🚛 Kaufland shuts down FBK, shifts focus to cross-border fulfillment
Just a year after launching Fulfillment by Kaufland (FBK), the German marketplace is discontinuing the service by February 28, 2024. Instead, Kaufland is pivoting to a more flexible, international fulfillment model, allowing sellers to process orders across multiple platforms—including external marketplaces and their own webshops.
The upcoming modular fulfillment system will include automated labeling, multichannel logistics, and cross-border support, similar to Zalando’s ZEOS solution. With its European expansion into Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland, Kaufland is aiming to provide sellers with scalable and sustainable international growth solutions.
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Katharina Caracciolo
🚨 Trump extends TikTok ban by 75 days—what it means for users
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the TikTok ban by 75 days, allowing time to assess national security risks and consider potential buyers. The move creates a legal gray area, as companies like Google and Apple technically still face hefty fines ($5,000 per user) for distributing TikTok.
The extension runs until April 5, 2025, and Trump has hinted at possible U.S. buyers, including Elon Musk and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. Whether TikTok will return to app stores before then remains uncertain, but the debate over data security and foreign ownership is far from over.
🔄 Zalando shortens return window from 100 to 30 days
Zalando is reducing its return period from 100 to 30 days—but for now, only for Dutch customers. The change, which takes effect on January 7, 2025, aims to speed up product availability while keeping free returns intact.
With over 90% of customers already returning items within 30 days, Zalando believes the shift won't impact shopping habits but will enhance customer experience. The update also opens doors for new shopping features, as Zalando explores ways to make online fashion even more convenient.
Niels Floors
📈 German ecommerce bounces back after two years of decline
After a steep drop in 2022 and 2023, German ecommerce is finally growing again. Online spending reached €80.6 billion in 2024, up 1.1%, with further growth expected this year. While total spending is still far from the record €99.1 billion in 2021, categories like medications, groceries, and pet supplies saw the biggest increase, each growing by over 5%.
Marketplaces continue to dominate, with their share rising from 53% to 55%, fueled by Chinese platforms like Temu and Shein, which now account for 6% of orders. Despite challenges such as consumer uncertainty and upcoming national elections, experts predict a 2.5% ecommerce growth in Germany for 2025.
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Nathan Benit
⚠️ EU crackdown: 85%+ of products from Chinese platforms fail safety checks
A shocking 85–95% of products from Shein, AliExpress, and Temu fail to meet European safety regulations, according to a new inspection by European market surveillance authorities. The Dutch Customs reports that ecommerce imports from China have skyrocketed—from 172 million parcels in 2021 to an expected 1.4 billion in 2024—making it nearly impossible to adequately inspect all shipments.
Many of these products pose serious risks, from toys with choking hazards to electronics prone to overheating and fire. Dutch regulators are calling for a unified effort to hold all ecommerce players—including platforms, suppliers, and governments—accountable for ensuring consumer safety.
🌱 Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly label boosts sales by 12.5%
Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program is proving to be a sales driver for sellers. A recent study found that products in the program saw a 12.5% increase in sales and a 13.3% boost in gross merchandise volume within 12 weeks. The impact was especially significant for low-visibility products, indicating that sustainability labels help consumers discover and choose greener options.
With 1.4 million products now certified across Europe and the U.S., Amazon continues to push for sustainable commerce, aligning with its €1 billion decarbonization investment and micromobility hubs in the UK.
📈 Galaxus reports 18% growth, strengthens European expansion
Swiss ecommerce leader Galaxus saw platform sales jump 18% in 2024, reaching €3.4 billion. Growth was especially strong in Germany, Austria, and Italy, where sales surged 27% to €362 million, now making up 11% of the company’s total revenue.
To support its cross-border growth, Galaxus is investing in a new logistics center in southern Germany, adding to its existing hub in Krefeld. Parent company Migros Group plans further expansion in European markets, positioning Galaxus as a growing competitor to major ecommerce players.
Freek Tichelman
🛍️ Best Buy relaunches third-party marketplace to boost sales in US
After a previous attempt ended in closure, Best Buy is launching a new third-party marketplace this summer in the US, allowing sellers to expand their reach and tap into Best Buy’s ads and partnership opportunities. The move comes as the retailer faces declining revenue, with Q3 sales dropping 3.2% YoY to $9.4 billion.
With electronics sales showing signs of recovery, Best Buy hopes this marketplace revival will strengthen its product offerings and help emerging tech brands gain visibility. Will this new approach succeed where the first attempt failed? The retailer is betting big on it.
Jordi Vermeer⚠️ Marketplaces under fire for dark patterns
A new report by the German Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbz) reveals that 18 major platforms, including Amazon, eBay, Shein, and TikTok, are using dark patterns—manipulative design tactics that push users into impulsive purchases or sharing more data. These tactics, including misleading cookie banners and autoplay mechanisms, violate the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Despite the EU’s crackdown, enforcement remains weak, with platforms continuing these practices. The vzbz urges stricter enforcement and clearer regulations through the upcoming Digital Fairness Act, ensuring that online consumers are truly protected.
🏈 Super Bowl sales boom: How CPG brands can turn hype into long-term growth
With $17.3 billion spent on the 2024 Super Bowl, the event is far more than a game—it’s an ecommerce goldmine for CPG brands. But while big-budget ads create brand awareness, real success lies in converting hype into marketplace sales on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart.
Key strategies include:
✅ Optimized listings (e.g., "Game-Day Snack Pack" bundles)
✅ Flash sales & limited-time discounts
✅ Influencer-driven impulse purchases
✅ Fast shipping & seamless checkout experiences
The Super Bowl 2025 is just the beginning—brands that leverage digital marketplaces year-round can turn seasonal demand into sustained growth.
📊 Marketplace Shopping Behavior Report 2025: Key insights from 4,500 shoppers
Marketplaces are now the #1 starting point for online shopping, with 47% of consumers beginning their product searches there, far ahead of search engines (24%) and brand websites (14%).
📍 Regional trends – Shopping habits vary across North America and Europe, making localized strategies critical.
🛍️ Multichannel dominance – Consumers use 4 marketplaces on average in 3 months, making a cross-platform strategy essential.
⭐ Trust & loyalty – Marketplaces drive strong customer retention and repeat purchases.
This exclusive report provides brands with actionable insights to optimize their marketplace presence and consumer engagement in 2025. 🚀
Jorrit Steinz
