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 …
than one billion users and a highly visual environment, the platform offers ideal conditions for brands that want to present their products in an emotional and engaging way. The student presentation “Instagram Shops as a Sales Channel – Success Factors & Challenges in Social Commerce” offers a structured overview of how Instagram functions as a …
On December 3rd at 4:30 p.m., the official press conference for the launch of the book Digital Health in Germany took place — a joint initiative of the AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, the editorial team led by Prof. Dr. Richard Geibel (E-Commerce Institute Cologne) and Dr. Ulrich Arnold, and the Springer publishing house. The publication has already …
Social commerce is reshaping how consumers discover and purchase products — and the development is accelerating rapidly in Europe. As platforms like TikTok, Instagram and eBay expand their live-shopping and in-app checkout options, both brands and consumers are adapting to this new environment. In a television interview with the German broadcaster ZDF, Prof. Dr. Richard …
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 …
The automotive claims industry is undergoing rapid transformation as digital technologies, new mobility trends, and rising expectations around efficiency and transparency reshape the way insurers, fleets, and service providers operate. To better understand these developments, the E-Commerce Institute Cologne and the IU International University have launched a comprehensive academic research project examining the future of …
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 …
Live-shopping is rapidly shifting from a trend to a core component of modern e-commerce strategies. With the launch of live auctions and live-shopping formats in Germany, eBay demonstrates how real-time interaction, video commerce and community-driven engagement are reshaping the online retail landscape. For merchants, brands and e-commerce professionals, this marks the emergence of a new …
Social commerce is evolving faster than any other digital sales channel, and Instagram has become one of the most influential platforms shaping this transformation. With built-in shopping features, product tags, Reels and even a fully integrated Amazon shop, Instagram already provides the technical foundation for seamless in-app purchases. Yet despite millions of daily impressions, user …
The European Union has announced a major regulatory shift: the long-standing 150-euro customs exemption for low-value shipments from non-EU countries will be abolished. This decision will significantly reshape the dynamics of cross-border e-commerce. For online sellers operating within the EU, this reform represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It will influence pricing, sourcing, logistics, …
Social commerce is transforming the way we shop online. Platforms like TikTok are no longer just about entertainment — they are becoming dynamic marketplaces where brands meet consumers directly. For sustainable fashion label Armedangels, the TikTok Shop offers a timely opportunity to connect with Gen Z and young Millennials right where they spend most of …
The European payment service Wero has officially launched in Germany’s online retail sector – albeit in a limited rollout. Backed by major European banks, Wero aims to reduce merchants’ reliance on U.S. payment providers such as PayPal. But what does this mean for e-commerce businesses? And how can online retailers prepare for the shift? What …
The digital transformation of healthcare is no longer a distant aspiration—it is an urgent necessity. As healthcare systems around the world continue to evolve, Germany stands at a critical point: the potential to create a healthcare environment that is more connected, more efficient, and above all, more patient-centered. The recently published book “Digitale Gesundheit in …
The world of online commerce is expanding rapidly — and with it, the challenges surrounding transparency, trust, and product safety. More and more consumers expect authenticity and clear information about where products come from and how they are made. Modern E-commerce surveillance technology has become a crucial tool in achieving this. It not only helps …
In the recent article “E-Commerce Without Buzzwords: Myths Demystified” published by etailment.de, the author takes a closer look at common misconceptions in the online retail world. The piece invites readers to strip away the marketing jargon and focus instead on what truly drives success in e-commerce. Terms like “digitalization,” “omnichannel,” “customer journey,” or “marketplace explosion” …
The integration of generative AI tools like ChatGPT into e-commerce marks the beginning of a new era in digital retail. More and more online shops are gaining visibility through AI-generated search results, and the flow of visitors coming from ChatGPT is steadily growing. However, while the traffic numbers look promising, the results in terms of …
We are delighted to announce that the new specialist book “Digital Health in Germany – Where Do We Stand and Where Do We Need to Go?” has been published by the renowned Springer Verlag. It was edited by Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, Director of the E-Commerce Institute Cologne, together with Dr. Ulrich Arnold, Managing …
Digital transformation is reshaping every industry — and wholesale is no exception. Companies that fail to embrace e-commerce and digital tools risk falling behind. In this post, we explore how digital transformation in wholesale is evolving, the key trends driving change, and what businesses should do to stay competitive in the digital era. 1. The …
The B2B wholesale sector in 2025 is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Platform solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation are not only pushing technological boundaries — they are reshaping business models, operational processes, and customer expectations. Companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind in a market that no longer relies on traditional structures. The …
E-commerce marketing is undergoing a major transformation. Simply generating reach is no longer enough—brands today must tell authentic stories that build trust and translate emotion into concrete purchasing decisions. This is where Creator Commerce comes in. It combines the creative power of content creators with the data-driven precision of digital commerce. Platforms like Meta are …