e-commerce - WORLDEF

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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World Customs Organization Warns: Illicit Trade Shifts to E-Commerce

The “Illicit Trade Report 2025” published by the World Customs Organization revealed that cross-border movements of illicit goods are increasingly shifting toward e-commerce, postal, parcel, and express courier networks. According to the report, which is based on 163,850 cases reported by a total of 170 customs administrations, e-commerce has become a major logistics channel used in 44.8 percent of global cases.

World Customs Organization Draws Attention to Small Parcels

The report stated that 68.2 percent of counterfeit goods cases, 65.1 percent of counterfeit medical product cases, and 62.6 percent of cannabis cases were detected in parcel and postal systems. In addition, 23.9 percent of environmental crime cases and 23.6 percent of security-related cases involving weapons, restricted drones, and tactical equipment were found to be connected to these channels.

World Customs Organization Secretary General Ian Saunders stated that the use of e-commerce, postal, and courier networks by criminal organizations points to a fundamental shift in the distribution of illicit goods. Saunders said customs administrations must respond to this development with agile, intelligence-led, and forward-looking methods.

E-Commerce Channel Comes to the Fore in Synthetic Drugs

Seizures involving new psychoactive substances doubled compared with 2024, reaching 7,721 cases. Postal and courier networks were used extensively because these products can be transported in small and lightweight parcels. Fentanyl seizures accounted for 30.6 percent of opioid cases in 2025.

South Africa was recorded as a major point of origin for illicit diamonds and semi-precious stones shipped to Asia and the Middle East. Namibia ranked third worldwide in cannabis seizures with 60.6 tonnes, while South Africa ranked ninth. Global cannabis seizures reached 548.8 tonnes. The transportation of counterfeit medical products in small parcels in West and Central Africa was also identified as a significant risk.

AI-Powered Inspections on the Agenda

The World Customs Organization states that artificial intelligence and machine learning can strengthen risk assessment, fraud detection, and cargo inspections. The organization is calling for improved data quality, greater information sharing, and coordinated efforts between customs administrations and e-commerce, retail, logistics, and courier companies.

The World Customs Organization Approved Dubai Customs’ Cross-Border E-Commerce Platform as a “Global Model”

Vietnam and Cambodia Target $20 Billion Trade with Cross-Border E-Commerce Push

PHNOM PENH – Vietnam and Cambodia are strengthening cooperation in cross-border e-commerce as both nations seek to accelerate exports, deepen digital trade ties, and achieve an ambitious bilateral trade target of $20 billion in the coming years.

The initiative was highlighted during a seminar in Phnom Penh jointly organized by Vietnam’s E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the Vietnam Trade Office in Cambodia, and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC). The event brought together government officials, business leaders, and exporters to discuss how digital commerce can expand market access and create new growth opportunities for companies in both countries.

Bilateral Trade Continues to Grow

Trade between Vietnam and Cambodia exceeded $11.3 billion in 2025, reflecting growing economic ties between the neighboring countries. Officials believe cross-border e-commerce will play a critical role in nearly doubling that figure by enabling businesses-particularly small and medium-sized enterprises-to sell directly to consumers across borders.

Nguyen Anh Vu, head of the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade delegation, described digital commerce as a new engine for economic growth that can strengthen supply chains while expanding export opportunities for local businesses.

Digital Economy Creates New Opportunities

Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets. The country’s online retail sector reached an estimated $31 billion in 2025, growing more than 25% year over year, with around 60% of the population shopping online. Cambodia, meanwhile, is experiencing rapid digital transformation driven by increasing internet penetration, a young consumer base, and wider adoption of digital payment solutions.

Officials from both countries noted that their geographic proximity and improving logistics networks create favorable conditions for cross-border online trade, allowing businesses to reach customers more efficiently through digital platforms.

Focus on Business Collaboration

The seminar also explored policies supporting online exports, consumer purchasing trends, e-commerce infrastructure, and future cooperation between Vietnamese and Cambodian businesses. Companies from both countries showcased products and discussed potential commercial partnerships during networking sessions.

Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Vice President Tan Monivann said the country’s digital economy is still developing but can benefit from Vietnam’s experience in e-commerce regulation and digital trade. He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to supporting investment in manufacturing, food processing, and technology sectors.

Industry representatives believe stronger digital cooperation will not only increase bilateral trade but also improve supply chain efficiency and enhance regional competitiveness as Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market continues to expand.

As ASEAN economies accelerate digital transformation, Vietnam and Cambodia are positioning cross-border e-commerce as a strategic pillar for export growth, offering businesses faster access to regional and global consumers.

