online shopping

Malaysia’s Online Shopping Boom Shows Strong 13% Growth Momentum

Malaysia’s e-commerce sector continues to accelerate, driven by a sustained surge in online shopping behavior and increasing digital adoption across the country. The latest data highlights a strong upward momentum, positioning Malaysia as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital commerce markets.

The rapid growth is largely fueled by widespread smartphone usage, improved internet connectivity, and the rising confidence of consumers in digital payment systems. With more Malaysians shifting toward online platforms for everyday purchases, the country’s retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation.

According to market insights, Malaysia’s e-commerce market is expected to maintain double-digit growth, supported by favorable government initiatives and a strong digital infrastructure. The sector is projected to grow at around 13% annually in the coming years, reflecting consistent expansion in both urban and emerging markets.

One of the key drivers behind this momentum is the country’s mobile-first consumer behavior. A large portion of online transactions are now completed via smartphones, making convenience and accessibility critical factors in shaping purchase decisions. Additionally, digital wallets and real-time payment systems are reducing friction, encouraging more users to shop online.

Mobile Shopping Behavior and Digital Payments Fuel Expansion

Malaysia’s young and tech-savvy population plays a central role in accelerating e-commerce adoption. Over 80% of consumers rely on mobile devices for shopping, while social commerce platforms such as live-stream shopping and in-app purchases are gaining traction.

At the same time, competitive dynamics among major platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop are intensifying. These companies are investing heavily in user acquisition strategies, including discounts, free shipping, and integrated entertainment experiences. As a result, online shopping is evolving beyond simple transactions into a more engaging and interactive experience.

Another notable trend is the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into digital channels. Government-backed initiatives and improved access to financial tools are enabling more businesses to participate in the e-commerce ecosystem, increasing product diversity and market competition.

Despite the rapid growth, challenges remain. Rising customer acquisition costs and increasing competition are putting pressure on profitability. Additionally, logistical barriers in rural areas continue to limit nationwide accessibility.

Nevertheless, Malaysia’s e-commerce outlook remains highly positive. With continuous investment in infrastructure, digital payments, and innovation, the country is expected to sustain its growth trajectory and further strengthen its position as a key player in Southeast Asia’s digital economy.

Source

Kiko Milano Expands with 21 Stores and a Positive E-Commerce Launch in Ukraine

Italian beauty brand Kiko Milano has officially launched its dedicated e-commerce platform in Ukraine, marking a strategic step in its ongoing omnichannel expansion across Eastern Europe. The move reflects the brand’s commitment to strengthening digital accessibility while reinforcing its established physical retail presence in the market.

The new online store, developed in partnership with exclusive distributor INTERTOP Ukraine, enables nationwide delivery and introduces a more comprehensive shopping experience for Ukrainian consumers. The platform offers an extended product assortment, curated collections, and exclusive promotional campaigns, including free shipping on selected orders.

This launch represents a significant milestone in Kiko Milano’s local market development. The brand already operates 21 physical stores across Ukraine, and the introduction of a dedicated e-commerce channel is positioned as a natural next step in its growth strategy.

Strengthening Omnichannel Retail Strategy

Kiko Milano’s expansion into e-commerce aligns with a broader industry shift toward integrated retail models that combine physical and digital touchpoints. By complementing its brick-and-mortar footprint with an online platform, the brand enhances convenience, accessibility, and customer engagement.

The Ukrainian e-commerce platform is designed to deliver a seamless user experience, allowing customers to browse a wider range of products than typically available in-store. The inclusion of exclusive online promotions further incentivizes digital adoption, reflecting a growing preference among consumers for flexible and hybrid shopping journeys.

This approach highlights the increasing importance of omnichannel strategies in the global beauty industry, where brands are prioritizing consistent customer experiences across multiple sales channels.

Expanding in a Complex Market Environment

The launch comes at a time when Ukraine’s retail landscape continues to navigate economic and geopolitical challenges. Despite these conditions, international brands like Kiko Milano are maintaining expansion plans, signaling long-term confidence in the market’s potential.

By investing in digital infrastructure, Kiko Milano is positioning itself to remain competitive and resilient, ensuring uninterrupted access to its products regardless of external disruptions. Nationwide delivery capabilities further strengthen this positioning, enabling the brand to reach consumers beyond major urban centers.

At the same time, the continued availability of Kiko Milano products through INTERTOP’s retail network ensures that customers can choose between online and offline purchasing options, reinforcing the brand’s flexible distribution strategy.

