e-commerce - WORLDEF

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

Allegro and OpenAI Partnership Signals a Powerful New Era for European E-Commerce

Poland’s leading marketplace platform, Allegro, has officially entered into a strategic partnership with OpenAI, marking one of the most significant AI-focused collaborations in the European e-commerce sector this year. The move is expected to accelerate AI innovation across Allegro’s marketplace ecosystem, from smarter shopping experiences to advanced seller tools and personalized commerce services.

The partnership gives Allegro direct access to OpenAI’s latest artificial intelligence technologies, models, and expert support. According to the company, the collaboration will focus on designing, testing, and deploying AI-powered applications specifically tailored for e-commerce operations.

AI Becomes the Core of Allegro’s Growth Strategy

Artificial intelligence has already become a major part of Allegro’s platform development strategy. The company recently introduced AI-powered assistants for both shoppers and sellers, aiming to simplify product discovery, improve offer management, and optimize marketplace performance.

One of the newest developments is Allegro’s AI assistant for sellers, which provides merchants with real-time insights, quality score explanations, optimization recommendations, and logistics support. The solution is currently moving beyond its pilot phase and is expected to roll out more broadly in the coming months.

At the same time, Allegro is expanding AI functionalities for consumers through intelligent shopping assistants integrated into its mobile app and browser experience. The marketplace says these tools are designed to help users compare products faster, make better purchasing decisions, and receive more personalized recommendations.

OpenAI Collaboration Could Reshape European Marketplace Competition

The partnership arrives at a time when AI competition among global marketplaces is intensifying. Companies such as Amazon, Zalando, and several European retail platforms are rapidly integrating conversational commerce and AI-driven recommendation systems into their ecosystems.

For Allegro, the collaboration with OpenAI is not only about operational efficiency but also about positioning itself as one of Europe’s most technologically advanced marketplace companies. CEO Marcin Kuśmierz described AI as a transformational force capable of redefining how e-commerce operates across the region.

Industry observers see the move as another sign that European marketplaces are accelerating investments in generative AI to compete with global tech giants while improving merchant productivity and customer engagement.

Poland Emerges as a Growing AI Commerce Hub

The announcement also highlights the growing role of Poland and Central Europe in the AI and digital commerce ecosystem. OpenAI representatives noted that the region is showing strong adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, particularly in e-commerce and digital services.

Allegro remains the dominant marketplace platform in Poland and continues expanding its technological capabilities despite increasing pressure from international competitors. The company has recently focused on streamlining operations, investing in AI infrastructure, and strengthening marketplace services for merchants and consumers alike.

As AI rapidly becomes central to online retail strategy, the Allegro-OpenAI partnership could become a defining example of how European marketplaces adapt to the next generation of digital commerce.

Source

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.

Source

Indonesia Plans New E-Commerce Rules After Seller Complaints

Indonesia is preparing to revise its e-commerce regulations following growing complaints from online sellers about rising platform fees and operational costs. The move reflects the government’s broader effort to create a fairer and more sustainable digital commerce ecosystem while strengthening protections for local businesses and consumers.

What Happened?

Indonesia’s Trade Ministry announced plans to revise Minister of Trade Regulation Number 31 of 2023, which currently governs e-commerce activities in the country. Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the revision comes after many sellers, especially small businesses, raised concerns over high administrative and logistics fees charged by online marketplaces.

While the government has not yet shared the full details of the revised regulation, officials confirmed that discussions with industry stakeholders are ongoing and that the new rules will focus on improving fairness across the sector.

Why Is Indonesia Revising the Rules?

Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing e-commerce markets. However, increasing competition among platforms has also led to concerns from sellers regarding profitability and sustainability.

According to the Trade Ministry, the revised regulation aims to:

Protect local products and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
Improve consumer protection
Encourage marketplaces to prioritize domestic products
Build a healthier and more sustainable e-commerce ecosystem
Strengthen collaboration between platforms, sellers, and regulators

Government officials emphasized that consultations with businesses and digital economy stakeholders are still continuing before the regulation is finalized.

Indonesia Increases Oversight of Digital Platforms

The planned revision comes as Indonesia continues tightening oversight across its digital economy. Earlier this month, authorities also introduced stricter child protection requirements for e-commerce platforms under new electronic system governance rules.

The measures require platforms to implement age verification systems, parental consent mechanisms for minors, and stronger privacy protections for children’s data.

These developments highlight Indonesia’s growing focus on building a more regulated, locally supportive, and consumer-focused digital marketplace environment.

What This Means for the Industry

If implemented, the revised rules could significantly impact how major e-commerce platforms operate in Indonesia. Marketplaces may face stricter obligations related to fee structures, seller protections, and domestic product prioritization.

The changes could particularly benefit local MSMEs, which play a major role in Indonesia’s economy but often struggle with rising costs on digital platforms.

For international and regional e-commerce companies, the upcoming regulation may also indicate stronger localization requirements and increased government involvement in marketplace operations.

