yet with the acquisition of Foodpanda’s Taiwan business from Delivery Hero for $600 million. The deal marks Grab’s first expansion outside Southeast Asia, signaling a new phase in its regional growth strategy.

Taiwan represents a highly attractive market, with strong demand for mobile-first services and a well-established food delivery ecosystem. Foodpanda’s operations already span 21 cities and generated around $1.8 billion in gross merchandise value in 2025, making it a valuable entry point for Grab.

Why This Deal Matters for Grab’s Growth Strategy

This acquisition is more than geographic expansion – it reflects Grab’s broader strategy of scaling through targeted, value-driven deals. Following profitability, the company has accelerated its M&A activity, committing over $1 billion across multiple deals in recent months.

By entering Taiwan, Grab adds a high-income, densely populated market that closely resembles the urban environments it already operates in. The company plans to leverage its AI-powered logistics, mapping systems, and data tools to improve delivery efficiency and merchant performance.

The deal also positions Grab to compete more directly with global players while diversifying its revenue streams beyond its core Southeast Asian markets.

A Turning Point for Asia’s Delivery Landscape

The transaction highlights a broader shift in Asia’s delivery and platform economy. As competition intensifies, companies are increasingly focusing on consolidation, profitability, and strategic market selection.

For Delivery Hero, the sale is part of a wider restructuring effort aimed at optimising capital allocation and reducing debt.

For Grab, however, it represents a long-term bet on expanding its ecosystem – from food delivery to fintech and mobility – across new markets.

What This Mean

Grab’s entry into Taiwan signals that the next phase of platform growth in Asia will be driven by selective expansion, AI-driven efficiency, and ecosystem integration.

As regional leaders move beyond their home markets, competition is shifting from local dominance to cross-border scale.

Source: Asia Tech Review

24 Hours of Disruption Raise New Concerns for E-Commerce After AWS Issues in Bahrain

24 Hours of Disruption Raise New Concerns for E-Commerce After AWS Issues in Bahrain

Amazon has flagged a disruption in its Amazon Web Services (AWS) region in Bahrain following reported drone activity, highlighting growing risks to global digital infrastructure. The incident reflects how geopolitical tensions are increasingly affecting cloud services that power e-commerce, fintech, and digital platforms worldwide.

Disruption Hits Core Cloud Infrastructure

AWS confirmed that its Bahrain region experienced service disruption linked to drone activity in the area. While the company has not confirmed a direct strike on the facility, it acknowledged operational impact and is assisting customers in shifting workloads to alternative regions.

This marks the second disruption in the region within a month, signaling ongoing instability affecting cloud infrastructure.

Ripple Effects Across E-Commerce and Digital Services

AWS plays a critical role in supporting e-commerce platforms, payment systems, and enterprise applications. Disruptions can impact everything from online transactions to logistics and customer experience.

Earlier incidents in the region caused outages affecting banking systems, delivery platforms, and digital services reliant on AWS infrastructure.

This underscores how deeply integrated cloud infrastructure is within the digital economy.

Geopolitical Risks Enter the Digital Economy

The disruption is linked to broader Middle East tensions and drone activity tied to ongoing conflict.

This situation highlights a new reality: digital infrastructure is no longer isolated from geopolitical risks. Data centers, once considered secure back-end systems, are now potential targets in modern conflicts.

Businesses Shift Toward Multi-Region Strategies

In response, Amazon is urging customers to migrate workloads to other AWS regions to ensure continuity.

This accelerates a growing trend in e-commerce and tech: multi-region and multi-cloud strategies to reduce dependency on a single location.

Companies are increasingly investing in redundancy, disaster recovery systems, and decentralized infrastructure.

A Wake-Up Call for the Global Digital Ecosystem

The Bahrain disruption highlights vulnerabilities in the infrastructure powering global commerce. Structural damage, power disruptions, and service outages reported in earlier incidents show how physical risks can directly impact digital operations.

As e-commerce continues to scale globally, ensuring resilience in cloud infrastructure will become a top priority for businesses and governments alike.

Source: Gulf News

Pakistan Retail Growth: 53 Years of Naheed Driving an AI-Powered E-Commerce Shift

Pakistan Retail Growth: 53 Years of Naheed Driving an AI-Powered E-Commerce Shift

Pakistan’s retail sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by digital adoption, e-commerce expansion, and increasing foreign investment. At the center of this shift is Naheed, a long-established retailer that is redefining how traditional retail and digital commerce can coexist.

