online shopping

Latin American E-Commerce Market Projected to Reach $215 Billion in 2026

Latin America’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $215.31 billion in 2026, continuing to grow at a pace 1.5 times faster than the global average, according to a joint report by Endeavor and MercadoLibre.

The region’s digital commerce landscape remains heavily concentrated in its largest markets. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico accounted for nearly 85% of all e-commerce sales in Latin America in 2025, underlining their dominant role in the region’s online retail ecosystem.

Mobile Commerce Leads the Way

Mobile shopping is a defining feature of Latin America’s e-commerce growth. The report found that 84% of online purchases are made via smartphones, highlighting the importance of mobile-first strategies for retailers and digital platforms.

However, the region’s consumers are also becoming increasingly demanding.

Nearly half of shoppers said they would leave a platform after just one negative experience, with delivery delays and problems with returns among the biggest sources of frustration.

Reliable Delivery Over Personalization

The findings suggest that operational excellence may matter more to consumers than advanced personalization.

Around three-quarters of respondents identified clear pricing and transparent policies as highly important when making online purchasing decisions. By comparison, only around one-third considered personalization a major priority.

This signals a growing challenge for e-commerce companies: while many platforms continue investing heavily in recommendation engines and personalized experiences, consumers may place greater value on reliable delivery, straightforward returns and transparent pricing.

Beyond the Marketplace

The report also points to the broader transformation of e-commerce companies across Latin America.

Marketplaces are increasingly expanding beyond online retail into areas such as digital payments, credit services and logistics, creating more integrated digital commerce ecosystems.

As the market moves toward the $215 billion milestone, Latin America is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce regions. The next phase of growth, however, may depend not only on attracting more consumers online but also on delivering a seamless and trustworthy customer experience.

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LG Thailand Appoints dentsu Thailand as E-Commerce Partner

LG Electronics (Thailand) has appointed dentsu Thailand as its e-commerce partner as the consumer electronics brand moves to strengthen its digital shopping experience across Thailand’s key online platforms.

LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has selected dentsu Thailand to support its e-commerce expansion, reflecting the growing importance of digital commerce in the consumer journey. The partnership will focus on creating a more seamless and connected online shopping experience for Thai consumers.

Under the collaboration, dentsu Thailand will provide strategic and operational expertise to help consumers discover LG products more easily, navigate between digital platforms and marketplaces with less friction, and complete purchases with greater confidence.

The partnership brings together dentsu Thailand’s local understanding of Thai consumers and online marketplaces with capabilities spanning commerce, media, data and technology. The agency will also draw on its regional and global network to support LG’s broader digital commerce ambitions.

Strengthening LG’s Digital Commerce Strategy

For LG, the appointment comes as e-commerce becomes an increasingly important part of how consumers discover, evaluate and purchase products.

Sunghan Jung, President of LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to digital transformation and its ambition to deliver more connected and personalised experiences for consumers.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen the way shoppers interact with LG throughout the online purchase journey, from product discovery to consideration and conversion.

Dentsu Targets the Digital Shelf

For dentsu Thailand, the partnership further develops its commerce capabilities at a time when brands are increasingly looking for partners that can connect consumer behaviour, media, marketplace experience and conversion.

Wisarn Sirijantanon, CEO, Media, dentsu Thailand, highlighted the complexity of Thailand’s digital commerce environment, where consumers are highly connected and frequently move between platforms and marketplaces.

The agency aims to bring these different elements together so that LG’s brand experience remains consistent and distinctive at the digital shelf as well as across other consumer touchpoints.

E-Commerce Becomes a Strategic Growth Channel

The LG-dentsu partnership reflects a wider shift in how major brands approach e-commerce. Rather than treating online sales as a standalone channel, companies are increasingly focusing on integrated digital journeys that combine consumer insights, media, marketplaces, technology and conversion.

For LG Thailand, working with dentsu is positioned as another step in its digital transformation strategy, with the partnership aimed at delivering greater convenience and a more connected shopping experience for consumers across the country.

