Social commerce is rapidly emerging as a key growth driver in digital retail. Platforms such as TikTok are reshaping the traditional customer journey by integrating product discovery, engagement, and purchasing into a single seamless experience. Using the example of a potential H&M TikTok Shop, this article explores the critical success factors for social commerce, the …
The IU Internationale Hochschule research office has published its Newsletter #28 for May and June 2026 – and it impressively demonstrates the breadth and societal relevance of research at IU. New third-party-funded projects in Artificial Intelligence, health and social innovation, a new AI Research Institute, successful symposia and the upcoming ISPC 2026 in Switzerland: the …
The AI hype of recent years has triggered a costly wake-up call: companies such as Uber burned through their entire annual AI budget in less than four months. Newer, more powerful models are simultaneously far more expensive – and are being deployed for ever more complex tasks. The era of “tokenmaxxing” is over. Under the …
From 1 July 2026, the European Union levies a flat fee of €3 per tariff classification on all e-commerce packages from third countries – and simultaneously abolishes the previous customs exemption threshold of €150. The measure hits Asian platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress particularly hard, as their business model relies on direct-shipping from …
Abstract Major digital events in online retail, such as the annual Amazon Prime Day, induce a significant intensification of fraudulent cyber activities. This specialist article examines the structural mechanics of fake shops and lookalike domains within digital commerce. In addition to the empirical quantification of the threat potential, concrete preventive action recommendations are developed for …
Abstract: The University of Harvard is responding to the progressive grade inflation at elite universities by introducing a mandatory quota for awarding top grades. Since approximately 60 percent of all grades issued in the institution’s undergraduate program currently correspond to the highest mark “A”, this measure is designed to counteract the devaluation of academic degrees. …
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 …
Abstract. AI-powered attacks, synthetic identities and so-called friendly fraud are fundamentally reshaping the threat landscape for German and global online retail. By 2030, Juniper Research projects annual fraud losses of €131 billion. At the same time, new Nacha regulations came into force in the United States in March 2026. The E-Commerce Institute Cologne provides an …
Abstract Despite the Iran war, rising energy prices, and growing future anxieties, German online trade showed stable growth of 3.6 percent to around 20.4 billion euros in the first quarter of 2026. This is according to the bevh consumer survey. While groceries, drugstores, and online pharmacies grew particularly strongly, the bevh warns of a VAT …
Abstract Those who use AI coding tools knowledge work today only scratch the surface of the actual automation potential. Agentic AI coding tools like Claude Code work directly with files on your own computer – making them highly relevant for non-developers as well. They enable repeatable workflows, team-wide sharing of best practices, and true automation …
Abstract: Joybuy Market Entry Germany 2026 – Same-Day Delivery as the New Standard With the launch of Joybuy – the European e-commerce platform of Chinese technology giant JD.com – a new player will enter the German online retail market on March 16, 2026. The highlight: Joybuy promises same-day delivery at no extra cost, positioning itself …
Abstract: Crypto platforms are increasingly becoming key infrastructures in the digital economy. Developments by exchanges such as MEXC illustrate how trading platforms are evolving into integrated ecosystems. For e-commerce, this creates new opportunities in payments, cross-border transactions, and platform-based business models. At the same time, competition between global platforms is intensifying, driven by innovation, scalability, …
Dark patterns have long been part of the toolbox of many online retailers. Countdown timers, artificial scarcity, or gamified discount mechanics are designed to push customers toward faster purchasing decisions. However, recent studies suggest that consumers increasingly recognize these manipulative design strategies. In some cases, such tactics even lead to purchase abandonment. This raises an …
Abstract The Rheinland Pitch #126 brings the startup scene to the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf (HSD) on February 23, 2026. Three selected startups will present their business models live to investors, students, and entrepreneurs. The E-Commerce Institute analyzes this event, which is considered a staple in the NRW startup ecosystem. This article by Prof. …
Abstract This article analyzes the business model innovation of Mainz Biomed Germany GmbH. The combination of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and the Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) enables companies to systematically develop competitive advantages in dynamic markets. Quote “Business model innovation is becoming a decisive competitive factor in dynamic markets. The combination of the Business …
The TikTok Shop marks a turning point for e-commerce in Germany. By integrating shopping directly into an entertainment-driven platform, the boundaries between content, community, and commerce are dissolving. One of the first German brands to strategically leverage this opportunity is Hitschies. The confectionery brand is widely regarded as a pioneer of the TikTok Shop in …
Abstract International online trade (Cross-Border E-Commerce) is developing into one of the central growth drivers in global trade in 2026. While 79% of consumers already shop worldwide, factors such as transparency in shipping costs, trust through well-known payment providers, and efficient returns management determine success. This article analyzes current buying barriers and shows how retailers …
With the official launch of the TikTok Shop in Germany in March 2025, social commerce has entered a new phase. Consumers can now purchase products directly within the app via videos, livestreams, and the integrated shop tab—without ever leaving TikTok. While this creates enormous potential for impulse purchases, research clearly shows that trust is the …
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming digital commerce. With the introduction of the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), Google is taking a decisive step toward a future where AI agents can independently search for products, compare offers, and complete purchases on behalf of users. This new open protocol aims to standardize how AI systems interact with online …
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping sales processes across industries. Especially in retail, AI-powered sales applications enable more efficient workflows, personalized customer experiences, and data-driven decision-making. A project concept developed for Möbel Höffner illustrates how digital innovation can enhance field sales through AI, AR, and CRM integration. Project Concept: An AI-Powered Sales App The project focuses …