Source

E-Commerce Opens Employment Opportunities for Women; 27% of Tradespeople in Istanbul Are Women

The number of women tradespeople among registered tradespeople in Istanbul, Türkiye’s metropolitan city, is gradually increasing. The share of women among tradespeople in the city has risen to 27% over the past five years. E-commerce has also played a role in this increase.

According to data from the Istanbul Union of Chambers of Tradespeople and Artisans, there are approximately 280,000 tradespeople registered with tradespeople chambers in Istanbul. Women account for 27% of this figure. This rate was 22% five years ago.

“Many People Sell Products Through Digital Platforms”

According to the announced data, this increase was associated with technological change, lighter workloads in some sectors, digital sales, and the expansion of e-commerce. The statement from the chamber included the following remarks: “Economic conditions are causing this number to rise. Although one might think the opposite, because of the impact of global problems on economies, we may witness some closures, but new fields created by technology can lead people to other professions. Many people now work from home. They sell the products they produce or source through digital platforms.”

Women Show Interest in Beauty Services Linked to E-Commerce

According to chamber data, the increase in women tradespeople has become more visible since the pandemic period. However, it has accelerated more recently as women seek a stronger role in economic life. Women are now directly involved in trade. Women tradespeople in Istanbul are especially active in handmade goods, textiles, beads, decorative objects, and jewelry design. In addition, women show interest in beauty services linked to e-commerce and training programs offered by the chambers.

The statement from the chamber included the following remarks: “E-commerce has enabled women to create space for themselves in the business world and at the same time contribute to household income. In addition, women have become more confident in presenting their skills, craft, and artistic work to customers. Women are now taking part in different areas of Istanbul’s commercial life, including neighborhood markets, taxi driving, and bus driving. State institutions also provide support that helps increase the number of women entrepreneurs. Young people are particularly interested in digital commerce because they use digital environments more easily and comfortably.”

“E-Commerce Has Changed Traditional Trade”

The statement noted the following: “E-commerce has changed traditional trade by allowing people to sell the products they produce, source, or stock through online platforms. The spread of e-commerce and the increase in trade in this field have carried traditional trade into another dimension. Physical shops will continue to exist alongside e-commerce rather than disappear. Although people turn to digital environments for trade, sometimes citizens want to go outside, breathe fresh air, and shop in person. People want to shop by walking around, talking, dealing with tradespeople, and bargaining.”

19 WTO Members Agree on Customs Duties in E-Commerce

Nineteen member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed among themselves not to impose customs duties on e-commerce. The agreement came into effect on Friday, May 8. While Brazil maintained its four-year veto against the extension of the e-commerce moratorium, Türkiye reportedly withdrew its objection, having previously opposed the extension of the e-commerce moratorium. Experts emphasize that “the new agreement cannot replace the expired global e- commerce moratorium.”

At a high-level WTO meeting held last March in Yaounde, Cameroon, the long-standing e-commerce moratorium on customs duties for cross-border streaming and downloads could not be renewed. At the WTO talks in Geneva on Thursday, May 7, an important step was taken regarding global e-commerce customs duties.

Brazil Did Not Step Back; Türkiye Withdrew Its Objection

At the talks in Geneva, 19 WTO countries launched an agreement among themselves on Thursday not to impose customs duties on e-commerce after no agreement could be reached to end the deadlock with Brazil. Brazil maintained its opposition to extending the global agreement for four years. A WTO member stated that Türkiye had withdrawn its previous objection. The 19 countries that reached the agreement include the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Norway and Argentina.

What Is the E-Commerce Moratorium?

The moratorium, adopted in 1998 and regularly renewed since then, prevents the imposition of customs duties on cross-border electronic transmissions such as music or film streaming and software downloads. WTO members with large digital economies, such as the U.S., the European Union, Canada and Japan, argue that it provides predictability for global digital trade and want it to be made permanent.

The Agreement of 19 Countries Came Into Effect on May 8

At the talks in Geneva, 19 WTO countries announced that they had agreed among themselves not to impose customs duties on electronic transmissions for an unspecified period. The final text came into effect on May 8. The document stated: “Nonetheless, this group of Members remains committed to doing what we can to provide businesses and consumers with a measure of predictability and certainty in the absence of the multilateral E-Commerce Moratorium.”

At MC13 in March 2024, WTO members adopted the most recent ministerial decision on the issue, extending the practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until the 14th Ministerial Conference or March 31, 2026, whichever came earlier.

What Does the New Agreement Mean?

The lapse of the WTO e-commerce moratorium weakens one of the longest-standing global understandings underpinning e-commerce. A 19-member agreement may preserve duty-free treatment among participating economies, but it also points to a more fragmented environment in which rules for electronic transmissions could increasingly depend on partial arrangements rather than WTO-wide consensus.

Surprise in the E-Commerce Moratorium: 23 Countries Reached an Agreement Among Themselves!

