e-commerce - WORLDEF

Russia’s E-Commerce Turnover Reaches RUB 7.2 Trillion in H1 2026

Russia’s e-commerce market continued its strong expansion in the first half of 2026, with online retail turnover reaching RUB 7.2 trillion (approximately $90.8 billion), according to data from the Association of Internet Trade Companies (AKIT). The figure represents an 18.7% year-on-year increase.

Regional Markets Drive Russia’s E-Commerce Growth

The latest figures highlight a significant shift in Russia’s e-commerce landscape, with regional markets increasingly driving growth beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Domestic online stores and marketplaces generated approximately RUB 6.9 trillion, while cross-border e-commerce accounted for RUB 245.8 billion, representing 3.4% of total online turnover.

E-commerce also increased its contribution to Russia’s overall retail sector. Online sales represented 22.2% of total retail turnover between January and June 2026, up from 20.9% during the same period a year earlier.

According to AKIT, 45 Russian regions have already exceeded the national average for online retail penetration. The Arkhangelsk region recorded the highest share at 52.9%, followed by the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug at 38.8%.

Regions outside Moscow and St. Petersburg generated nearly 80% of Russia’s total e-commerce turnover during the first half of the year. Moscow remained the largest individual regional market, accounting for 15.4% of turnover, but its share declined from 16.5%.

Online Retail Expands Beyond Major Cities

The rapid development of e-commerce in Russia’s regions is being supported by wider marketplace access, expanding pickup-point networks and improved delivery infrastructure.

AKIT president Artem Sokolov said online shopping is particularly attractive in areas where traditional retail offers a more limited product range. The trend has been especially visible across Siberia and the Far East, where consumers increasingly use online platforms to access products that may not be readily available locally.

Several regions recorded e-commerce turnover growth of more than 30%, including Tyva, the Nenets and Jewish autonomous okrugs, Chechnya, Dagestan, Trans-Baikal, Kalmykia, Kaliningrad and Amur.

Marketplace operators are also seeing stronger growth outside the country’s largest cities. Ozon reported that regional online orders are growing faster than those in Moscow, where online penetration is already significantly higher.

Home, Fashion and Food Lead Online Spending

Home goods and furniture represented the largest category of online sales during the first half of 2026, accounting for 15.8% of e-commerce turnover.

Clothing and footwear followed with 15.1%, while food accounted for 14.8%. Electronics and appliances represented 13%, and beauty and health products contributed 6.8%.

Digital goods recorded the fastest growth, expanding by almost 40% year on year. Online turnover for pharmaceuticals, pet supplies and crafting materials also increased by around 30%.

Russia’s E-Commerce Market Enters a New Phase

The H1 2026 results underline the increasing importance of e-commerce to Russia’s retail economy. With online sales now accounting for more than one-fifth of total retail turnover, growth is increasingly coming from regional consumers rather than only the country’s major metropolitan markets.

The expansion of marketplaces, logistics networks and pickup infrastructure is helping narrow the gap between urban and regional consumers, creating new opportunities for retailers and digital commerce platforms across the country.

However, disruptions affecting major marketplace infrastructure could pose challenges for the sector’s continued growth. The broader resilience of Russia’s e-commerce ecosystem will therefore depend increasingly on diversified logistics networks and the ability of platforms to maintain reliable fulfillment capacity.

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JD.com Opens Seoul Buying Office to Expand Korean Product Sourcing

China’s e-commerce giant JD.com has opened a direct sourcing office in Seoul as it seeks to expand its procurement of Korean consumer goods and respond to growing demand for Korean products among Chinese shoppers.

The new purchasing unit marks a deeper integration between Korean brands and China’s rapidly expanding digital retail ecosystem, while offering Korean exporters a more direct route to reach Chinese consumers.

Korean Consumer Goods Exports Rebound

The move comes as Korean consumer-goods exports show signs of recovery following several years of post-pandemic weakness.

