e-commerce market

Notino Revenue Climbs to €1.76 Billion as European Beauty Demand Remains Resilient

Notino, Europe’s largest online beauty and health retailer, reported revenue of €1.76 billion for its latest financial year, underscoring the resilience of the region’s beauty e-commerce market despite a more challenging retail environment.

The Czech-based company generated 11.5% year-on-year revenue growth during the financial year ending in April 2026, driven by continued expansion across European markets, increasing customer engagement, and sustained demand for premium beauty and personal care products. The results reinforce Notino’s position as one of Europe’s most prominent cross-border online retailers at a time when many e-commerce businesses are experiencing slower post-pandemic growth.

While consumer spending across Europe has remained under pressure from elevated living costs and cautious household budgets, the beauty category has continued to outperform broader discretionary retail. Industry analysts have increasingly pointed to cosmetics, skincare and fragrances as segments that benefit from recurring purchases and strong customer loyalty, providing retailers such as Notino with greater resilience during periods of economic uncertainty.

Strong Recovery After Holiday Season

The company said trading conditions varied throughout the year. Sales growth moderated during the traditionally important Black Friday and Christmas shopping season, reflecting a more competitive promotional landscape and cautious consumer spending. However, momentum accelerated sharply during the opening months of 2026, with revenue growth reaching 27%, signalling renewed demand and effective customer acquisition strategies.

Cross-Border Expansion Continues

Founded in Brno, Czech Republic, Notino has evolved from a regional online perfume retailer into a pan-European marketplace serving customers in 27 countries. Its business model combines centralised logistics with localised websites, language support, regional payment options and tailored marketing campaigns, allowing the company to scale efficiently while adapting to local consumer preferences.

The retailer now serves more than 40 million customers, supported by an omnichannel strategy that extends beyond e-commerce. Alongside its online operations, Notino continues to invest in physical stores, beauty consultation services and mobile commerce, seeking to strengthen customer engagement across multiple touch points. This integrated approach has become increasingly important as retailers compete on customer experience rather than price alone.

Cross-border commerce remains a key pillar of Notino’s expansion strategy. By leveraging a unified logistics network while maintaining localised shopping experiences, the company has been able to enter new markets without the substantial infrastructure investments typically associated with traditional retail expansion. The model also enables greater operational efficiency and inventory management across Europe.

Beauty E-commerce Maintains Momentum

The latest performance reflects broader trends within the European beauty sector, where online sales continue to capture a growing share of consumer spending. Demand for skincare, wellness products and premium fragrances has remained robust, supported by social commerce, influencer marketing and increased digital engagement. These factors have helped offset softer demand in other retail categories and reinforced beauty’s reputation as one of e-commerce’s most resilient verticals.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Notino appears well positioned to capitalise on the continued digitalisation of beauty retail across Europe. With a growing customer base, expanding omnichannel capabilities and strong momentum entering 2026, the company is expected to continue investing in technology, logistics and customer experience as competition intensifies among online beauty retailers.

For the wider European e-commerce industry, Notino’s latest results provide another indication that businesses with strong cross-border infrastructure, local market expertise and diversified customer engagement strategies remain well placed to deliver sustainable growth despite an increasingly competitive retail landscape.

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U.S. Online Retail Sales Surge 14.2% in June as E-commerce Outpaces Traditional Retail

U.S. Ecommerce Delivers Strongest June Growth in Years

U.S. online retail sales accelerated sharply in June 2026, highlighting consumers’ continued preference for digital shopping despite broader economic uncertainty. According to new data analyzed by Digital Commerce 360, e-commerce sales reached $142.67 billion, marking a 14.2% year-over-year increase-the strongest June growth rate in more than four years.

The performance significantly outpaced overall retail sales growth, reinforcing e-commerce’s role as one of the primary drivers of consumer spending in the United States.

Prime Day Promotions Fuel Online Spending

A major catalyst behind June’s exceptional performance was the timing of Amazon Prime Day and competing promotional campaigns from major retailers including Walmart and Target.

The four-day promotional period accounted for 18.5% of total June online sales, demonstrating how large-scale shopping events continue to reshape monthly e-commerce performance. Prime Day’s influence has expanded dramatically since 2020, when consumers spent approximately $10.4 billion during the event.

Retailers increasingly coordinate major discount campaigns around these high-traffic events to capture consumer demand while improving inventory turnover.

Total Retail Sales Continue to Grow

Overall U.S. retail sales also maintained positive momentum.