Digital Channels Driving Beauty Retail Growth

The beauty industry has seen a significant acceleration in e-commerce adoption in recent years, driven by evolving consumer behavior and increased digital engagement. Online platforms now play a critical role in product discovery, brand interaction, and purchasing decisions.

Kiko Milano’s latest move reflects this transformation, emphasizing the role of digital channels as a core component of retail growth. By offering a broader assortment and exclusive deals online, the brand is leveraging e-commerce not only as a sales channel but also as a tool for customer retention and brand loyalty.

Market Implications

The launch of Kiko Milano’s e-commerce platform in Ukraine underscores the continued evolution of retail toward integrated, digital-first models. As consumer expectations shift toward convenience and personalization, brands that successfully combine physical presence with strong online capabilities are likely to gain a competitive advantage.

For Kiko Milano, this expansion represents both a tactical response to market dynamics and a strategic investment in long-term growth.

Source:

Global Cosmetics News

For more global e-commerce and retail news, visit WORLDEF.

50% of European Consumers Use BNPL as Usage Rapidly Expands

Half of European consumers adopt BNPL

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are now used by 50% of consumers across Europe, according to data published by Ecommerce News Europe.

The report shows that BNPL has moved into the mainstream, with many consumers using these services multiple times per year as part of their regular online shopping behavior.

Adoption differs by market

Despite strong overall uptake, usage varies significantly between countries.

In markets such as Switzerland, BNPL penetration remains lower, with roughly one in four consumers using these services. The gap highlights the influence of local financial habits, credit culture, and regulatory frameworks across Europe.

Flexible payments reshape checkout

The growth of BNPL reflects a broader shift in payment preferences.

Installment-based options often interest-free are increasingly integrated into the checkout experience, offering consumers greater flexibility compared to traditional credit products. As a result, payment methods are playing a more central role in purchase decisions.

Regulatory scrutiny increases

The expansion of BNPL has drawn attention from regulators across the region.

Authorities are assessing the need for stricter consumer protection measures, including improved transparency, clearer terms, and stronger affordability checks. Proposed updates to consumer credit rules are expected to address gaps related to BNPL services.

Merchants respond to demand

For online retailers, BNPL is becoming a standard feature rather than an optional add-on.

Merchants are integrating these solutions to support conversion and align with evolving consumer expectations, while also navigating compliance requirements as regulatory oversight increases.

Source
Read more on WORLDEF.

Global Premium Food E-Commerce Expands as CarniStore Secures $12.2 Million Investment

The premium food e-commerce sector is gaining momentum as UAE-based platform CarniStore secured a $12.2 million strategic investment from Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), signalling strong investor confidence in digital-first food retail models.

Founded in 2018, CarniStore operates a vertically integrated, digital-first premium protein platform, combining sourcing, in-house production, and online retail across meat, seafood, poultry, and smoked products.

Scaling Premium Food Through Digital-First Operations

The new funding will support CarniStore’s industrial-scale expansion, allowing the company to introduce new product verticals, enhance operational capacity, and strengthen its position in the UAE’s premium food segment.

Unlike traditional food retailers, CarniStore’s model blends heritage butchery expertise with a consumer-centric e-commerce experience, positioning it at the intersection of food innovation and digital commerce.

The investment also highlights a broader shift toward vertically integrated food e-commerce platforms, where companies control sourcing, processing, and distribution to ensure quality and efficiency at scale.

Strategic Push Toward Regional Expansion

Beyond operational growth, the partnership with Emirates Growth Fund is expected to strengthen CarniStore’s governance, go-to-market strategy, and institutional readiness-key steps as the company prepares for regional expansion.

The deal marks EGF’s first investment in the food sector, underlining the increasing importance of food security, local production, and premium supply chains within the UAE’s economic strategy.

For the wider e-commerce ecosystem, the move reflects a growing investor focus on specialized vertical marketplaces-particularly in sectors where quality control, logistics, and sourcing play a critical role.

Source: Wamda

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Signals Positive Shift With 3 AI Expansion Priorities

The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce is accelerating its focus on artificial intelligence, outlining a strategic push to expand AI adoption across industries as part of its broader economic vision.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition that AI is no longer optional but a core driver of competitiveness, particularly for businesses navigating digital transformation and global market pressures.

AI Moves From Experimentation to Business Core

According to chamber representatives, artificial intelligence in Türkiye is transitioning from early experimentation to structured, large-scale implementation across sectors.