Shipments across five major categories – cosmetics, food, fashion, household goods and pharmaceuticals – increased 8.7% year-on-year to $3.44 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $3.16 billion during the same period a year earlier, according to Korea Customs Service data cited by The Korea Times.

Trade officials see China’s digital commerce platforms as an increasingly important channel for Korean brands seeking to rebuild their presence in the market.

JD.com, alongside platforms such as Douyin and Alibaba, is becoming part of a broader shift toward direct digital distribution rather than relying exclusively on traditional export intermediaries.

JD.com Signs $1.5 Million in Supply Deals

To mark the opening of its new Seoul purchasing unit, Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) hosted a business matchmaking event with JD.com executives.

The delegation included 12 senior JD.com executives, led by Vincent Yang, the company’s vice chairman and head of cross-border business.

Around 200 Korean consumer brands participated in the event, where JD.com conducted 54 one-on-one procurement meetings.

Following the meetings, JD.com signed supply contracts with nine Korean companies worth a combined $1.5 million over the next year.

Among the companies was fashion brand Reclow, which will sell its apparel through a self-operated flagship store on JD.com. Jewelry brand Lloyd was also among the businesses entering supply agreements with the Chinese platform.

For Korean SMEs, direct platform integration could help reduce some of the logistical, payment and market-entry challenges associated with exporting to China.

China’s E-Commerce Market Creates New Opportunities

China’s online retail sector has expanded significantly in recent years.

Online sales accounted for around 30% of China’s total retail market in 2020, but that share has now risen to more than 44%, highlighting the growing importance of digital channels in reaching Chinese consumers.

Changing consumer behavior is also influencing the types of products Korean companies are bringing to the Chinese market. Value-conscious spending, demographic changes and the continued shift toward online shopping are encouraging brands to adapt their products and sales strategies.

For Korean exporters, selling directly through major Chinese platforms can provide access to established digital infrastructure and a large consumer base without depending entirely on conventional distribution networks.

JD.com Plans Dedicated Korean Goods Section

JD.com plans to expand a dedicated section for Korean products on its platform and work with KOTRA to identify additional Korean companies with export potential.

The platform already operates a logistics entity in Korea that provides customs and fulfillment services, giving Korean sellers access to infrastructure that can support cross-border transactions.

Kim Min-hwa, head of JD.com’s Korea office, said Korean consumer goods continue to perform steadily on the platform, citing their quality and appeal among Chinese consumers.

The company’s expanded sourcing operation could therefore provide Korean brands with a more structured route into JD.com’s marketplace.

Direct Platform Integration Becomes More Important

KOTRA is increasingly emphasizing direct purchasing relationships between Korean exporters and major Chinese e-commerce platforms.

The strategy reflects a broader transformation in cross-border commerce, where marketplaces are moving beyond simply providing a digital storefront and are becoming more closely involved in sourcing, logistics, fulfillment and international distribution.

For Korean SMEs, these relationships could create more predictable order flows while lowering some of the operational barriers traditionally associated with entering overseas markets.

JD.com’s Seoul sourcing office represents another step toward this model, connecting Korean manufacturers directly with one of the world’s largest e-commerce ecosystems.

As Chinese consumers continue to shift their spending online, closer integration between Korean suppliers and Chinese digital platforms could become an increasingly important driver of cross-border trade.

Source: The Korea Times

China’s Beverage Tycoon Says E-Commerce Is ‘Killing’ Traditional Commerce

Nongfu Spring founder Zhong Shanshan has reignited debate over China’s e-commerce model, warning that platform-driven price competition is putting traditional distributors and offline retailers under growing pressure.

China’s e-commerce boom has transformed the country’s retail landscape, but Nongfu Spring founder Zhong Shanshan argues that the shift has come at a cost for traditional commerce.

In an interview with CCTV Finance, Zhong criticised the growing influence of e-commerce platforms over pricing, distribution and access to consumers. He argued that digital platforms have increasingly replaced the role once played by traditional distributors, while algorithms and platform-based pricing have intensified competition among businesses.

