online commerce

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

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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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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Etsy Cuts 12% of Workforce Days After $1.4 Billion Depop Sale

Etsy is restructuring its business and cutting around 200 jobs just days after receiving $1.4 billion from the sale of its Depop marketplace to eBay, creating a striking contrast between the company’s fresh cash injection and its decision to reduce its workforce.

The company announced the layoffs on August 5, with the cuts affecting approximately 12% of its workforce. Most of the impacted positions are in product and engineering, according to reports. Etsy said the restructuring is designed to simplify its organizational structure, improve coordination and accelerate decision-making.

Layoffs Follow Strong Second-Quarter Performance

The workforce reduction came alongside Etsy’s second-quarter results, which showed continued growth in its core marketplace.

Etsy Marketplace revenue increased 9.3% year over year, while gross merchandise sales (GMS) rose 7.5% to approximately $2.6 billion. The company also reported comparable net income of $114 million, representing an increase of more than 50% from the previous year.

The results suggest that the layoffs are not simply a response to deteriorating marketplace performance. Instead, Etsy is positioning the restructuring as part of a broader effort to make the company more focused and efficient.

CEO Kruti Patel Goyal said cost savings would be a consequence of the restructuring rather than its primary objective. She also said the layoffs were not driven by artificial intelligence, although Etsy continues to use AI in product development and other areas of the business.

$1.4 Billion Depop Sale Adds to the Restructuring Story

The timing of the layoffs has drawn particular attention because Etsy completed the $1.4 billion sale of Depop to eBay on July 30, only six days before announcing the workforce reductions.

The transaction is part of Etsy’s broader strategy to streamline its portfolio and concentrate resources on its core marketplace. The company previously sold Reverb, another marketplace business, in 2025.

Rather than using the proceeds primarily to expand its workforce, Etsy is simultaneously restructuring its organization and returning capital to shareholders. The company has authorized an additional $2 billion share repurchase program.

Etsy Refocuses on Its Core Marketplace

The latest moves highlight a broader shift in Etsy’s strategy: moving away from operating multiple marketplaces and toward strengthening its flagship Etsy platform.

The company expects the restructuring to be substantially completed by the end of the third quarter of 2026. Employees affected by the cuts are expected to receive severance packages, including at least 16 weeks of pay and extended healthcare coverage, according to the company’s disclosures.

For Etsy, the combination of marketplace growth, portfolio divestments, workforce restructuring and a major share-buyback authorization signals a more focused phase of its business strategy.

The company is now betting that a leaner organization and greater concentration on its core marketplace can translate recent financial momentum into sustainable long-term growth.

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Hepsiburada Reports 13.4% Order Growth in Q2 2026 as GMV Reaches TRY 56.7 Billion

Hepsiburada continued to expand customer activity and order volumes in the second quarter of 2026, highlighting the Turkish e-commerce platform’s growing transaction scale despite continued pressure on profitability.

The company reported 19.5 million orders in Q2, up 13.4% from the same period last year, while the number of active customers reached 11.5 million. Order frequency also increased, suggesting that existing customers are shopping more frequently on the platform.

Orders Rise as Customers Shop More Frequently

One of the strongest signals from Hepsiburada’s latest results was the increase in purchasing frequency.

Customers placed an average of 7.4 orders during the quarter, compared with 6.5 orders in Q2 2025. At the same time, active customers increased 2.5% year over year.

However, the higher order volume was accompanied by a 9.4% decline in average order value, reflecting changes in consumer purchasing behavior.

Hepsiburada’s marketplace remained the main driver of its commerce business, accounting for 68.6% of GMV during the quarter.

GMV Growth Remains Positive

Hepsiburada generated TRY 56.7 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) during Q2, up 2.8% year over year. Revenue increased 3.1% to TRY 22.8 billion.

Looking at the first half of 2026, the growth picture becomes stronger. GMV reached TRY 118.6 billion, representing a 14.7% increase from the first half of 2025.

Total orders for the first six months reached 39.8 million, up 17.7% year over year.