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Print on Demand: The E-Commerce Model Where AI Directly Drives Revenue

By Muhammet Emin Kantarci | CEO, Podbul Inc.

Imagine an e-commerce business model where you don’t need to hold inventory, you don’t deal with 3PL warehousing, shipping, or logistics, and international tariff wars keep raising prices, but you are not directly affected because your products are produced domestically. You can expand to global markets faster because you don’t tie your capital to inventory and can allocate most of it to marketing and growth. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it is not, and I am not talking about dropshipping. The Print on Demand (POD) business model, where products are manufactured only after a sale is made, is exactly that.

In simple terms, Print on Demand is an e-commerce fulfillment model where a product is produced only after a customer places an order, allowing sellers to test designs, various products, enter new markets, and scale without carrying inventory upfront. You don’t need inventory because your product is produced after you have already made a sale. You don’t need warehousing because you don’t hold inventory.

You are also not immediately affected by unexpected import tariffs, like the ones we have witnessed frequently in the U.S. over the past year, because you work with a local U.S. print provider like Podbul, which handles production, shipping, and fulfillment directly within the U.S. and delivers the products to your customers.

The Print on Demand model covers a wide range of categories

Not every product category is suitable for the Print on Demand business model, but it does cover a wide range of categories. From a personalized first Father’s Day shirt for a new dad, to wall art featuring a French bulldog reading a newspaper, or a Christmas ornament for a newlywed couple, the possibilities are endless. One out of every three products sold on Etsy marketplace, which is one of the leading marketplaces for this business model, is a personalized product. As such, the sky is the limit.

Entrepreneurs selling with the POD model solely focus on trend following and making designs that go on physical products like shirts, wall art, phone cases, and ornaments. If they make a sale, their Print on Demand provider, like Podbul, prints their design on the physical product and ships it locally and directly to their customer.

The entrepreneur is happy because they do not deal with the biggest problem areas of e-commerce: sourcing, shipping, logistics, or international tariffs. The end consumer is happy because they get a familiar product with a local “ship from” address within a quick time frame compared to international shipping. But the design is the product itself that the POD seller sells. So, does one have to be a designer to run this model successfully?

Until recently, you had to be a graphic designer, or at least technical enough to use design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. You had to manually vectorize artwork files and place them on realistic product mockups like T-shirts or posters. The rapid advancement in artificial intelligence image generation models in 2025 changed this completely. Advanced AI models like Nano Banana Pro, Flux 2.0, and more recently Image GPT 2.0, can now do much of the hard work and provide ready-to-print, ready-to-sell artwork for print on demand. Additionally, there are now AI models that can even vectorize a design for ease of customization.

As such, the Print on Demand business model is one of the few areas of commerce where AI directly drives revenue. I am not talking about increasing productivity, better SEO, automating tasks, etc. In Print on Demand, the design and artwork are the product itself. People don’t go on Etsy because they want a nice red T-shirt that matches their white shorts.

They go on Etsy to buy a red first Mother’s Day gift for their best friend. Until the advancement of AI, a person who was not a designer or technical enough to use design tools could not easily make a customizable design that could be sold and bought. But designing alone is not enough. You must have a reliable print partner that will produce and send your finished products to your customer in a timely and efficient manner, with a price point where they are not the only one making a profit.

At Podbul, we fix a major problem. The barriers to enter the U.S. e-commerce space were too high. Entrepreneurs needed to tie a lot of capital to physical products, make their own shipping arrangements, secure storage, use 3PL warehousing, and deal with constantly changing tariff regulations. For an experienced seller, those are already difficult problems to overcome, but for someone just starting out, they could be the deal breaker. There were already internationally known major Print on Demand providers with billion-dollar valuations, but their pricing was just not right for the e-commerce seller. They also lacked a proper understanding of how e-commerce works at a marketplace level, like Etsy and Amazon, and left their sellers alone to figure out how to be successful.

Today, our software connects our high-volume New York-based production center to 1,000 entrepreneurs in Türkiye and around the world. It is our own production line; we don’t do print brokerage or add commissions on someone else’s production. Since we produce on our own, we also own any mistakes or responsibility and can take rapid action when manufacturing challenges arise.

On top of this, the advanced AI models that are already integrated with Podbul are fine-tuned for the perfect Print on Demand design. Our users do everything within the Podbul platform, from designing to mockup generation to listing on Etsy and Shopify. Finally, we provide educational content, courses, and in-person events so our sellers can go on to the next level. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from selling on Etsy to selling on Amazon, U.S. company formation, and more. Everything an entrepreneur would need to start their e-commerce journey is at Podbul.