E-Commerce’s Growing Influence

Traditional distribution networks historically connected manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. According to Zhong, these networks operated through established relationships and relatively predictable commercial arrangements.

The expansion of e-commerce has disrupted that structure. Online platforms now provide brands with direct access to consumers while controlling key elements of the digital shopping experience, including traffic allocation, product visibility and pricing mechanisms.

Zhong believes this has weakened the position of traditional distributors, many of which have struggled to remain competitive as consumers increasingly shift their spending online.

The Cost of Price Competition

At the centre of Zhong’s criticism is the growing emphasis on low prices.

China’s major e-commerce platforms have increasingly relied on discounts, promotions and price-based competition to attract consumers. While this approach can increase affordability and drive transaction volumes, it can also squeeze margins for merchants and suppliers.

For consumer brands, the challenge is particularly significant. Companies must compete for visibility and sales while protecting margins, maintaining product quality and avoiding excessive discounting that could weaken long-term brand value.

Zhong’s comments therefore reflect a broader concern within China’s retail sector: whether increasingly aggressive price competition can remain sustainable for businesses across the supply chain.

Offline Retail Faces a New Reality

Zhong also pointed to changes in consumer behaviour caused by the rise of mobile commerce.

Physical retail has traditionally benefited from spontaneous purchases and consumers discovering products while visiting stores and shopping districts. Online shopping, by contrast, increasingly directs consumers toward products through search, recommendations and algorithms.

This shift has fundamentally changed how consumers discover and purchase goods – and reduced the role of physical retailers in the process.

A Wider Debate for E-Commerce

Zhong’s remarks come at a time when China’s e-commerce industry is entering a more mature phase. The sector is no longer simply focused on moving consumers from physical stores to online platforms. Competition is now centred on pricing, logistics, livestreaming commerce, social shopping, artificial intelligence and increasingly sophisticated consumer data.

The debate highlighted by Zhong raises a broader question for the industry: how can e-commerce deliver greater efficiency and value for consumers without creating unsustainable pressure across the retail ecosystem?

China’s experience demonstrates both the transformative power of digital commerce and the disruption it can create for established business models. As platforms continue to shape how products are priced, promoted and distributed, the relationship between e-commerce and traditional commerce will remain an important issue for the global retail industry.

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Bombay High Court Orders Amazon to Hand Over Expired Goods for Disposal

The Bombay High Court has directed Amazon Retail India to hand over all expired and perished goods stored at its Bhiwandi warehouse to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for scientific disposal.

The order comes amid an ongoing dispute between Amazon and the Maharashtra FDA over the suspension of the warehouse’s licence.

Court Orders Scientific Disposal

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad directed Amazon to prepare an inventory of all expired and perished products at the Bhiwandi facility and transfer them to the concerned FDA officer.

The FDA will oversee the disposal process in accordance with applicable regulations, while Amazon will bear the associated costs.

The court has also directed the Maharashtra FDA to file its response to Amazon’s plea challenging the suspension of its warehouse licence by August 27.

Dispute Over Warehouse Operations

The case follows regulatory action against Amazon’s Bhiwandi facility in Maharashtra after the FDA alleged that expired food products had entered the retail market instead of being properly destroyed.

The High Court had previously criticised the FDA for what it described as an excessive approach toward the warehouse, urging the authority to implement enforcement measures in a more systematic manner.

The latest directive provides a temporary arrangement for handling the expired inventory while the broader legal dispute over Amazon’s warehouse licence continues.

Implications for E-Commerce Fulfilment

The case highlights the growing importance of inventory control, product traceability and regulatory compliance in e-commerce fulfilment operations, particularly for food and other perishable products.

As online retailers continue to expand their fulfilment networks, ensuring that expired or damaged inventory is identified, segregated and disposed of in accordance with local regulations remains a critical operational and consumer-safety responsibility.