Total retail sales reached $768.55 billion in June 2026, compared with $720.16 billion during the same month last year. While physical retail remains resilient, online commerce continues to capture a growing share of consumer spending.

Industry analysts note that ecommerce growth is benefiting from improved digital shopping experiences, faster delivery options, competitive pricing, and consumers’ increasing comfort with online purchasing.

Ecommerce More Than Doubles Pre-Pandemic Levels

June’s figures also illustrate how dramatically online retail has expanded since the pandemic era.

Online retail sales have climbed from $60.78 billion in June 2019 to $142.67 billion in June 2026-more than doubling in just seven years. The latest results also exceed June 2020 levels by nearly $60 billion, underscoring the lasting structural shift toward digital commerce.

Rather than returning to pre-pandemic shopping habits, consumers have continued integrating ecommerce into everyday purchasing across multiple product categories.

Outlook: Digital Commerce Maintains Strong Momentum

Although broader retail growth has moderated in recent months, ecommerce continues to outperform traditional retail by a considerable margin.

The combination of promotional events, improved logistics, AI-powered personalization, and omnichannel retail strategies suggests digital commerce will remain a key engine of U.S. retail growth throughout the remainder of 2026. As major retailers continue investing in online capabilities, competition for digital shoppers is expected to intensify during the second half of the year.

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Shein IPO Valuation Slips as Regulatory Pressure Weighs on Growth Prospects

Shein’s long-awaited initial public offering is facing fresh headwinds as tightening regulations on cross-border e-commerce threaten to slow growth and reduce investor enthusiasm. The fast-fashion giant, which is preparing for a Hong Kong listing later this year, is now expected to command a significantly lower valuation than previously anticipated as new import rules in Europe begin to impact sales and profitability.

The company is reportedly seeking a valuation between $40 billion and $50 billion, a sharp decline from the $100 billion valuation achieved during its 2022 fundraising round. Some market analysts believe investors may only be willing to support a valuation closer to $30 billion given the evolving regulatory environment and increasing competitive pressures.

Europe Becomes a Key Pressure Point

A major challenge comes from the European Union’s latest measures targeting low-value e-commerce imports. The bloc recently introduced additional fees on inexpensive parcels entering the region, aiming to create fairer competition for domestic retailers and address the surge in direct-to-consumer shipments from Asian online marketplaces.

Europe accounts for roughly one-third of Shein’s global revenue, making the region particularly important to its expansion strategy. The new charges have reportedly increased shopping costs for consumers, reduced conversion rates, and forced the retailer to reassess marketing expenditures across several European markets.

Growth Remains Strong Despite Headwinds

Despite mounting regulatory challenges, Shein continues to post substantial financial results. Sources familiar with the company’s performance say the retailer generated more than $40 billion in revenue during 2025, while net profit approached $2 billion, highlighting the resilience of its ultra-fast fashion business model.

To strengthen its European operations, Shein has expanded warehouse capacity in Poland and continues investing in logistics infrastructure to improve delivery times and reduce operational costs. However, these investments may not fully offset the impact of stricter trade policies and rising compliance costs.

Competition Intensifies Across Global E-Commerce

Beyond regulation, Shein is navigating an increasingly competitive online retail landscape. Rivals including Temu and other cross-border marketplaces continue to compete aggressively on pricing and customer acquisition, while geopolitical tensions and changing trade policies add further uncertainty for investors.

The company’s reduced valuation expectations also reflect broader concerns over whether the rapid growth enjoyed by ultra-fast fashion platforms can be sustained under tighter regulatory scrutiny in major consumer markets.

IPO Still Expected This Year

Despite the challenges, Shein is continuing preparations for its Hong Kong debut after receiving key regulatory approvals. Investor roadshows are expected to begin ahead of a potential listing later this year, although the final valuation will largely depend on market conditions and institutional investor demand.

For global e-commerce investors, the offering is expected to become a key test of how regulators, geopolitical risks, and changing cross-border trade rules are reshaping valuations for digital retail companies in 2026.

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Jordanian Youth Launches 2026 World Cup Export Initiative to Promote National Products

A group of young Jordanians living in the United States has launched a new initiative aimed at turning the FIFA World Cup 2026 into a global opportunity for Jordanian exports, tourism, and digital commerce. The project focuses on promoting Jordanian products in the US market through e-commerce platforms, digital campaigns, and partnerships with Arab-American communities.