The U.S. print-on-demand (POD) market is experiencing rapid expansion and is expected to reach $15.5 billion by 2033. Our mission is to have Podbul lead the way as a fully vertical solution, not just as a print provider, but as a full Print on Demand ecosystem that allows entrepreneurs from Türkiye and across the globe to take a piece of this tremendous market.

WORLDEF MAGAZINE

Shahbandr Rebrands as “Komrz”: Global E-Commerce Expansion with AI Assistant Komi

Saudi Arabia-based e-commerce platform Shahbandr announced that it will continue its operations under the “Komrz” brand. As part of the rebranding process, the company is transitioning from its regional operations in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to a global growth model covering Gulf Cooperation Council countries and European markets. The company also introduced Komi, an artificial intelligence assistant that enables merchants to manage their daily operations through text commands.

Komrz Reached More Than 20,000 Merchants in Three Years

Founded in 2023 under the name “Shahbandr,” the company built a network of more than 20,000 merchants across Saudi Arabia and Egypt during its three years of operations. During this period, the platform developed built-in video commerce features and early-stage agentic commerce infrastructure for merchants.

Komrz CEO Shady Abdelshaheed stated that they had earned the trust of thousands of merchants under the Shahbandr brand and said that the company’s ambitions had grown. Abdelshaheed noted that the new name represents a new phase focused on artificial intelligence, international expansion, and next-generation infrastructure for global merchants.

Komrz Introduces AI Assistant Komi

As part of the rebranding, Komrz introduced Komi, an artificial intelligence assistant that enables merchants to manage their daily operations through text commands. Komi was developed to help merchants automate routine tasks using simple text commands, accelerate their operations, and communicate more effectively with customers. The company aims to transform artificial intelligence into a commercial tool that business owners can use directly.

Abdelshaheed stated that Komi was not developed merely for the sake of innovation, adding that artificial intelligence would serve as a daily assistant for e-commerce merchants and support operational efficiency and decision-making processes.

Video Commerce, Marketing, and Analytics on a Single Platform

Komrz will enable traditional retailers, entrepreneurs, and digital brands to establish online stores through ready-to-use e-commerce infrastructure that requires no technical expertise. Merchants will be able to integrate video commerce and live-streaming features into their stores.

The artificial intelligence tools available on the platform will offer functions such as creating store designs, preparing marketing content, and generating product images and videos. Real-time analytics will be used to monitor market conditions and retail trends.

Payment and Logistics Integrations Expanded

Komrz will offer connections to payment and buy-now-pay-later providers including Moyasar, Tabby, Tamara, and EdfaPay in the MENA region, as well as Stripe, PayPal, and Klarna in Europe. Logistics processes will be supported through integrations with DHL, Aramex, FedEx, UPS, Zajil, and SMSA. As part of the expansion process launched in July 2026, the company plans to combine artificial intelligence, global payment solutions, and integrated logistics services within a single e-commerce ecosystem.

Shahbandr and Tamara Partner to Empower Over 18,000 Online Stores with BNPL Solutions

Saudi Arabia Sees 23% Surge in E-Commerce Business Registrations in Q2 2026

Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector continued its rapid expansion during the second quarter of 2026, with the number of commercial registrations for online businesses increasing by 23% year over year, underscoring the Kingdom’s accelerating digital transformation and growing entrepreneurial activity.

According to newly released official figures, commercial registrations for e-commerce businesses reached 48,497 by the end of Q2 2026, up from 39,366 during the same period a year earlier. The figures highlight the sustained momentum of Saudi Arabia’s online retail ecosystem as digital commerce adoption continues to rise across consumers and businesses.

Digital Economy Continues to Accelerate

The increase reflects the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy through digital innovation under Vision 2030. Government initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, digital payments, logistics modernization, and SME development have helped create a favorable environment for online businesses.

The growing number of licensed e-commerce companies also indicates increasing confidence among entrepreneurs looking to establish digital-first businesses across retail, services, and marketplace platforms.

Strong Momentum Across Online Retail

Saudi Arabia has become one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets, driven by high internet penetration, widespread smartphone usage, and expanding digital payment infrastructure.

Industry analysts note that consumer demand for convenient online shopping, combined with investments in fulfillment networks and last-mile delivery services, continues to encourage new businesses to enter the market.

The continued rise in commercial registrations suggests that competition within the Kingdom’s e-commerce sector is expected to intensify as more merchants transition to digital channels.