The Bombay High Court’s decision puts the immediate focus on the safe disposal of Amazon’s expired inventory while the court considers the company’s challenge to the regulatory action.

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European Air Cargo Demand Falls as EU Tightens Import Rules

European air cargo demand continued to weaken last week, with the latest decline linked partly to the European Union’s stricter rules governing imports, according to industry data reported by Air Cargo News.

The slowdown is particularly visible on the China-Europe trade lane, which plays a major role in supporting cross-border e-commerce. Changes to the EU’s import framework are adding pressure to a market already facing shifts in consumer demand, shipping patterns and logistics costs.

Stricter EU Rules Affect Cross-Border Shipments

The European Union has been tightening its approach to low-value imports as the volume of e-commerce parcels entering the bloc continues to grow.

For air cargo operators and e-commerce logistics providers, these regulatory changes can influence shipment volumes, customs processes and delivery economics. The impact is particularly significant for businesses relying on high-frequency, low-value shipments from major Asian e-commerce markets.

As import requirements become more stringent, some shipment flows may be consolidated or adjusted, potentially reducing the number of individual air cargo movements.

China-Europe Air Cargo Under Pressure

China remains one of the most important origins for European e-commerce imports. The continued decline in demand on the China-Europe lane therefore highlights the broader impact that regulatory changes can have on international e-commerce logistics.

The latest figures also point to a more challenging environment for air freight operators, as demand is becoming increasingly sensitive to both regulatory developments and changes in cross-border shopping patterns.

For logistics providers, this could accelerate efforts to optimize networks, consolidate shipments and develop more flexible delivery models.

What It Means for E-Commerce Logistics

The developments underline the growing connection between e-commerce regulation and logistics performance.

As European authorities introduce stricter import requirements, retailers, marketplaces and logistics companies will need to adapt their cross-border supply chains. This may include improving customs compliance, changing fulfilment strategies and reassessing the economics of air transportation for smaller parcels.

The trend also reinforces the importance of building flexible logistics networks capable of responding quickly to regulatory changes.

For the global e-commerce industry, the coming months will show whether the decline in European air cargo demand represents a temporary adjustment or a longer-term shift in cross-border shipping patterns.

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Momox Expands Recommerce Operations to the Netherlands

German recommerce platform Momox has entered the Dutch market with a dedicated website and app, marking its expansion into its sixth European market.

The company enables consumers to sell used books, CDs and DVDs directly through its platform. The Netherlands launch comes after Momox identified strong demand from Dutch customers who were previously purchasing and selling products through international marketplaces.

Dedicated Dutch Platform

With its new local operation, Dutch consumers can scan the barcode of eligible products through the Momox app and receive an immediate purchase offer. Once an offer is accepted, sellers can send their items free of charge through DHL or PostNL.

Momox then checks the products before completing the payment process.

The company had already been active in the Netherlands through marketplaces such as Amazon and Bol. According to Momox, the strong response from Dutch consumers created an opportunity to establish a dedicated local platform.

Strengthening Recommerce in Europe

The Netherlands expansion is part of Momox’s broader international growth strategy and reflects the increasing demand for second-hand products across Europe.

The company is particularly focusing on sourcing Dutch-language books locally. By purchasing used products directly from Dutch consumers, Momox aims to keep more books in circulation while expanding the selection available to second-hand shoppers.

Founded in Germany in 2004, Momox has built its business around the circular economy by purchasing used products from consumers and reselling them through its own platforms and other marketplaces.

Recommerce Market Continues to Grow

Momox’s entry into the Netherlands comes as European consumers increasingly turn to second-hand and recommerce platforms. Rising interest in affordability, sustainability and circular consumption is creating new opportunities for retailers and marketplaces to extend the life cycle of products.

For Momox, the Dutch launch represents another step in building a broader European recommerce network and strengthening its position in the growing second-hand e-commerce market.