The figures point to continued expansion in transaction activity, even as the platform operates in an environment where consumers are becoming more selective about spending.

Profitability Becomes a Key Challenge

While customer engagement improved, Hepsiburada faced greater pressure on its bottom line.

The company recorded a TRY 1.89 billion net loss in Q2, compared with a TRY 956.2 million loss in the same period last year.

EBITDA also declined to TRY 239.2 million from TRY 976.9 million a year earlier.

Hepsiburada said its results reflected continued investments in growth initiatives, highlighting the challenge of balancing expansion with profitability as the platform scales.

Hepsiburada Expands Into Consumer Finance

Beyond its core marketplace operations, the company is also continuing to build out its broader commerce ecosystem.

In June, Hepsiburada launched Hepsitaksit, a new financing product designed to give customers additional flexibility when making purchases.

During its first month, transactions through Hepsitaksit represented 0.4% of total GMV, marking an early step in the company’s efforts to integrate financial services more closely with its e-commerce platform.

A Mixed Picture for Turkish E-Commerce

Hepsiburada’s Q2 results offer a broader snapshot of the evolving Turkish e-commerce market.

The platform is attracting more orders and encouraging customers to shop more frequently, while GMV continues to grow over the first half of the year. At the same time, lower average order values and increased investment are creating pressure on profitability.

As Hepsiburada moves into the second half of 2026, the key question will be whether it can turn stronger customer engagement and higher transaction volumes into more sustainable financial performance.

For now, the company’s latest results show an e-commerce business continuing to scale – but with efficiency and profitability becoming increasingly important alongside growth.

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ONDC Crosses 500 Million Transactions as India Expands Open Digital Commerce Network

India’s government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has surpassed 500 million cumulative transactions, marking a major milestone as the network expands beyond traditional e-commerce into mobility, public transport, logistics and other digital services.

ONDC Reaches 500 Million Transactions

ONDC crossed the 500 million cumulative transaction mark in July 2026, highlighting the rapid growth of India’s open digital commerce infrastructure.

The network recorded just 0.2 million transactions in FY2023 before reaching 218 million transactions during FY2026. Its ecosystem now includes more than 200,000 active retail merchants and over 1 million service providers across mobility and logistics.

Expansion Beyond E-Commerce

ONDC is increasingly being used for services beyond online shopping. More than 1 million drivers have joined the network’s ride-hailing ecosystem, while around 80% of India’s metro ticketing inventory is now available through ONDC.

As of June 2026, the network was facilitating more than 370,000 public transport trips per day through over 35 buyer applications, covering nine metro systems and four city bus operators.

The network is also expanding into tourism, agriculture and other service categories.

Supporting Small Businesses and Farmers

ONDC is playing a growing role in helping India’s small businesses participate in the digital economy.

Through the MSME TEAM Initiative, the Indian government has approved ₹277.35 crore for FY2025–FY2027. The programme supports MSMEs with onboarding, product cataloguing, account management, logistics and packaging.

More than 800 independent sellers and eight aggregator entities representing over 1,500 Farmer Producer Organisations have also joined the network through the Amazing India initiative.

Growing Logistics and Retail Ecosystem

ONDC’s logistics ecosystem includes more than 50 hyperlocal logistics providers, while over 60,000 merchants are using ONDC Logistics.

More than 50 brands across food delivery, quick commerce, pharmacy and other retail categories are also leveraging the network across more than 150 cities.

The DigiDukaan initiative has further supported digital adoption among local retailers, with more than 13,000 kirana stores onboarded across Hyderabad and Jaipur.

Building an Open Digital Commerce Infrastructure

Unlike conventional e-commerce marketplaces, ONDC operates as an open and interoperable network that allows buyers and sellers using different applications to connect through common standards.

The model is designed to reduce dependence on individual platforms while creating greater opportunities for businesses, consumers and service providers to participate in India’s digital economy.

The milestone of 500 million transactions reflects ONDC’s evolution from an e-commerce initiative into a broader digital public infrastructure connecting commerce, mobility, logistics and public services.

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