online commerce

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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CarrefourSA Completes Majority Ownership Transfer to Yeni Mağazacılık

Ownership Transfer Officially Completed

ISTANBUL – CarrefourSA has officially completed the transfer of its majority ownership to Yeni Mağazacılık A.Ş., the retail company behind Türkiye’s discount chain A101, following the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

The transaction covers 89.28% of CarrefourSA’s shares, previously held by Sabancı Holding and Carrefour Nederland BV. With the closing of the deal, CarrefourSA becomes part of Aydın Group’s retail portfolio under Yeni Mağazacılık.

CarrefourSA and A101 to Continue as Separate Brands

Despite the acquisition, CarrefourSA and A101 will continue to operate as separate brands, maintaining independent management structures, distinct retail formats, and their existing brand identities. The companies emphasized that the integration is designed to strengthen CarrefourSA’s financial position while preserving its premium supermarket positioning, with A101 continuing to focus on the discount retail segment.

CarrefourSA will remain under the leadership of CEO Hatice Evren, who will oversee the company’s next phase of growth. Aydın Group stated that the retailer will benefit from stronger financial backing, enabling investments in customer experience, supplier partnerships, employee development, and nationwide expansion.

Growth Strategy Focuses on Expansion and Investment

According to Erhan Bostan, Board Member of Aydın Group, the company aims to leverage CarrefourSA’s strengths in fresh food, product variety, and quality while expanding its footprint across Türkiye. The group plans to increase accessibility by opening new stores and strengthening collaboration with local suppliers, contributing to employment and the country’s organized retail sector.

The completed transaction marks a significant development in Türkiye’s organized retail sector, strengthening Aydın Group’s multi-brand strategy while allowing CarrefourSA and A101 to continue serving different customer segments.

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Allegro Group GMV Rises 14% as International Expansion Accelerates

Polish e-commerce giant Allegro Group reported strong growth in the first half of 2026, with Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increasing by 13.7% year-over-year. The company also recorded a remarkable 64.8% surge in international GMV, highlighting the success of its expansion strategy across Central and Eastern Europe.

Strong First-Half Performance

Allegro Group’s preliminary second-quarter results show continued momentum despite a competitive e-commerce environment. The company’s GMV reached a 13.7% increase during the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, reflecting sustained consumer demand and healthy marketplace activity.

The performance was driven by steady growth in Allegro’s domestic Polish business, alongside rapid gains in its international operations.

International Business Continues to Expand

One of the standout highlights from the results was the company’s international marketplace performance.

International GMV increased by 64.8%, demonstrating strong customer adoption in markets including the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Allegro has continued investing in localisation, logistics capabilities and merchant acquisition to strengthen its regional presence.

The rapid international growth supports the company’s long-term ambition of becoming a leading e-commerce marketplace across Central Europe.

AI Investments and Customer Experience

According to Allegro CEO Marcin Kuśmierz, the company is maintaining strong growth by improving its core marketplace while expanding into new market segments.

He noted that Allegro continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, operational efficiency and customer-centric services to improve both the shopping experience and merchant performance.

These investments are expected to enhance product discovery, logistics optimisation and marketplace efficiency while supporting future growth.

Regional Strategy Delivers Results

Allegro’s strategy focuses on combining its established leadership in Poland with rapid expansion into neighbouring European markets.

The company’s international business has become an increasingly important growth driver, helping diversify revenue while creating additional opportunities for merchants looking to sell across borders.

Industry analysts expect continued investment in technology, logistics infrastructure and AI-powered services to support Allegro’s long-term regional ambitions.

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UK Online Retail Market Reaches Highest Share Since 2021

The United Kingdom’s e-commerce sector has reached a significant milestone, with online retail sales accounting for 29.4% of all retail spending in June – the highest share recorded in five years. The latest figures highlight the continued strength of digital commerce as consumers increasingly choose online shopping for convenience, speed, and wider product availability.

According to data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), total retail sales increased by 1.0% month-on-month in June, exceeding market expectations. Non-store retailers, which include online businesses, recorded a 4.4% monthly increase, making e-commerce the strongest-performing retail segment during the period.