Founded in the 1970s as a small grocery store in Karachi, Naheed has evolved into one of Pakistan’s leading omnichannel retailers. Today, the company operates a 52,000-square-foot retail hub and has built a strong e-commerce presence offering more than 80,000 products to customers across the country.

From Traditional Retail to Omnichannel Leadership

Naheed’s growth reflects a broader trend in Pakistan, where legacy retailers are transitioning toward digital-first models. By combining its physical store experience with a robust online platform, the company has created a seamless omnichannel ecosystem.

This approach has helped Naheed build strong customer trust, leveraging decades of brand recognition while adapting to modern consumer expectations. As a result, it has become one of the largest standalone e-commerce players in Pakistan.

AI and Technology Shape the Future

Innovation is playing a central role in Pakistan’s retail evolution. Naheed is now focusing on integrating advanced technologies, including plans to develop an AI-driven data center to enhance operations, customer insights, and scalability.

This move highlights how Pakistani retailers are increasingly investing in data and automation to stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

UAE Partnerships Boost Pakistan Retail Growth

International collaboration is becoming a key driver of Pakistan’s retail transformation. Naheed is actively exploring partnerships with UAE investors, aiming to leverage their technological expertise and infrastructure capabilities.

According to company leadership, such collaborations could significantly accelerate innovation and unlock new growth opportunities for Pakistan’s retail ecosystem.

Expanding Product Ecosystems

To diversify its offering, Naheed has expanded beyond traditional grocery retail by launching new verticals such as Naheed Pharmacy, focusing on health, beauty, and wellness products.

This reflects a growing trend in Pakistan where retailers are evolving into multi-category platforms, similar to global marketplace models.

A Market with Strong Growth Potential

Pakistan presents a compelling opportunity for investors, supported by a young population, with around 65% aged between 18 and 35, and a rapidly growing middle class.

As digital infrastructure improves and consumer behavior shifts online, the country is emerging as a high-potential market for e-commerce and retail innovation.

Pakistan’s retail sector is entering a new phase where technology, partnerships, and omnichannel strategies are redefining the industry. Companies like Naheed are not only adapting to change but actively shaping the future of commerce in the region.

Source: Gulf News

Amazon Becomes the Largest Carrier in the U.S., Delivering 6.7 Billion Packages in 2025

Amazon

Amazon became the largest carrier in the United States by parcel delivery volume in 2025. According to ShipMatrix data, the company narrowly surpassed the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), delivering 6.7 billion packages in 2025, compared with USPS’s 6.6 billion. During the same period, UPS handled 4.4 billion packages, while FedEx delivered 3.6 billion. This picture shows that Amazon is no longer only an e-commerce giant, but also one of the country’s most powerful last-mile logistics players.

Dependence on USPS Has Declined

Three main factors stand out behind Amazon’s rise: growth in online sales volume, the expansion of its rural delivery network, and reduced dependence on UPS. As Reuters previously reported, Amazon plans to invest more than $4 billion by the end of 2026 to expand its rural coverage. This is helping the company scale its own network while relying less on external carriers.

The U.S. Domestic Parcel Market Reached 23.9 Billion Shipments

Across the market as a whole, growth remained limited. According to ShipMatrix, the U.S. domestic parcel market reached a total of 23.9 billion shipments in 2025, with annual volume growth of only 0.4%. Revenues, however, rose by 4.1%. A major reason for this was that large carriers supported their revenues through price increases. The projected compound annual growth rate for the next three years stands at 3.9%.

The Balance of Power in the U.S. Logistics Market Has Shifted Permanently

Another notable development is that traditional carriers are moving away from low-margin e-commerce deliveries. UPS and FedEx are shifting toward healthcare, data centers, and higher-yield enterprise segments instead of low-value B2C shipments to homes. This is opening space not only for Amazon, but also for Walmart, Target, and smaller parcel carriers. According to ShipMatrix data, the volume of carriers outside the top four increased by 13% year over year in 2025.

Amazon’s overtaking of USPS signals that the balance of power in the U.S. logistics market has changed permanently. Pitney Bowes had previously projected that Amazon would not take the lead until 2028. The company has crossed that threshold earlier than expected.

