In Cologne’s digital retail landscape, a specific market segment is rapidly gaining importance. A professional re-commerce setup and standardized system processes are crucial factors for operators in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) to meet the requirements of modern, circular sales structures. Why is a structured re-commerce infrastructure a highly relevant factor in Cologne today? A significant portion …
As part of the IU Research Umbrella Project, the TikTok Shop is being analyzed as a transformative form of Social Commerce. This business psychology study utilizes the S-O-R Model to scientifically establish the paradigm shift from goal-oriented searching to algorithmically driven discovery (“Discovery E-Commerce”) within the German market. Project Leadership: Prof. Dr. Richard Geibel & …
ABSTRACT: The Otto Marketplace AI Strategy 2026 The new Otto Marketplace AI Strategy is driving sales to 7.5 billion euros in the 2025/26 financial year. The Hamburg-based online retailer is increasingly focusing on AI-powered shopping experiences and the international expansion of its product range. Despite this growth, the company plans cost reductions and the elimination …
Abstract GEO Optimization is fundamentally redefining digital visibility in 2026. While traditional Search Engine Optimization primarily targets rankings in link lists, the modern information landscape requires an algorithmic presence directly within AI syntheses. The E-Commerce Institute Cologne identifies structured data preparation as a primary prerequisite for this shift. Important Facts Definition: Adaptation of content for …
Publisher: E-Commerce Institute Scientific Direction: Prof. Dr. Richard Geibel Author: Simon Schoop (4-Advice) Abstract The dynamics in modern e-commerce are increasingly determined by extreme economies of scale and the dominance of integrated ecosystems. In a professional discussion with Prof. Dr. Richard Geibel, Simon Schoop (4-Advice) analyzes the Platform Economy Cologne and how the ‘Right of …
Abstract: Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, Director of the E-Commerce Institute and Professor at IU International University, analyzes the radical transformation of trade in media formats such as ZDF WiSo Magazin, ZDF Mittagsmagazin, WDR5 and SWR. The focus is on the merging of social media and e-commerce into Social Commerce, the forecast for the live …
Abstract: A current study on Cross-Border E-Commerce shows what international buyers expect from online retailers in 2026. Transparent prices, clear delivery information, trust-building measures, and localized shopping experiences are decisive factors for global conversion rates. For companies with international expansion plans, it is becoming increasingly strategic to systematically reduce friction points in cross-border trade. Important …
The trading platform eBay is cutting a thousand jobs – the explanation is that the workforce and expenses have grown faster than the business. And there have been many layoffs at other online retailers recently. What’s going on? According to Richard C. Geibel, Managing Director of the eCommerce Institute Cologne, this is clearly a consequence …
Live shopping on the internet: Is it a trend with a future? ‘We expect that by 2030, ten percent of online commerce will take place in this form,’ says Richard Geibel, Director of the E-Commerce Institute Cologne, in an interview with Judith Schulte-Loh, WDR5. Below is the transcript. Judith Schulte-Loh, WDR5: For many of us, …
E-Commerce has undoubtedly reshaped the global retail landscape, showcasing both opportunities and challenges in equal measure. Companies striving to leverage its immense potential find an ally in India, a country renowned for its technological expertise and strategic business solutions. The CEO of Cynergy BPO, John Maczynski, who has decades of work experience with online retail …
A recent CX study illustrates how online shoppers browse the product offerings of online stores. In this process, recommendations prove to be particularly relevant: repeated purchases are especially relevant for German-speaking customers in the areas of groceries, fashion, and household items. An examination of 2,368 online shoppers from various European countries, conducted by the market …
Emerging from China, livestream commerce stands as a sizzling trend in the world of eCommerce, with the possibility of expanding its reach to other global regions. In the Chinese market, the landscape of livestream commerce has grown fiercer, as numerous contenders rise to contest Taobao’s once-unquestioned dominance. Originating in 2016, livestream commerce emerged in China …
When thinking about sustainability, online commerce might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, in this field as well, environmentally conscious thinking is gaining increasing importance. The spectrum ranges from ecological packaging solutions to sustainable business models, encompassing diverse and promising requirements. Compared to the entire supply chain, traditional retail generates approximately …
Image source: Pixabay E-commerce has changed the way we shop, bringing convenience and accessibility to customers all over the world. Social commerce, which combines social networking and online shopping, has grown as a major force in recent years. With the expanding importance of social media platforms and the growing preference for personalized buying experiences, the …
The SDI4ECom initiative, in collaboration with PIA econda and PIA UDG, as well as the Research Center for Computer Science and Hochschule Offenburg, aims to give customers full control over their data in the realm of online shopping. Through this research project, customers can build their own shopping identities, ensuring that their data is protected …
How does my online store become mobile-enabled? The smartphone has become a constant companion in everyday life for many people, and it is being used more and more frequently for online shopping. To meet the needs and behavior of customers, companies need to make their online presence mobile-enabled. A mobile-enabled online store offers numerous …
Image source: Pixabay Experimenting with generative artificial intelligence like ChatGPT may rather quickly lead to faster and more creative text ‘writing’, but the technology harbors many more opportunities for e-commerce. However, not without risk. Therefore, a look at strategy and concrete examples is in order. Firstly, the phrase ‘AI is everywhere’ has become quite …
New companies and start-ups are constantly emerging in the fast-growing e-commerce and social commerce areas. These often concentrate very intensively on content-related activities and neglect the necessary financial and accounting requirements for an economically successful company. Accounting software for online companies – importance and advantages In times of digitalization, companies have to adapt to new …
Image source: Pixabay There isn’t an industry in the world that is immune to the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). From virtual reality (VR) gaming systems to AI robots in industrial manufacturing, the development of AI technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with the world. But e-commerce is especially susceptible to AI disruption, …
Image source: Pixabay The online shopping experience has evolved dramatically over the past few years, and the rise of chatbots has been just one of the factors contributing to this change. Chatbots offer online stores a unique way to engage with customers, assist with their needs and ultimately improve the user experience, particularly during …