This shift is being driven by increasing demand for:

automation and efficiency
data-driven decision-making
scalable digital business models

The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce is positioning itself as a key facilitator in this transition, helping companies integrate AI into their operations more effectively.

Expanding AI Ecosystem in 2026

The chamber’s strategy includes expanding AI-related initiatives, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing platforms throughout 2026.

Türkiye is already strengthening its position as a regional hub for AI innovation, supported by upcoming global events such as major technology gatherings in Istanbul aimed at accelerating investment and collaboration.

These developments are expected to:

boost AI adoption among SMEs
attract international investors
strengthen the country’s digital economy

Supporting Businesses Through Transformation

With over 300,000 registered members, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce plays a critical role in shaping business strategy and supporting companies through technological change.

Its AI expansion agenda focuses on:

increasing awareness and training
enabling access to new technologies
fostering collaboration between startups, enterprises, and institutions

Türkiye Positions Itself for AI-Driven Growth

As global competition intensifies, Türkiye is placing artificial intelligence at the center of its economic roadmap.

The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce’s push highlights a broader trend:
AI is becoming a foundational layer of business, not just a technological upgrade.

Source: Hürriyet Daily News

Business Enters a New Era as 2026 Marks the Rise of AI-Run E-Commerce Stores

Artificial intelligence is moving beyond support tools and into full operational control, as a new generation of AI agents begins to manage entire e-commerce businesses. Emerging platforms like Genstore are introducing a model where autonomous AI systems can build, launch and operate online stores with minimal human involvement.

This shift marks a significant evolution in digital commerce. Instead of relying on fragmented tools for design, marketing, analytics and operations, AI agents now function as a coordinated “virtual team,” handling multiple roles simultaneously. These systems can generate storefronts, optimize product listings, manage campaigns and even support customer interactions.

According to industry insights, AI-native platforms are designed to remove the complexity that has traditionally slowed down e-commerce adoption. By analyzing product data, market trends and design patterns, AI can create a ready-to-sell store within minutes – dramatically reducing time to market.

How AI Agents Are Reshaping Business Operations

The key innovation lies in the concept of agent-based automation. Unlike traditional AI tools that assist with individual tasks, AI agents are capable of executing complete workflows across the e-commerce lifecycle.

These agents can take on specialized roles, such as product management, marketing execution and customer support. In practice, this means that what previously required a full team can now be handled through a single interface powered by conversational AI.

For business owners, this represents a major shift in how online stores are built and managed. Instead of focusing on technical setup and operational tasks, founders can concentrate on strategy, branding and growth while AI handles execution in the background.

At the same time, this transformation aligns with a broader trend across the industry. AI agents are increasingly being deployed not just to generate content, but to perform actions and complete transactions, signaling a move toward more autonomous digital ecosystems.

The Rise of Autonomous Commerce

The emergence of AI-managed stores introduces a new phase often described as AI-native commerce. In this model, automation is no longer an add-on but the foundation of the entire business structure.

Platforms like Genstore are positioning this as a step toward fully self-running commerce environments, where AI systems continuously optimize performance, adapt to market conditions and scale operations without constant human input.

This approach could significantly lower barriers to entry, particularly for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. By reducing the need for technical skills, capital investment and operational experience, AI-driven platforms are making it easier to launch and manage online businesses at scale.

However, this shift also raises important questions about control, differentiation and long-term competitiveness. As more businesses rely on similar AI systems, maintaining unique brand identity and customer experience may become more challenging.

What It Means for Business Leaders

For business leaders, the rise of AI agents signals a fundamental change in how digital commerce will operate in the coming years. The focus is shifting from manual execution to orchestrating intelligent systems that can act independently.

While the benefits of speed, efficiency and scalability are clear, companies will also need to rethink governance, oversight and strategy in an environment where AI is increasingly making operational decisions.

Ultimately, the transition toward AI-run e-commerce stores reflects a broader transformation across industries: from human-led processes to AI-driven execution at scale. Businesses that adapt early to this shift may gain a significant competitive advantage in the evolving digital economy.

Source: Forbes

1 Shift Is Strengthening Bol’s Checkout Strategy

Bol Expands Checkout in 2026 as Customers Shop Beyond Its Platform

Dutch e-commerce platform Bol is extending its reach beyond its own marketplace by allowing customers to complete purchases on external online stores using their Bol accounts.