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E-commerce in Spain Reaches €114.8 Billion as Online Shopping Surges

Spain’s e-commerce market has recorded significant growth over the past decade, with turnover reaching €114.8 billion in 2025, according to data from Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC).

The figure represents a 5.7-fold increase compared with 2015, when Spanish e-commerce turnover stood at approximately €20 billion. Overall, the market has grown by 473.7% over the decade, reflecting the rapid shift in consumer behavior toward digital commerce.

E-commerce Becomes Part of Everyday Consumption

The expansion of Spain’s e-commerce market is also reflected in the number of online transactions. Annual transactions increased from around 300 million in 2015 to more than 2 billion in 2025.

The growth suggests that online shopping is no longer limited to occasional purchases. Consumers are increasingly using digital channels for everyday products and services, including food, groceries and digital services.

At the same time, the average transaction value has declined from approximately €67 in 2015 to around €56 in 2025. This points to a broader adoption of e-commerce for smaller and more frequent purchases.

Tourism remains one of the largest contributors to online sales, while fashion and online grocery shopping have also gained importance.

Mobile and Social Commerce Continue to Gain Ground

Mobile devices have become central to Spain’s online shopping ecosystem. According to data cited by the National Observatory of Technology and Society (ONTSI), more than 83% of online shoppers use smartphones for purchases.

Social media is also becoming increasingly important throughout the customer journey, from product discovery to purchase. This trend is contributing to the continued convergence of social media, digital marketing and e-commerce.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online shopping, but the long-term expansion of Spain’s e-commerce market extends beyond the pandemic. Following the disruption of 2020, the sector experienced strong growth from 2022 onward.

Cross-Border E-commerce Remains Significant

Despite the growth of domestic e-commerce, cross-border transactions continue to account for a substantial share of Spain’s digital commerce activity.

CNMC data for the fourth quarter of 2025 showed that 57.8% of e-commerce turnover was generated by purchases originating in Spain but made through businesses located abroad. Transactions from Spain to foreign markets generated €18.164 billion during the quarter, up 14.8% year-on-year.

The European Union remained the main destination, accounting for 94.6% of purchases from Spain directed abroad.

The figures highlight both the opportunities and competitive pressures facing Spanish businesses as consumers increasingly have access to international online retailers and marketplaces.

Opportunities for Spanish Businesses

The continued expansion of e-commerce is creating new opportunities for businesses of all sizes. According to ONTSI, nearly 29.4 million people in Spain purchased products or services online in 2024, while B2C e-commerce turnover exceeded €110 billion.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, digital commerce provides an opportunity to reach customers beyond their immediate geographic markets. Businesses can combine local presence with digital channels to expand their customer base and compete in an increasingly connected market.

Looking ahead, artificial intelligence, advanced logistics, social commerce and personalized digital experiences are expected to play an increasingly important role in the development of Spain’s e-commerce ecosystem.

With turnover already exceeding €114 billion, Spain’s digital commerce market is entering a more mature phase—one in which businesses will increasingly compete not only on price and product selection, but also on technology, customer experience, logistics and international reach.

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Bangladesh Sees Positive Marketplace Shift as Jiji Acquires Bikroy

African classifieds marketplace Jiji has acquired Bikroy, Bangladesh’s largest online classifieds platform, marking the company’s first acquisition outside Africa and a major step in its international expansion strategy.

The acquisition comes just 13 months after Jiji officially entered the Bangladeshi market, where it launched operations to compete directly with established local players including Bikroy, Daraz and Ajkerdeal. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, although Jiji stated that the acquisition was completed using internal resources and shareholder support.

Founded in Nigeria, Jiji has built one of Africa’s largest digital classifieds ecosystems by following a “compete-then-buy” expansion strategy. The company previously acquired OLX Africa’s operations across several African markets in 2019 and later purchased Ghana’s Tonaton in 2022. Bikroy now becomes the third major competitor absorbed by the platform within six years.