Jordan Targets Global Visibility Through E-Commerce

Launched from New Jersey, the initiative aims to strengthen the international presence of Jordanian products while leveraging the global attention surrounding Jordan’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Organizers say the campaign is designed to transform the sporting milestone into a long-term economic and branding opportunity for Jordanian businesses.

The initiative is centered around the concept of “economic soft power,” using Jordanian products as a representation of the country’s culture, heritage, and production quality in international markets. The team plans to support local producers by connecting them with consumers in the US through digital commerce channels and targeted marketing strategies.

According to the organizers, the campaign will focus on products that reflect Jordan’s national identity and export potential. These include olive oil, zaatar, dates, spices, herbs, traditional food items, Dead Sea products, handicrafts, and heritage-inspired goods.

Digital Platform to Connect Jordanian Sellers With US Consumers

Ali AlQudah, coordinator of the initiative, stated that the team is currently developing a specialized digital platform that will help Jordanian producers access the US market more efficiently. The platform is expected to support logistics, product promotion, and distribution operations.

The initiative reportedly started with four Jordanian youth volunteers in New Jersey and has now expanded to include entrepreneurs, media professionals, and community members across several US states. Organizers expect participation to increase significantly as the World Cup approaches.

Jordan’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is also expected to create new opportunities for tourism promotion. Organizers believe that introducing consumers to Jordanian products can also encourage interest in destinations such as Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Ajloun, and the Dead Sea.

The initiative highlights the growing role of diaspora communities in supporting cross-border commerce and digital trade while showcasing how major international sporting events can create long-term opportunities for e-commerce and export growth.

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Southeast Asia E-Commerce Market Expected to Hit $289.8 Billion by 2029

Southeast Asia’s digital commerce industry is projected to reach $289.8 billion by 2029, highlighting the region’s accelerating transformation into one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets. The new study points to rising internet penetration, mobile-first consumers, digital payments adoption, and expanding logistics infrastructure as the key drivers behind this rapid growth.

Southeast Asia E-Commerce Growth

Countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore continue to strengthen their digital economies as online shopping becomes increasingly integrated into everyday consumer behavior. The region’s young population and strong social commerce culture are also playing a major role in boosting online retail activity.

The report suggests that marketplaces, cross-border commerce, live shopping, and AI-powered personalization are expected to shape the next phase of Southeast Asia’s e-commerce evolution. At the same time, fintech innovation and improved delivery networks are making digital transactions more accessible across urban and rural markets alike.

Industry analysts believe Southeast Asia is becoming a strategic growth region for global e-commerce companies, brands, and investors looking to expand beyond mature markets. The region’s rapidly developing digital ecosystem is attracting increasing attention from technology firms, logistics providers, and payment platforms seeking long-term opportunities.

As competition intensifies, companies operating in Southeast Asia are expected to focus more heavily on customer experience, faster fulfillment, localized strategies, and data-driven commerce solutions to maintain growth momentum in the coming years.

Source: TechNode Global

Blackstone’s Positive €635M Skroutz Deal Signals New Growth Era for Southeast European E-Commerce

Global investment giant Blackstone has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Greek e-commerce platform Skroutz from CVC Capital Partners in a deal valued at approximately €635 million, including debt. The acquisition marks one of the most significant recent e-commerce transactions in Southeast Europe and highlights growing investor confidence in the region’s digital retail ecosystem.

Originally founded in 2005 as a price-comparison platform, Skroutz has evolved into Greece’s leading online marketplace, now offering more than 26 million products from around 9,000 merchants to approximately 2.5 million active users. Over the years, the company expanded its operations beyond marketplace services into logistics, fulfillment, fintech, retail media, and last-mile delivery infrastructure.

Why the Blackstone–Skroutz Deal Matters for the E-Commerce Industry

The transaction reflects a broader trend of major global investment firms targeting regional digital commerce leaders with strong infrastructure and long-term expansion potential. Blackstone sees Skroutz as more than just an online marketplace; the company has built a vertically integrated ecosystem that includes payment services, logistics operations, and fulfillment capabilities across Greece and neighboring markets.

Skroutz has already expanded into Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria, positioning itself as an emerging regional player in Southeast Europe. Analysts believe Blackstone’s backing could accelerate this growth strategy and strengthen the platform’s competitiveness against global marketplaces and rapidly growing Asian e-commerce platforms.

Economic Growth and Digital Retail Expansion in Greece

The acquisition also underlines the rapid transformation of Greece’s digital economy. Greece has become one of Europe’s faster-growing economies in recent years, while e-commerce penetration across Southeast Europe still remains below Western European levels , creating significant room for future growth.