Amazon to Reduce USPS Package Volume

Meanwhile, Amazon is reportedly planning to reduce the number of packages it ships through the U.S. Postal Service by at least two-thirds by this fall. This shift is expected to accelerate as the current contract expires in the September–October 2026 period. Amazon is not expected to sever ties with USPS completely; however, the company is said to be preparing for a smaller-scale partnership while shifting delivery volume to its own network and alternative carriers.

The most critical impact of this decision may be felt on the USPS side. USPS currently handles about 1.7 billion Amazon packages annually, and the agency has already warned Congress that it could face a cash squeeze in the fall of 2026. It is reported that the Postal Service’s accumulated net losses since 2007 have exceeded $118 billion, while new Postmaster General David Steiner has said the system is not sustainable in its current form.

Amazon to Invest More Than $4 Billion to Expand Rural Delivery Capacity

The picture looks different from Amazon’s side. The company has aggressively expanded its own logistics network in recent years. Amazon plans to invest more than $4 billion by the end of 2026 to increase its rural delivery capacity. In doing so, it aims to reduce its dependence on USPS, especially in rural areas.

For USPS, the issue is not only the loss of Amazon volume; if that volume declines, part of the delivery infrastructure expanded in recent years could also be left underutilized. For that reason, the agency has reportedly launched a competitive bidding process for its last-mile delivery network and has received offers from more than 20 companies. However, Amazon’s decision to reduce volume shows that the center of gravity in U.S. e-commerce logistics is now shifting more clearly toward in-house networks.

5.8 Billion Shipments Raise Alarm as EU Industry Pushes for Immediate Action on Imports

E-commerce industry faces surge in cross-border shipments as parcels pile up in EU logistics warehouse

A coalition of European industry and retail organisations has called on the European Union to take urgent action to address growing challenges linked to cross-border e-commerce imports.

In a joint statement released in Brussels, industry groups warned that existing regulatory gaps are undermining fair competition, weakening consumer protection, and putting increasing pressure on the EU’s Single Market.

Surge in Cross-Border E-Commerce Imports

The rapid expansion of global e-commerce has significantly increased the volume of small parcels entering the EU. In 2025 alone, around 5.8 billion shipments were delivered into the bloc, creating serious challenges for customs authorities and market surveillance systems.

Many of these imports reportedly fail to comply with EU standards, including product safety rules, VAT obligations, environmental regulations, and intellectual property protections. This situation allows non-compliant sellers—often based outside the EU—to gain a competitive advantage over European businesses that are required to meet stricter regulatory requirements.

Risks for Consumers and Businesses

Industry representatives say the current system exposes consumers to unsafe or misleading products, particularly in categories such as electronics, textiles, and consumer goods.

At the same time, European companies face increasing pressure from unfair competition, as non-EU sellers can bypass compliance costs and regulatory checks. The coalition also highlighted the broader economic impact, warning that these trends could harm local industries, disrupt supply chains, and accelerate the decline of physical retail across European cities.

Recent EU data further supports these concerns, showing that a significant share of imported e-commerce goods fail to meet EU safety standards, reinforcing calls for stronger enforcement mechanisms.

Call for Faster Regulatory Action

While the EU is already working on reforms under the Union Customs Code—particularly the introduction of the “deemed importer” system—industry groups argue that the current timeline is too slow. The system is not expected to be fully implemented until 2028.

Instead, the coalition is urging policymakers to introduce interim measures that can be applied immediately. One key proposal is to require all non-EU sellers to appoint a legally responsible representative within the EU. This would make it easier for authorities to enforce compliance and ensure accountability across cross-border transactions.

Strengthening Environmental and Compliance Rules

Another major concern raised by the coalition relates to environmental obligations. Industry groups are calling for stricter enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, particularly in areas such as packaging, electronics, batteries, and textile waste.

Ensuring that online marketplaces and foreign sellers comply with these requirements would help prevent “free-riding” practices and create a more level playing field for European businesses operating under sustainability regulations.

A Growing Push for Immediate Change

The coalition’s message is clear: action cannot wait. With e-commerce imports continuing to grow at scale, industry leaders are urging the European Commission and Member States to accelerate reforms and introduce practical enforcement measures now—rather than relying solely on long-term regulatory changes.

They argue that faster intervention is essential to protect consumers, restore fair competition, and maintain the integrity of the EU’s internal market.

Source: EURATEX

Network Growth After Yassir’s Uno Retail Chain Acquisition in 2026

Yassir expanding retail network after acquiring Uno retail chain in Algeria

Network expansion is accelerating in North Africa as Algerian super app Yassir acquires the Uno retail chain to strengthen its hybrid retail and e-commerce strategy. The deal marks an important step in the company’s effort to integrate physical stores, online commerce, payments and logistics into a single consumer ecosystem.