Following a pilot phase, the new service, bol.checkout, is already active across more than 300 online stores. The move signals a strategic shift as the company begins positioning its technology not just as a marketplace tool, but as a broader e-commerce infrastructure solution.

From Marketplace to E-Commerce Infrastructure

The expansion reflects Bol’s ambition to go beyond its own ecosystem. By enabling checkout on third-party websites, the platform is effectively embedding itself deeper into the online shopping journey.

According to the company, allowing customers to pay through a familiar environment reduces friction and improves conversion rates. Consumers can use trusted payment methods such as iDEAL or “pay later” options, creating a smoother and more consistent checkout experience.

Initially rolled out to existing sales partners, the service is expected to expand further to online stores that are not currently part of the Bol marketplace.

A Shift Toward Platform-Led Commerce

The move aligns with a broader trend in global e-commerce, where leading platforms are transforming into infrastructure providers rather than remaining closed ecosystems.

By opening its checkout technology, Bol is following a model similar to major global players that monetize not only transactions, but also the tools and systems behind them. Integrations with platforms such as WooCommerce and Magento are already available, making adoption easier for merchants.

This approach allows Bol to scale beyond its traditional marketplace limits while strengthening its role in the wider digital commerce landscape.

What This Means for E-Commerce

For merchants, the introduction of bol.checkout offers access to a trusted payment and checkout system already familiar to millions of users. This can improve trust, reduce cart abandonment, and simplify integration processes.

For consumers, it creates a more unified shopping experience across different online stores, removing friction at one of the most critical points in the purchase journey.

As previously highlighted in WORLDEF’s coverage of evolving marketplace models, the future of e-commerce is increasingly shaped by platforms that extend their capabilities beyond their own environments.

Bol’s latest move reinforces this direction. Checkout is no longer just a final step in the transaction. It is becoming a strategic layer where platforms compete for control of the customer experience.

Source: RetailDetail

ASEAN Digital Economy Set for Breakthrough: 1 Regional Pact Could Unlock $2 Trillion Growth

Southeast Asia is moving closer to a landmark agreement that could redefine the future of e-commerce and digital trade across the region.

As the Philippines leads ASEAN in 2026, negotiations are accelerating around the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) – a comprehensive regional pact designed to harmonize digital trade rules, reduce barriers, and strengthen cross-border e-commerce.

A Unified Digital Market in the Making

The proposed agreement aims to create a more integrated digital economy by aligning regulations across ASEAN member states. Currently, differences in data governance, cybersecurity, and consumer protection frameworks create challenges for businesses operating across borders.

DEFA seeks to address these gaps by introducing:

interoperable digital systems
smoother cross-border data flows
stronger cybersecurity standards
more efficient digital payments and paperless trade

By simplifying these processes, the agreement is expected to make it significantly easier for businesses – especially SMEs – to expand regionally.

Boosting E-Commerce and SME Growth

One of the key goals of the pact is to unlock new opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of ASEAN economies.

By reducing operational friction, the agreement could:

lower costs through digitalization
enable faster and safer transactions
expand market access across Southeast Asia

Over time, this is expected to drive job creation, improve digital skills, and support more inclusive economic participation.

A Rapidly Expanding Digital Economy

The urgency behind the agreement is clear. ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to grow rapidly, with estimates suggesting it could reach $2 trillion by 2030.

In the Philippines alone, the digital economy is expected to nearly double in value – highlighting the region’s strong growth trajectory and the increasing importance of digital trade frameworks.

Strategic Priorities: Integration, Trust, and Skills

Beyond trade facilitation, the agreement also focuses on building a future-ready digital ecosystem.

Key priorities include:

establishing trusted and interoperable digital infrastructure
ensuring secure and transparent data exchanges
strengthening workforce skills for digital transformation

These elements are seen as essential to supporting sustainable growth and enabling businesses to scale in an increasingly digital-first economy.

What Comes Next?

ASEAN aims to finalize negotiations and sign the agreement later this year, potentially during the ASEAN Summit in November.

If implemented, DEFA would become the world’s first region-wide digital economy agreement, positioning ASEAN as a global leader in digital trade governance.

Source: Philippine News Agency, Inquirer Opinion

E-Commerce Under Pressure: Why 1 Retailer Is Shutting Down Its Online Store

E-Commerce Reality Check: Why 1 Retailer Is Shutting Down Its Online Store

The decision by UK retailer The Works to exit e-commerce is drawing attention across the retail industry, highlighting a growing shift toward profitability over digital expansion.