Seasonal Demand Drives E-Commerce Growth

Several seasonal factors contributed to the sharp rise in online retail activity. The UK’s warm summer weather encouraged consumers to purchase products such as fans, air conditioning units, outdoor furniture, and summer clothing through digital channels.

In addition, major sporting events during the month helped stimulate consumer spending, with shoppers increasingly choosing online platforms to purchase apparel, electronics, and event-related merchandise. Retail analysts noted that digital channels benefited from both increased consumer demand and the convenience of home delivery.

Fashion and Technology Retailers Lead Online Performance

Fashion retailers were among the biggest beneficiaries of the June sales surge. Clothing and footwear stores experienced their strongest monthly growth since September, supported by seasonal collections and summer promotions.

Technology retailers also reported solid performance, with increased demand for computers, mobile devices, and telecommunications products. Meanwhile, some traditional retail categories-including department stores and household goods retailers-continued to experience weaker demand, reflecting changing shopping habits and growing consumer preference for online channels.

The figures demonstrate how e-commerce continues to outperform many brick-and-mortar retail segments as shoppers increasingly prioritise convenience and competitive pricing.

Challenges Remain Despite Positive Retail Momentum

Despite the encouraging retail figures, economists remain cautious about the outlook for the second half of the year. Rising household bills, persistent inflationary pressures, and global economic uncertainty may continue to influence consumer spending behaviour.

While consumer confidence has shown signs of improvement in recent months, retailers are expected to remain focused on promotions, loyalty programmes, and enhanced customer experiences to maintain growth in an increasingly competitive market.

What the Latest Figures Mean for the UK E-Commerce Market

The latest data reinforces the UK’s position as one of Europe’s most mature and dynamic e-commerce markets. With online sales approaching one-third of all retail spending, digital commerce continues to reshape the retail landscape.

As businesses invest in faster fulfilment, omnichannel experiences, artificial intelligence, and personalised shopping journeys, the role of e-commerce is expected to become even more significant. For retailers, the latest sales figures underline the importance of strengthening digital capabilities to meet evolving consumer expectations and sustain long-term growth.

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UNIEF and HKFEC Explore Strategic Cooperation Across Asia-Pacific

UNIEF General Secretary Burak Yalım Meets with HKFEC to Strengthen Asia-Pacific Collaboration

Burak Yalım, General Secretary of the United E-Commerce Federation (UNIEF), held a productive meeting with Joseph Yuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of E-commerce (HKFEC), to discuss opportunities for expanding international cooperation and strengthening the global e-commerce ecosystem.

The meeting focused on UNIEF’s vision of bringing together national e-commerce associations under a single global federation that promotes knowledge sharing, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable growth across the digital economy.

A key topic of discussion was the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region, one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic digital commerce markets. Both sides exchanged views on the opportunities and challenges facing e-commerce organizations across the region and emphasized the importance of stronger international cooperation among industry stakeholders.

During the meeting, Joseph Yuen expressed HKFEC’s strong support for UNIEF’s mission and shared his willingness to contribute to the federation’s expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. Drawing on HKFEC’s extensive network, he offered to facilitate introductions with leading e-commerce associations, beginning with organizations in Malaysia and Singapore, while also supporting UNIEF’s broader engagement with associations across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive international platform that enables participation from industry leaders regardless of language or geography. Both sides agreed that multilingual collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stronger institutional partnerships will play a vital role in advancing cross-border digital commerce.

Building UNIEF’s Regional Network

Burak Yalım shared UNIEF’s long-term vision of establishing a truly global federation that connects national e-commerce organizations through regional committees, collaborative initiatives, and international representation. He also outlined UNIEF’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among associations and fostering a more connected and sustainable global digital economy.

The meeting concluded with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and future collaboration. As a next step, UNIEF and HKFEC will work together to initiate discussions with e-commerce associations in Malaysia, Singapore, and other Asia-Pacific markets, supporting the federation’s mission of building a stronger and more connected international e-commerce ecosystem.