Expanding Yassir’s Physical Retail Network

Retail strategy is becoming increasingly central to the growth plans of Algerian super app Yassir after the company acquired the Uno retail chain from Cevital Group. The move signals a shift toward a hybrid commerce model designed to expand the company’s growing retail footprint while connecting physical stores with digital services such as e-commerce, payments and logistics.

Following the acquisition, the Uno stores are expected to be rebranded as Yassir Market, with the first flagship location planned for the Bab Ezzouar Shopping Center in Algeria. The transformation aims to integrate offline retail operations with the company’s existing online marketplace and delivery platform while strengthening its nationwide store presence.

Industry analysts say this approach reflects a broader global trend in which digital platforms invest in physical retail infrastructure to build stronger commerce infrastructure and improve last-mile logistics.

Hybrid Retail and Digital Commerce Network

Yassir’s strategy focuses on building a connected commerce network where customers can shop both online and in-store while using the same digital infrastructure.

The stores will offer a wide selection of products, including groceries, consumer goods, cosmetics, premium products and quick-service food options. At the same time, the locations are expected to function as fulfillment points supporting the company’s online orders and delivery network.

By combining retail locations with digital commerce services, Yassir aims to create a seamless shopping experience that links in-store purchases with online ordering, payments and delivery across its expanding platform.

Integrated Payments and Loyalty Programs

The expansion will also rely heavily on Yassir’s financial technology infrastructure. Transactions across the retail network are expected to run through Yassir Cash, the company’s payment system supported by thousands of agents across the country.

Customers will also be able to access rewards through the Yassir+ loyalty program, which allows shoppers to collect and redeem points across multiple services within the platform.

This integrated payment and loyalty ecosystem is designed to keep consumers within Yassir’s digital environment while strengthening long-term engagement across the company’s growing service network.

Building a Wider Commerce Infrastructure

Beyond consumer retail, the company is also developing a B2B logistics network that could support wholesale and institutional clients such as businesses, embassies and corporate organizations.

The strategy highlights Yassir’s ambition to evolve from a ride-hailing and delivery platform into a broader commerce infrastructure provider.

The acquisition also comes as the North African retail sector undergoes shifts following the exit of several international players from parts of the regional grocery market. This environment may create new opportunities for local digital platforms to expand their presence and strengthen their regional commerce networks.

If successful, Yassir’s hybrid retail model could reshape how consumers in Algeria interact with both physical stores and digital commerce platforms while reinforcing the country’s evolving retail ecosystem.

Source: Global Cosmetics News

Air Cargo Shifts: 5 Ways E-Commerce Growth Is Reshaping Global Logistics

Air cargo aircraft loading freight at an international airport logistics hub

Global air cargo networks are undergoing significant changes as geopolitical tensions and the rapid growth of e-commerce reshape the movement of goods across international markets.

Airlines, logistics companies and cargo operators are increasingly adjusting their routes and supply chain strategies to respond to shifting trade patterns, regulatory pressures and disruptions in key aviation corridors. At the same time, the continued expansion of cross-border online shopping is driving strong demand for faster and more reliable air freight services.

Industry analysts say the intersection of geopolitical developments and digital commerce is accelerating structural changes across the global air freight sector.

E-Commerce Demand Continues to Drive Air Freight Growth

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has become one of the most important forces shaping global air cargo demand. Online marketplaces and international retailers rely heavily on air freight to transport high-value and time-sensitive goods quickly between production centers and consumer markets.

As consumers increasingly expect faster delivery times, logistics providers are expanding their air freight capacity and improving operational efficiency to support global e-commerce supply chains.

Air freight offers a major advantage for online retail shipments because of its speed and reliability compared with other transportation methods. This makes it a critical component of cross-border e-commerce logistics, particularly for electronics, fashion products and other high-demand consumer goods.

Industry data suggests that e-commerce shipments now represent a growing share of global air cargo volumes, reflecting the increasing role of digital commerce in international trade.

Geopolitical Developments Affect Global Cargo Routes

Recent geopolitical tensions have also created new challenges for the air freight industry. Disruptions affecting certain regions, particularly in parts of the Middle East, have forced airlines to adjust flight paths and rethink their logistics strategies.