Bikroy has been one of Bangladesh’s most recognized online marketplaces since its launch in 2012. The platform operates in both Bengali and English and has built a strong presence across categories including electronics, vehicles, property, jobs and household products.

Industry analysts view the move as a strategic effort by Jiji to replicate its African growth model in high-potential emerging markets. Bangladesh’s rapidly growing internet penetration, expanding middle class and rising online shopping adoption have made the country increasingly attractive for global e-commerce and marketplace companies.

Bangladesh Becomes a Key Digital Commerce Battleground

Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector is projected to reach between $12 billion and $13 billion within the next few years, driven by increasing smartphone usage and stronger digital payment adoption. According to industry data referenced by Jiji, nearly 79% of Bangladeshi consumers already shop online, while almost half are comfortable making payments through digital platforms.

By acquiring Bikroy instead of continuing direct competition, Jiji gains immediate access to one of the country’s largest online marketplace audiences and strengthens its position against regional competitors such as Alibaba-backed Daraz.

The acquisition also signals a broader trend in emerging-market e-commerce, where consolidation is becoming a key strategy for scaling digital marketplaces faster and reducing customer acquisition costs.

As competition intensifies across Asia and Africa, Jiji’s latest move highlights how global marketplace companies are increasingly targeting high-growth developing economies to secure long-term digital commerce leadership.

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40 Billion Boost EU Small Businesses Hit Record Amazon Sales Milestone

Small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe have reached a new level of scale, generating more than €40 billion in sales through Amazon. The figure marks a record milestone and reflects the increasing reliance of European businesses on digital marketplaces to expand beyond local economies.

The growth is closely tied to the continued rise of cross-border e-commerce within the European Union. A significant share of total sales comes from exports, with EU-based SMEs generating €17 billion in cross-border revenue. Of that, €13.5 billion was driven by trade within EU countries, highlighting the importance of regional integration in enabling digital commerce.

Marketplace Infrastructure Expands SME Reach

For many European sellers, Amazon has evolved from a sales channel into a core infrastructure layer supporting international expansion. By providing fulfillment networks, warehousing, delivery solutions, and localized storefronts, the platform allows SMEs to operate across multiple markets without establishing a physical presence in each country.

This shift has enabled smaller businesses to compete in ways that were previously limited to large enterprises. Instead of navigating fragmented logistics systems independently, sellers can rely on centralized operations that simplify shipping, inventory management, and customer service.

At the same time, the ability to reach customers across borders has contributed to a more diversified revenue base. Rather than depending solely on domestic demand, SMEs are increasingly building international customer portfolios, reducing exposure to local market fluctuations.

Cross-Border Trade Becomes Core Strategy

The strong export figures indicate that cross-border commerce is no longer a secondary growth lever for European SMEs. Instead, it is becoming a central component of their business models. Access to a broader customer base, combined with streamlined logistics, has lowered the barriers to international expansion.

This transformation is particularly important in a region like Europe, where multiple languages, currencies, and regulatory environments historically made cross-border trade complex. Digital marketplaces are helping to standardize many of these processes, making it easier for businesses to scale regionally.

Regulatory Complexity Continues to Challenge Growth

Despite the progress, structural challenges remain. European SMEs still operate within a fragmented regulatory landscape that includes varying VAT systems, compliance requirements, and environmental regulations across different countries.

These differences create additional administrative burdens, increasing operational costs and slowing down expansion efforts. For smaller businesses with limited resources, navigating these complexities can become a significant barrier to growth, even when demand exists.

Industry stakeholders continue to highlight the need for greater harmonization across EU markets. Simplifying tax structures and aligning regulatory frameworks could further accelerate cross-border trade and improve competitiveness.

A Defining Moment for European Digital Commerce

The €40 billion milestone underscores a broader shift in how European SMEs approach growth. Digital marketplaces are no longer supplementary tools but are becoming foundational to how businesses operate, scale, and compete internationally.

As infrastructure continues to improve and regulatory discussions evolve, the role of platforms like Amazon in shaping Europe’s e-commerce landscape is expected to expand further.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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