Meta Fights $11,600 Penalty in India Over Facebook Marketplace Classification

Meta Platforms has approached India’s top consumer court to challenge the classification of Facebook Marketplace as an “e-commerce platform” under the country’s consumer protection regulations. The legal dispute could have major implications for how social media platforms are regulated in India’s growing digital commerce ecosystem.

The case stems from a January 2026 order issued by India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which investigated the alleged sale of unauthorized walkie-talkies on Facebook Marketplace. The regulator imposed a ₹10 lakh penalty on Meta and argued that Facebook Marketplace falls under the definition of an e-commerce entity.

Meta, however, argues that Facebook Marketplace functions only as a digital notice board where users can post listings, rather than a transaction-enabled marketplace like Amazon or Flipkart. According to the company, it neither processes payments nor earns commissions from transactions conducted through the platform.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has admitted it’s appeal and temporarily restrained the CCPA from taking coercive action against the company. The next hearing is scheduled for October 2026.

Why Meta’s India Case Matters for E-commerce Regulation

The outcome could reshape how governments regulate social commerce platforms and peer-to-peer marketplaces. If Facebook Marketplace is officially categorized as an e-commerce platform, Meta may face stricter compliance obligations related to consumer protection, product liability, and seller accountability in India.

The case also highlights the growing global scrutiny facing major tech platforms, especially around marketplace accountability, consumer safety, and platform governance.

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MercadoLibre Revenue Jumps 49% as E-Commerce Demand Accelerates Across Latin America

Latin American e-commerce and fintech giant MercadoLibre reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter revenue results, driven by rising online shopping activity and continued growth in its digital payments ecosystem. The company posted its fastest revenue expansion in nearly four years, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s most influential digital commerce platforms.

MercadoLibre generated $8.8 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 49% year-over-year increase and surpassing analysts’ expectations of approximately $8.3 billion. The company’s performance was fueled by strong consumer demand across its marketplace operations as well as sustained momentum from Mercado Pago, its fintech and digital payments division.

Despite the strong top-line growth, profitability came under pressure as the company increased investments in logistics infrastructure, free shipping initiatives, and credit expansion strategies. Net profit declined 15.6% year-over-year to $417 million, falling below market expectations for the fourth consecutive quarter. Following the earnings release, MercadoLibre shares experienced a slight decline as investors reacted to margin pressures despite the revenue beat.

MercadoLibre Expands Its Regional E-Commerce Dominance

MercadoLibre continues to strengthen its leadership across Latin America, particularly in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina — its three largest markets. The company has been aggressively investing in fulfillment centers, delivery capabilities, and financial services to deepen customer engagement and compete more effectively against both regional and global rivals.The company’s integrated ecosystem has become a key competitive advantage. By combining e-commerce, logistics, digital payments, and credit services under one platform, MercadoLibre has managed to create a highly interconnected commerce environment for consumers and merchants alike. Analysts increasingly view this strategy as critical to sustaining long-term growth in the region’s evolving digital economy.

Mercado Pago also remains one of the company’s strongest growth engines. The fintech division continues to expand its user base by offering digital wallets, payment processing, consumer credit, and merchant financing solutions in markets where traditional banking penetration remains relatively low. This positions MercadoLibre at the center of Latin America’s accelerating transition toward digital finance.

While short-term profitability pressures persist due to aggressive reinvestment, many investors continue to focus on MercadoLibre’s long-term expansion potential. The company’s ongoing investments in logistics efficiency, customer acquisition, and financial services are widely viewed as strategic moves designed to strengthen market share and support future scalability.MercadoLibre’s latest results also highlight the broader resilience of the Latin American e-commerce sector, where rising internet penetration, mobile commerce adoption, and digital payment usage continue to reshape consumer behavior across the region.

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

Economic Growth and Digital Retail Expansion in Greece

Türkiye Emerges as a Strategic Growth Engine

Profitability Pressured by Investments and Funding Costs

Regional E-Commerce Competition Intensifies

AI Becomes the Core of Allegro’s Growth Strategy

OpenAI Collaboration Could Reshape European Marketplace Competition

Poland Emerges as a Growing AI Commerce Hub

What Happened?

Jewelry and Fashion Lead the Growth

Digital Shopping Habits Continue to Grow

Consumers Warned About Online Fraud Risks

What This Means for Türkiye’s E-Commerce Sector

What Happened?

Why Is Indonesia Revising the Rules?

Indonesia Increases Oversight of Digital Platforms

What This Means for the Industry

“Many People Sell Products Through Digital Platforms”

Women Show Interest in Beauty Services Linked to E-Commerce

“E-Commerce Has Changed Traditional Trade”

Brazil Did Not Step Back; Türkiye Withdrew Its Objection

What Is the E-Commerce Moratorium?

The Agreement of 19 Countries Came Into Effect on May 8

What Does the New Agreement Mean?

Why Meta’s India Case Matters for E-commerce Regulation

MercadoLibre Expands Its Regional E-Commerce Dominance

“App Addiction” at Record Levels in Indonesia