Air cargo carriers that previously relied on established aviation corridors must now consider alternative routes, which can increase operating costs and extend transit times.

These developments highlight how geopolitical uncertainty can quickly influence global logistics networks. However, air cargo operators have demonstrated flexibility by adapting their routes and maintaining supply chain continuity despite changing conditions.

Trade Policies and Regulations Add Complexity

In addition to geopolitical risks, shifting trade policies and regulatory changes are also influencing global cargo flows.

Tariffs, export controls and evolving trade regulations can alter the economics of cross-border shipping, forcing logistics companies and online retailers to reconsider traditional supply chain routes.

As a result, many global companies are diversifying their logistics strategies and investing in more resilient supply chain infrastructure to reduce exposure to policy changes.

This approach allows businesses to maintain stable international delivery operations even as the regulatory environment continues to evolve.

Air Cargo Industry Adapts to a Changing Market

Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for the air cargo industry remains closely tied to the continued growth of e-commerce.

Airlines and logistics providers are investing in digital technologies, automation and improved tracking systems to increase efficiency and support the rising volume of online retail shipments.

New cargo hubs and logistics infrastructure are also being developed in several regions as companies seek to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve global connectivity.

As geopolitical dynamics and global trade patterns continue to shift, air freight will remain a critical backbone of international e-commerce logistics, ensuring that goods move quickly and efficiently across borders.

The evolving relationship between geopolitics and digital commerce is likely to continue reshaping global air cargo networks in the years ahead.

Source: Aviation Week

JD.com Launches Joybuy Across 6 European Countries in Bold Expansion

JD.com launches Joybuy e-commerce platform in Europe to compete with Amazon

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has launched its new online retail platform Joybuy across six European countries, marking one of the company’s most significant international expansion moves to date. The rollout signals JD.com’s ambition to challenge established players such as Amazon in one of the world’s most competitive digital retail markets.

The platform debuted in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, offering a broad assortment of products ranging from consumer electronics and home appliances to beauty items and groceries. At launch, the marketplace includes more than 100,000 products from global brands including Apple and Samsung.

JD.com Accelerates Global Expansion

The European launch comes as JD.com looks beyond its domestic market for growth. Competition in China’s e-commerce sector has intensified in recent years, pushing major platforms to explore new international opportunities.

By introducing Joybuy in Europe, JD.com is positioning itself as a direct competitor to Amazon while also expanding the global reach of both Chinese and international brands through its marketplace infrastructure.

Founded by billionaire entrepreneur Liu Qiangdong, JD.com has grown into one of the world’s largest online retailers. The company generated more than $150 billion in annual revenue and has built a reputation for its integrated logistics network and fast delivery capabilities.

Fast Delivery at the Core of the Strategy

A key feature of Joybuy’s European rollout is its focus on rapid delivery. JD.com plans to leverage its logistics infrastructure to provide same-day and next-day delivery services in major cities. Orders placed earlier in the day may arrive within hours, giving the platform a competitive advantage in markets where delivery speed is increasingly critical to consumer choice.

The company has invested heavily in logistics infrastructure across Europe, including dozens of warehouses and distribution centers that support its proprietary delivery network. This integrated supply chain approach has long been a defining feature of JD.com’s operations in China and is expected to play a central role in its European strategy.

Competing in Europe’s Crowded E-Commerce Market

Europe represents one of the most developed and competitive e-commerce markets globally. Amazon currently dominates much of the region’s online retail sector, while Chinese platforms such as Temu and Shein have also been expanding aggressively across Western markets.

JD.com hopes its combination of competitive pricing, global brands and fast delivery will help the company attract European consumers looking for alternatives to existing platforms.

Industry analysts note that the move could intensify competition in the region, particularly as global e-commerce companies continue to expand logistics networks and cross-border marketplaces.

A Long-Term Bet on Overseas Growth

The Joybuy launch represents JD.com’s largest overseas expansion initiative so far and highlights the company’s long-term strategy to reduce reliance on China’s domestic market.

If successful, the platform could become a major new channel for international brands while also giving Chinese merchants broader access to European consumers.

Source: Business Standard

EU E-Commerce: 35% of Consumers Face Problems When Shopping Online

Digital e-commerce shopping interface

E-commerce across the European Union continues to expand, but a growing number of consumers are encountering problems while shopping online. According to new data released by Eurostat, more than a third of online shoppers in the European Union reported encountering problems when buying products or services through websites or mobile apps.