After more than a decade of online operations, the company has chosen to close its e-commerce channel and refocus entirely on its physical store network – a move that challenges the assumption that online retail is always essential for growth.

Why The Works Is Leaving E-Commerce

The Works first launched its e-commerce platform in 2012, but online sales never became a core revenue driver. More than 90% of total sales continued to come from physical stores, reflecting strong in-store customer demand.

At the same time, maintaining an online operation introduced ongoing challenges, including:

high operational costs
dependency on third-party logistics
complexity in managing fulfillment

Over time, these factors made it difficult for the company to achieve sustainable profitability online.

Refocusing on What Works

By exiting e-commerce, the retailer aims to simplify its business model and improve financial performance. The move is expected to reduce costs and allow the company to concentrate on its strongest channel – its extensive store network.

Rather than serving as a transactional platform, the company’s website will now act as a product browsing tool, encouraging customers to visit physical stores to complete purchases.

A Strategic, Not Emotional Decision

Industry insight suggests that this move has been under consideration for some time. For retailers operating on tight margins, e-commerce can introduce more pressure than value if not executed at scale.

In such cases, focusing on a store-led strategy can offer:

greater control over costs
improved margins
stronger customer engagement in physical locations

A Wider Signal for Retail?

While global e-commerce continues to expand, The Works’ decision reflects a more nuanced reality:

👉 Digital is not always profitable
👉 Omnichannel is not always necessary

Retailers are increasingly reassessing whether their digital channels truly support long-term growth – or simply add complexity.

What This Means for E-Commerce

The closure of The Works’ online store does not signal a decline in e-commerce itself, but rather a shift toward more disciplined, profit-driven strategies.

As the retail landscape evolves, businesses are moving away from “being everywhere” toward focusing on channels that deliver real value.

For some, that may still be digital-first.
For others, like The Works, the answer is clear – back to stores.

Source: InternetRetailing

Babylonstoren Brings a New Luxury E-Commerce Model to South Africa in 2026

South Africa’s e-commerce landscape is evolving with the expansion of Babylonstoren into the digital retail space, introducing a curated marketplace model focused on premium products and brand-driven experiences.

Rather than following the traditional mass-market marketplace approach, Babylonstoren is building a platform centered on quality, exclusivity, and storytelling. The marketplace brings together carefully selected products across categories such as food, homeware, and lifestyle—creating a refined online shopping environment that reflects the brand’s premium positioning.

Moving Beyond Traditional Marketplaces

Most e-commerce platforms in South Africa compete on scale, pricing, and product variety. Babylonstoren, however, takes a different route by focusing on a curated commerce model, where product selection is limited and intentional.

This approach aligns with a broader global shift in e-commerce, where consumers are increasingly drawn to platforms that offer clarity, trust, and premium experiences rather than overwhelming choice.

A Marketplace Built on Brand Experience

One of the key innovations behind Babylonstoren’s marketplace is its emphasis on experience over transaction. The platform is designed not just to sell products, but to create a cohesive brand environment where presentation, content, and storytelling play a central role.

Instead of standard product listings, the marketplace highlights:

Carefully curated collections
Strong visual identity
Integrated brand storytelling
A seamless and premium user journey

This model mirrors the experience of high-end physical retail, translated into a digital format.

Controlled Ecosystem for Premium Brands

Unlike traditional marketplaces that standardize seller presence, Babylonstoren offers a more controlled ecosystem where products align with a consistent brand vision.

This creates a “closed marketplace” environment, ensuring that every product fits within the platform’s premium positioning. As a result, the marketplace avoids the fragmentation often seen in larger, open platforms.

Differentiation in a Competitive Market

South Africa’s e-commerce sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players focusing on scale and fast delivery. Babylonstoren differentiates itself by targeting a niche segment of consumers who value quality, authenticity, and curated experiences.

This strategy allows the platform to stand out without directly competing on price-focusing instead on brand value and customer experience.

A New Direction for E-Commerce in Africa

Babylonstoren’s move into e-commerce reflects a broader transformation in how digital retail is evolving across Africa. As consumer expectations grow, there is increasing demand for platforms that combine commerce, content, and brand identity.

By introducing a curated luxury marketplace model, Babylonstoren signals a shift toward more specialized and experience-driven e-commerce platforms in the region.

Source: MyBroadband