According to reports, Skroutz’s revenue grew from approximately €30 million in 2020 to more than €130 million by 2024, driven by rising online shopping adoption, stronger logistics capabilities, and expanding merchant participation.

Despite the ownership change, Skroutz’s founders will remain actively involved in the company. Co-founder George Chatzigeorgiou is expected to continue serving as CEO, while the founding team retains a minority stake in the business.

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Kaspi.kz Posts Robust Q1 Growth as Türkiye Becomes Core E-Commerce Market

Kaspi.kz delivered another quarter of strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by accelerating marketplace activity and the rapid expansion of its operations in Türkiye.

The Kazakhstan-based fintech and e-commerce giant reported a 31% year-over-year increase in total revenue, reaching approximately $2.3 billion, while e-commerce gross merchandise value (GMV) climbed 41% to $2.6 billion.

A key highlight of the quarter was the growing contribution of Türkiye to the company’s regional commerce strategy. Following the consolidation of Hepsiburada, Türkiye now accounts for nearly half of Kaspi.kz’s total e-commerce GMV, underlining the strategic importance of the market in the company’s international expansion plans.

Türkiye Emerges as a Strategic Growth Engine

Kaspi.kz’s latest results reflect a broader transformation underway within the company. Once primarily known as Kazakhstan’s dominant super app, the group is increasingly positioning itself as a regional digital commerce and fintech ecosystem spanning Central Asia and Türkiye.

Marketplace revenue rose 49% year-over-year to roughly $1.1 billion, supported by stronger consumer demand, increased order frequency, and deeper engagement across its integrated services. Revenue generated from advertising and logistics services surged 73%, demonstrating the growing monetization potential of Kaspi.kz’s broader ecosystem infrastructure.

The company’s expansion strategy in Türkiye appears to be gaining momentum as it integrates Hepsiburada into its platform operations while leveraging cross-border commerce and digital payment capabilities.

Profitability Pressured by Investments and Funding Costs

Despite the strong top-line growth, profitability remained under pressure during the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA increased 9% year-over-year to $768 million, while net income remained relatively stable at $526 million.

Kaspi.kz attributed the slower profit growth to higher funding costs in Kazakhstan as well as continued investments tied to the integration and scaling of Hepsiburada’s operations in Türkiye.

The company also completed a $600 million Eurobond issuance with a five-year maturity during the quarter, strengthening its liquidity position and supporting future strategic investments.

Regional E-Commerce Competition Intensifies

Kaspi.kz’s expansion comes at a time when competition across emerging e-commerce markets is intensifying. Companies throughout Central Asia, the Middle East, and Türkiye are increasingly investing in marketplace ecosystems, fintech integration, logistics infrastructure, and AI-powered commerce tools to capture long-term digital retail growth.

By combining fintech services, payments, marketplace operations, and logistics within a single ecosystem, Kaspi.kz continues to differentiate itself from more traditional e-commerce players operating in the region.

The company maintained its full-year 2026 guidance, signaling confidence in continued growth across both Kazakhstan and Türkiye as digital commerce adoption accelerates across the wider region.

Source: TradingView

Positive Mother’s Day Shopping Boom to Generate $9 Billion in Türkiye’s E-Commerce Market

Türkiye’s e-commerce sector is expected to generate nearly $9 billion in transaction volume this May as online shopping activity accelerates ahead of Mother’s Day, according to industry representatives. The surge highlights the growing importance of special occasions in driving digital commerce across the country.

What Happened?

The Electronic Commerce Operators Association (ETİD) estimates that Türkiye’s total e-commerce volume could reach around 400 billion Turkish Liras (approximately $9 billion) during May, fueled largely by Mother’s Day shopping demand.

According to ETİD Chairman Hakan Çevikoğlu, online demand has significantly increased across several gift-oriented categories, including:

Jewelry
Fashion and footwear
Cosmetics
Home textiles
Baby products
Accessories and handbags

Çevikoğlu stated that Mother’s Day has become Türkiye’s second-largest gift shopping period after New Year celebrations, with online purchasing activity beginning in late April and continuing throughout May.

Jewelry and Fashion Lead the Growth

The strongest increase in demand has been recorded in the jewelry category, particularly gold products, where order volumes reportedly climbed by as much as 70 percent ahead of the holiday.