The findings highlight ongoing challenges in the digital retail experience even as e-commerce adoption across the region continues to rise.

Online Shopping Issues Affect Over One-Third of EU Consumers

Eurostat’s latest survey on the use of information and communication technologies shows that 35.4% of online shoppers in the EU experienced at least one problem when purchasing online in 2025.

The study analyzed consumer experiences across member states and revealed considerable variation between countries. The highest shares of shoppers reporting issues were recorded in Malta, where 64% of consumers encountered problems while shopping online. The Netherlands followed with 57.9%, while Luxembourg reported 51.4%.

In contrast, several EU countries showed far lower rates of customer difficulties. Portugal recorded the lowest share, with only 4.5% of online buyers reporting problems. Greece and Latvia also saw relatively low levels of consumer complaints at 10.6% and 13.3%, respectively.

The wide differences suggest that infrastructure, logistics performance, platform quality and consumer protection mechanisms may vary significantly across national e-commerce ecosystems.

Delivery Delays Remain the Most Common Complaint

Among the various problems identified in the survey, late delivery was the most frequently reported issue. Nearly one in five EU online shoppers (19.9%) said their orders arrived later than expected.

Logistics delays can occur for several reasons, including cross-border shipping complexities, warehouse processing times and disruptions in supply chains. As e-commerce volumes increase, delivery performance has become one of the most critical factors influencing customer satisfaction.

The second most common issue was related to website usability. Around 11.5% of shoppers reported that websites or apps were difficult to use or did not function properly during the purchasing process.

Meanwhile, 10.4% of consumers reported receiving incorrect or damaged goods or services after completing their orders.

These findings highlight the importance of not only reliable logistics networks but also well-designed digital shopping interfaces.

E-Commerce Continues to Grow Across Europe

Despite these challenges, online shopping remains a dominant retail channel in Europe. Eurostat data shows that 78% of EU internet users purchased goods or services online in 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of digital commerce across the region.

The highest participation rates are typically seen among younger age groups, particularly consumers aged 25–34 and 35–44, who represent the largest share of online buyers in the EU.

Industry analysts note that while consumer adoption is strong, improving the overall reliability of delivery services and platform performance will be key to sustaining growth in Europe’s e-commerce market.

For retailers and marketplaces operating in the region, addressing logistics efficiency, improving user experience and strengthening product quality controls could play a crucial role in reducing customer complaints and building long-term consumer trust.

Source: Eurostat

Amazon Tests New Shopping Feature Showing Products From Brand Websites

User browsing products on the Amazon Shopping mobile app

Amazon is experimenting with a new feature that allows shoppers to discover products from external brand websites directly within the Amazon Shopping app.

In a blog post published on February 11, 2025, the company announced it is testing a beta program that displays selected products from other brands’ websites in search results for a limited group of U.S. customers.

Amazon Expands Shopping Experience Beyond Its Marketplace

Under the new feature, users searching in the Amazon app may see products that are not sold directly through Amazon’s marketplace. When a customer taps on one of these items, they receive a notification informing them that they are leaving Amazon and will be redirected to the brand’s official website to review pricing, shipping options and complete the purchase.

Amazon said the experiment is designed to improve product discovery and give customers access to a broader selection beyond the products currently available on its platform.

Amazon Marketplace Already Offers Hundreds of Millions of Products

The company already offers hundreds of millions of items on its marketplace, including more than 300 million products eligible for fast and free Prime delivery across over 35 product categories.

This large product catalog has helped Amazon remain one of the most dominant global ecommerce marketplaces.

Buy with Prime Still Offers Benefits for Members

In cases where brands support Buy with Prime, Amazon Prime members may still benefit from familiar services such as fast delivery, simple returns and 24/7 customer support when purchasing directly from the brand’s website.

This allows customers to enjoy many of the same advantages they receive when buying products directly from Amazon.

Amazon Plans to Expand the Beta Program

Rajiv Mehta, Amazon’s Vice President of Search and Conversational Shopping, said the company continues to explore new ways to improve convenience and expand product selection for shoppers.

The beta test is currently available to a subset of U.S. users on both iOS and Android, and Amazon said it plans to expand the feature to more customers and brands based on feedback from the trial.

The move reflects Amazon’s broader strategy to make its app a more comprehensive shopping discovery platform, even when purchases ultimately take place on external brand websites.

Source:
Amazon

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