Vision 2030 Driving Digital Business Growth

The latest registration figures align with Saudi Arabia‘s long-term strategy to build a diversified digital economy. Authorities have introduced multiple initiatives aimed at simplifying business formation, encouraging innovation, and increasing private-sector participation in technology-driven industries.

As digital commerce becomes an increasingly important contributor to economic activity, continued growth in business registrations is expected to support employment, investment, and cross-border trade opportunities throughout the Kingdom.

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UK and Kenya Open Negotiations on Landmark Digital Trade Agreement

The United Kingdom and Kenya have officially launched negotiations on a comprehensive digital trade agreement designed to strengthen economic ties, expand digital commerce, and attract greater technology investment between the two countries.

The proposed agreement is expected to establish a modern framework for digital trade by improving the flow of online services, supporting innovation, and reducing barriers for businesses operating across both markets. The initiative reflects the growing importance of digital economies in international trade and builds on the long-standing commercial relationship between the UK and Kenya.

Focus on E-Commerce and Digital Innovation

Negotiators aim to create rules that facilitate cross-border digital transactions while encouraging investment in technology-driven industries. The agreement is expected to benefit businesses ranging from startups and fintech firms to e-commerce platforms and digital service providers.

Among the key objectives are improving regulatory cooperation, promoting trusted digital trade, supporting secure data flows, and creating a more predictable business environment for companies expanding internationally.

The partnership is also intended to encourage innovation by enabling businesses to adopt new digital technologies and expand access to international markets.

Strengthening Kenya’s Digital Economy

For Kenya, the negotiations represent another step in advancing its ambition to become a leading digital economy in Africa. The country has experienced rapid growth in mobile payments, online retail, financial technology, and digital entrepreneurship over the past decade.

A digital trade agreement with the UK could help Kenyan businesses access new export opportunities while attracting foreign investment into technology infrastructure, digital services, and innovation ecosystems.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up a significant share of Kenya’s economy, are also expected to benefit from simplified digital trade processes and improved market access.

Expanding Opportunities for UK Businesses

For the United Kingdom, the agreement supports its broader strategy of deepening trade relationships with high-growth economies following Brexit. By strengthening digital cooperation with Kenya, British companies could gain greater access to one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology markets.

The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for businesses operating in sectors including cloud computing, financial technology, cybersecurity, digital logistics, artificial intelligence, and professional digital services.

Building on Existing Trade Relations

The negotiations complement the existing trade partnership between the UK and Kenya while shifting greater attention toward the digital economy. As global commerce increasingly moves online, both governments are seeking to establish trade rules that reflect modern business practices and support long-term economic growth.

If concluded, the agreement could become one of Africa’s most significant bilateral digital trade partnerships, serving as a model for future digital economy agreements between developed and emerging markets.

Officials from both countries will continue discussions over the coming months as they work toward a comprehensive framework that promotes innovation, enhances digital connectivity, and supports sustainable growth in cross-border e-commerce and technology investment.

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Galaxus Becomes Switzerland’s Largest Online Retailer, Overtaking Zalando

ZURICH – Swiss online retailer Galaxus has become the country’s largest e-commerce platform by online revenue, surpassing fashion marketplace Zalando in a shift that underscores the growing competitiveness of domestic digital retailers in Europe.

The latest annual ranking of Switzerland’s biggest online stores, compiled by Swiss e-commerce consultancy Carpathia, estimates Galaxus generated approximately CHF 2.3 billion in online sales, moving ahead of Zalando by roughly CHF 480 million. The milestone marks the first time the Migros-owned marketplace has claimed the top position in the Swiss e-commerce market.

Galaxus Claims the Top Spot in Swiss Ecommerce

The rankings also reveal the increasing scale of online retail in Switzerland, with four companies now exceeding CHF 1 billion in annual online revenue. Alongside Galaxus and Zalando, electronics retailer Digitec and international marketplace Temu have joined the billion-franc club, reflecting both sustained consumer demand and intensifying competition across digital commerce.

Four Retailers Now Generate More Than CHF 1 Billion Online

The emergence of four billion-franc ecommerce businesses highlights the continued maturity of Switzerland’s digital retail market. While established players continue to grow, newer entrants are reshaping consumer expectations through competitive pricing, broader product assortments, and enhanced digital shopping experiences.