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Alo Launches Exclusive E-Commerce Platform in China via Tmall

US athleisure brand Alo is expanding its presence in China with the launch of its first official e-commerce store in mainland China on Tmall, Alibaba’s leading B2C marketplace.

The online flagship store will feature more than 300 products and will serve as Alo’s exclusive e-commerce channel in mainland China. Through the partnership, the brand will gain access to Tmall’s customer base, including more than 62 million 88VIP members.

Online-First Strategy

The launch marks the latest step in Alo’s entry into the Chinese market. The brand established its presence in mainland China in June through WeChat and Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote.

Alo has since expanded its local digital ecosystem by introducing an event-booking platform through a WeChat Mini Program and appointing Chinese K-pop star Ningning of Aespa as a brand ambassador.

The company’s decision to prioritise e-commerce allows it to build on existing social media momentum while testing consumer demand and product preferences before making larger investments in physical retail.

According to Maggie Xie, associate director at S&P Global Ratings, an online-first approach can help Alo enter the market with lower upfront capital expenditure compared with opening physical stores.

Competing in China’s Athleisure Market

Founded in 2007, Alo has developed a strong following among younger consumers through its California-inspired aesthetic and celebrity partnerships, including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.

The brand is entering an increasingly competitive Chinese athleisure market, where international and domestic sportswear companies are competing for consumers seeking premium athletic and lifestyle products.

By combining social media, influencer marketing and a Tmall flagship store, Alo is building a digital-first route into the Chinese market while gaining an opportunity to understand local consumer behaviour.

The strategy highlights the growing importance of marketplaces and social commerce in helping global brands test new markets before committing to extensive physical retail networks.

For Alo, Tmall provides not only a sales channel but also an entry point into one of the world’s largest and most competitive e-commerce markets.

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eBay Revenue Climbs 15% to $3.13 Billion in Q2 2026

eBay delivered a strong second quarter in 2026, with both revenue and gross merchandise volume (GMV) recording double-digit growth as the marketplace continued to benefit from its focus on high-value categories, advertising and recommerce.

For the quarter ended June 30, eBay reported $3.13 billion in revenue, up 15% year over year on an as-reported basis and 14% on an FX-neutral basis. GMV also increased 15% to $22.4 billion, marking another strong quarter for the global marketplace.

eBay’s Q2 Performance

The company reported $552 million in GAAP net income, compared with $369 million a year earlier. GAAP diluted earnings per share reached $1.21, while non-GAAP diluted EPS was $1.60.

eBay’s advertising business also continued to expand. Advertising revenue reached $596 million, representing a 23% increase from the prior year, as the company continued to strengthen monetization across its marketplace.

The company said its strategic focus categories and recommerce activities remained important growth drivers. Categories including fashion, collectibles, luxury and motors are helping eBay attract high-intent shoppers and enthusiast buyers.

Depop Adds Momentum to Recommerce Strategy

eBay’s recently completed $1.4 billion acquisition of Depop, the fashion resale marketplace previously owned by Etsy, is also becoming an important part of its growth strategy.

Depop gives eBay greater exposure to younger consumers and the expanding resale economy. The platform’s active users increased to approximately 9 million, up from 7 million previously.

The acquisition is expected to contribute to eBay’s GMV growth during the second half of 2026, further strengthening the company’s position in the recommerce market.

eBay Raises Its 2026 Outlook

Following the stronger-than-expected quarter, eBay raised its full-year outlook.

The company now expects 2026 revenue growth of approximately 11%-12%, compared with its previous forecast of 7%-7.5%. It also expects GMV growth of approximately 11.5%-12.5%.

For the third quarter, eBay expects revenue between $3.07 billion and $3.12 billion, above analysts’ expectations at the time of the announcement.

The results suggest that eBay’s strategy of concentrating on higher-value categories, strengthening advertising and expanding recommerce is gaining traction, while the integration of Depop could provide an additional growth engine for the remainder of the year.

