Abstract: Despite the Iran war, rising energy prices and growing concerns about the future, German online retail records stable growth of 3.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, reaching around 20.4 billion euros. This emerges from the bevh consumer survey for Q1 2026. Groceries, drugstores and online pharmacies show the strongest gains. The …
Abstract: Those using AI chatbots like Claude or ChatGPT today are tapping into only a fraction of the actual automation potential available. Agentic AI coding tools like Claude Code work directly with files on your own computer – and are by no means relevant only to developers. They enable repeatable workflows, team-wide sharing of best …
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 …
Cross-border e-commerce has become one of the most important growth drivers in global online retail. Consumers increasingly purchase from international online stores to access better prices, broader product selections, and unique brands. At the same time, expanding internationally remains challenging. High shipping costs, long delivery times, and lack of trust continue to be major barriers …
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 …
Global e-commerce is dominated by a small number of international giants. While these platforms offer scale and efficiency, they often operate with standardized processes that leave little room for local market needs, European regulations, and fair competitive conditions. Against this backdrop, Kaufland is positioning itself as a European e-commerce alternative, aiming to build a powerful …
Social commerce has evolved into one of the most dynamic growth areas within digital retail. By combining social media interactions with integrated shopping features, platforms enable users to discover, evaluate, and purchase products in a more intuitive and inspiration-driven way. Among these platforms, Pinterest stands out due to its strong focus on visual discovery, planning, …
The e-commerce landscape in 2026 brings important new tax and compliance changes that online merchants across the EU must understand and act on. While the major overhaul under the European VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative will roll out later, several new tax reporting duties and updated VAT rates come into force right from …
Introduction: Why Omnichannel Matters More Than Ever in 2026 By 2026, omnichannel is no longer a strategic option – it is a baseline expectation. Customers seamlessly move between online shops, mobile apps, marketplaces, and physical stores. What they expect is not just availability across channels, but consistency, personalization, and transparency at every touchpoint. Retailers that …
Turkey has emerged as one of the most dynamic e-commerce markets at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Driven by a young, digitally savvy population, rapidly increasing mobile usage and a growing platform economy, online retail in Turkey has experienced double-digit growth for several years. For international merchants and brands, the Turkish market offers significant …
In the rapidly evolving world of digital retail, a new paradigm is forming that could redefine how consumers shop online: Agentic Commerce. Unlike traditional e-commerce models where humans browse, compare, and purchase products, agentic commerce introduces autonomous AI agents that act on customers’ behalf — interpreting preferences, navigating options, and even completing transactions with minimal …
Traditional e-commerce is undergoing a fundamental shift. What once happened through online shops and product listings is increasingly moving into AI-powered chat environments. With concepts like ChatGPT Shopping and integrated conversational checkout, a completely new way of buying is emerging — directly within the chat interface, with product recommendations, comparisons and seamless purchase flows happening …
China has become the global innovation engine of social commerce. Platforms like WeChat, Douyin (TikTok China) and Taobao Live have already demonstrated how seamlessly social interaction, entertainment and in-app shopping can merge into one ecosystem. In Europe, by contrast, social commerce is still at an early stage—fragmented, highly regulated and culturally more cautious. The presentation …