Growth Fueled by Marketplace Expansion and Customer Demand

Galaxus’ rise has been driven by years of investment in marketplace expansion, logistics infrastructure, and product assortment. Originally focused on electronics through its sister platform Digitec, the company has steadily broadened its offering to include categories ranging from home and garden to fashion, beauty, sports equipment, and groceries. That diversification has helped position the platform as a comprehensive online shopping destination for Swiss consumers.

According to company figures, the Galaxus Group reported 17% growth in platform sales during 2025, reaching CHF 3.8 billion across all markets. The retailer also added approximately 500,000 new customers over the year, bringing its customer base to around 5 million. While Switzerland remains its core market, Galaxus has continued expanding its footprint in neighboring European countries, particularly Germany, where it has invested in localized operations and customer services.

Expansion Beyond Switzerland

Although its domestic business remains the foundation of its success, Galaxus has accelerated international growth by strengthening logistics capabilities and tailoring its marketplace to local customer needs. The company’s expansion strategy reflects a broader trend among European retailers seeking growth beyond their home markets.

Competition Intensifies Across the Swiss Ecommerce Market

Industry analysts say Galaxus’ performance reflects a broader trend in European e-commerce, where regional marketplaces are strengthening their positions by leveraging local market expertise, reliable delivery networks, and customer trust. Rather than competing solely on price, many domestic platforms have differentiated themselves through wider product availability, responsive customer support, and integrated marketplace ecosystems that connect third-party merchants with consumers.

The latest rankings also illustrate the increasingly diverse nature of Switzerland’s e-commerce landscape. While Zalando remains one of the country’s leading online retailers in fashion, newer entrants such as Temu have rapidly expanded their presence by attracting price-conscious shoppers with extensive product selections and aggressive promotional strategies. Established retailers, meanwhile, continue investing in omnichannel capabilities to meet changing consumer expectations.

What Galaxus’ Leadership Means for European E-commerce

Despite growing international competition, Switzerland remains one of Europe’s most mature e-commerce markets, supported by high internet penetration, strong purchasing power, and widespread adoption of digital payment solutions. Consumers are also placing greater emphasis on delivery speed, product availability, and post-purchase service, encouraging retailers to strengthen their logistics capabilities and invest in technology-driven customer experiences.

Galaxus’ ascent to the top of the Swiss online retail rankings signals more than a change in market leadership. It highlights the ability of regional e-commerce platforms to compete successfully against international players by combining localized expertise with scalable digital operations. As competition intensifies across Europe, retailers are expected to continue investing in marketplace expansion, fulfillment efficiency, and customer experience as key drivers of long-term growth.

For the broader European e-commerce industry, the Swiss market offers an important example of how domestic platforms can thrive in an increasingly global marketplace. While international brands continue to expand across borders, Galaxus’ success demonstrates that local knowledge, operational excellence, and sustained investment can remain powerful competitive advantages in the evolving digital economy.

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Amazon Tightens Fulfilled by Merchant Requirements Across Europe

Amazon is introducing stricter performance requirements for merchants using its Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) program, signaling a stronger focus on delivery reliability and customer experience. The updated rules will require sellers to maintain higher delivery standards or risk having their listings deactivated on the marketplace.

Amazon has announced significant changes to its FBM policies, particularly in Germany and the United Kingdom, as it seeks to improve delivery performance and provide more accurate delivery promises to customers. Under the new requirements, sellers will need to maintain an On-Time Delivery Rate (OTDR) of at least 90 percent, with stricter enforcement measures beginning later this year.

Starting on September 1, 2026, German sellers that fail to meet the required delivery standards may see affected listings deactivated and could lose the ability to add new FBM products. Similar requirements are also being introduced for Amazon Business orders, where merchants will be expected to achieve at least a 90 percent business-hour delivery rate beginning September 30. Non-compliant listings for business customers may be removed from October 30 onwards.

Amazon is also tightening its handling time requirements. In the UK, account-level default handling times will be limited to zero-day and one-day options from July 15, 2026. Additionally, the company plans to automatically adjust handling times on products where sellers consistently outperform their own stated processing estimates.

Amazon Expands Fulfillment Requirements as New Cross-Border Regulations Take Effect

The policy updates coincide with new European Union customs regulations affecting cross-border e-commerce shipments. From July 1, 2026, merchants shipping low-value orders from outside the EU into the bloc must use approved carriers and provide enhanced customs documentation, including product-level information and Amazon’s Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) details for eligible shipments.

The new requirements reflect Amazon’s broader strategy of raising operational standards across its marketplace ecosystem. For merchants, the changes underscore the growing importance of delivery performance, logistics efficiency, and regulatory compliance in maintaining visibility and competitiveness on one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms.

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