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Saudi Arabia’s Q1 Consumer Spending Growth Boosts Retail Real Estate Demand

Saudi Arabia’s retail sector continued to show strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with rising consumer spending supporting demand for retail real estate across the Kingdom.

Consumer spending reached SR425 billion ($113.3 billion) in Q1 2026, representing a 6.8% year-on-year increase, according to consultancy Knight Frank. The growth highlights the continued strength of Saudi Arabia’s consumer economy and its growing impact on the country’s retail property market.

Consumer Spending Strengthens Retail Demand

The increase in consumer spending is providing a strong foundation for retailers and landlords as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its modern retail infrastructure.

Higher household expenditure is contributing to demand for shopping centres, retail destinations and other commercial spaces, particularly as consumer activity remains an important driver of the Kingdom’s broader real estate market.

The trend also reflects the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s consumer landscape, where changing lifestyles, population growth and expanding retail offerings are creating new opportunities for brands and property developers.

Retail Real Estate Gains Momentum

The relationship between consumer spending and retail property is becoming increasingly important as Saudi Arabia develops large-scale mixed-use and commercial destinations.

Strong spending levels can encourage retailers to expand their physical presence, while developers benefit from greater demand for high-quality retail locations. This creates a cycle in which stronger consumer activity supports retail expansion and new retail destinations, in turn, provide additional opportunities for brands.

Saudi Arabia’s retail market is also being shaped by the Kingdom’s wider economic diversification strategy, which places greater emphasis on tourism, entertainment, hospitality and consumer-focused industries.

A Positive Signal for the Saudi Retail Market

The Q1 figures provide a positive signal for retailers, investors and real estate developers operating in Saudi Arabia.

With consumer spending rising by 6.8% year-on-year to SR425 billion, the Kingdom continues to demonstrate significant retail market potential. As new commercial and mixed-use developments progress, sustained consumer demand could remain a key factor supporting the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s retail real estate sector.

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Cybez Takes Its E-Commerce Model from India to the UAE Market

India-based e-commerce marketing and consulting company Cybez has officially launched its operations in the United Arab Emirates. With its new office opened in Sharjah, the company aims to bring the e-commerce growth model it developed in India and the United States to D2C brands, retailers, and startups in the Gulf region.

Cybez to Focus on E-Commerce Brands in the UAE

Founded by Atul Jain, with Preeti Garg among its co-founders, the company offers solutions directly focused on e-commerce growth, unlike general digital marketing services. Its UAE operations will be carried out under “Cybez Worldwide FZC.” According to the company’s statement, the team has more than 40 years of combined experience in research, strategic planning, performance marketing, AI-powered SEO, website development, and conversion rate optimization.

Cybez states that it has completed 350 projects across 15 different sectors and served 150 clients to date. These sectors include fashion, lifestyle, food and beverage, health, and cosmetics. The company also has an office in Houston, United States.

AI-Powered SEO and Performance Marketing Stand Out

The services to be offered in the UAE include Shopify-based e-commerce website development, AI-powered SEO, Google and Meta advertising, performance marketing, customer retention, conversion rate optimization, marketplace marketing, competitive analysis, and digital audit services. The company follows a structure focused on increasing online traffic, converting visitors into customers, and retaining existing customers.

200 Percent Revenue Growth for D2C Brands

According to case studies shared by the company, premium footwear brand Rosso Brunello’s revenue increased by 200 percent through performance marketing efforts. In the same study, ROAS increased by 48.5 percent, while cost per acquisition decreased by 37 percent. Another client’s revenue nearly tripled within five months, while orders increased by 600 percent and a ROAS of more than 4x was achieved. In another project, the conversion rate increased from 0.77 percent to 1.16 percent within one week.

The brands Cybez has worked with include names such as Uniqlo, Sarita Handa, Raymond, Noise, Park Avenue, Lotus Herbals, and Callaway Golf. With its new UAE operation, the company plans to bring this experience to e-commerce and retail brands in the region.