Average basket sizes have also increased in several product categories. Spending per order rose by around 20 percent in home textile and baby product segments, while fashion-related purchases such as sunglasses, accessories, handbags, and clothing also recorded higher average spending levels.

Industry representatives attribute much of the momentum to aggressive promotional campaigns launched by online marketplaces and retailers before the holiday period.

Digital Shopping Habits Continue to Grow

The latest figures reflect Türkiye’s broader shift toward digital commerce and mobile shopping habits. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms for seasonal and emotionally driven purchases, including flowers, chocolates, and curated gift boxes.

Çevikoğlu noted that the growing digitalization of consumer behavior continues to strengthen the role of e-commerce during special shopping occasions and seasonal campaigns.

Consumers Warned About Online Fraud Risks

Alongside the expected growth, industry representatives also warned consumers to remain cautious while shopping online during high-demand periods.

ETİD advised shoppers to verify whether e-commerce websites carry Türkiye’s official “Trust Stamp” certification and to carefully check website domain names to avoid fraudulent or imitation platforms.

What This Means for Türkiye’s E-Commerce Sector

The projected Mother’s Day shopping boom highlights the continued expansion of Türkiye’s digital retail ecosystem despite economic pressures and changing consumer spending patterns.

As promotional campaigns, mobile commerce adoption, and digital payment usage continue to grow, seasonal shopping periods are becoming increasingly important revenue drivers for marketplaces, retailers, and logistics providers across the country.

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Italian E-Commerce Records Strong 6.1% Growth, Reaching €90.6 Billion in 2025

Italian e-commerce continued its upward trajectory in 2025, reaching an estimated value of €90.6 billion, according to the latest annual report by Casaleggio Associati. The figure marks a 6.1% increase compared to 2024, when online turnover in Italy was estimated at €85.4 billion.

Travel and Tourism remained the country’s largest online sector, generating more than €22 billion in sales. Marketplaces followed with €17.1 billion, while Leisure ranked third with €13.4 billion, showing the continued strength of experience-driven and platform-based digital spending.

Italian E-Commerce Growth Reflects a More Mature Digital Market

The report also highlights Italy’s broad digital adoption. The country counted 53.1 million internet users, equal to an internet penetration rate of 89.9%. On average, 44.1 million people used the internet monthly, while 37 million were online on a typical day.

Italian online businesses are now focusing more heavily on improving website performance, technology, and customer experience. These priorities were followed closely by AI adoption and marketing investment, indicating that companies are shifting from basic digital presence toward more advanced optimization strategies.

Cross-border activity is also concentrated mainly in Europe. Germany leads as the top foreign market for Italian online stores, followed by France and Spain. Outside Europe, the United States remains the most notable destination for Italian e-commerce operators.

Source: Ecommerce News Europe

Digital Economy Jobs Boom 21.2% 1 in 5 Filipinos Now Work Online

The Philippines’ digital transformation is accelerating rapidly, with more than one in five jobs now tied to the digital economy, signaling a major shift in how the country works and grows.

According to recent data, the digital economy employed around 10.39 million Filipinos in 2025, accounting for 21.2% of total national employment, a notable increase from previous years.

This surge highlights how digitalization is no longer limited to tech companies but is deeply embedded across industries, from e-commerce and logistics to IT services and digital media.

E-commerce Leads Employment Growth

Among all digital sectors, e-commerce dominates employment, contributing over 75% of digital jobs, making it the primary driver of digital workforce expansion.

Meanwhile, digital-enabling infrastructure, including ICT services and telecommunications, accounts for a significant portion of the remaining jobs, reinforcing the backbone of the country’s digital ecosystem.

Economic Contribution Continues to Rise

Beyond employment, the digital economy is also becoming a key economic pillar. In 2025, it generated approximately ₱2.74 trillion in gross value added, representing 9.8% of the Philippines’ GDP.

This steady growth reflects increasing digital adoption among businesses, the rise of online marketplaces, and the expansion of digital services nationwide.

A Structural Shift in the Labor Market

The data underscores a broader structural transformation in the Philippine labor market. Digital jobs are no longer niche, they are becoming mainstream, reshaping workforce demand and skill requirements.

As digital adoption continues, sectors such as fintech, logistics tech, digital marketing, and platform-based services are expected to create even more employment opportunities.

What It Means

The rapid expansion of digital employment signals both opportunity and urgency:

Opportunity for economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness
Urgency for upskilling the workforce to meet digital demands

With over 20% of jobs already digital, the Philippines is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital economies.

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