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 …
Abstract: Rheinland Pitch #126 will take place on February 23, 2026, at Hochschule Düsseldorf (HSD), bringing together three selected startups, investors, students, and entrepreneurs. The event combines a live pitch competition, networking, and academic innovation, reinforcing its position as a key driver of the regional startup ecosystem in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). This article explains why …
Abstract: Business model innovation is becoming a decisive competitive factor in dynamic digital markets. The combination of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and the Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) provides a structured approach to analyzing existing business models, avoiding intense competition, and unlocking new market opportunities. This article demonstrates how organizations can systematically drive strategic transformation …
Abstract: Accurate carbon accounting is becoming a strategic necessity in digital commerce. A recent case study by Momox and AI-based sustainability platform Cedara demonstrates that activity-based carbon measurement provides more reliable results than rough estimations. This article explains why precise CO₂ footprint measurement is crucial for sustainable e-commerce strategies, digital marketing transparency, and future-ready ESG …
Abstract: The TikTok Shop has been available in Germany since March 2025 and is fundamentally reshaping the digital customer journey. For smart home providers such as smartkram, social commerce opens new opportunities to combine brand awareness, community engagement, and direct sales on a single platform. This article analyzes the strategic potential, risks, and concrete implementation …
Abstract: eBay has published its first Climate Transition Plan, outlining a roadmap to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 while advancing sustainable commerce through recommerce and circular economy practices. At the same time, Germany is experiencing a rapid shift toward recommerce as consumers increasingly prioritize resale, reuse, and sustainability over traditional retail. This blog explores …
Abstract: ISPC 2026 is an international scientific-practical conference taking place in Brugg, Switzerland, focusing on Digital Management, E-Commerce, Social Commerce, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation. Organized by leading universities and research institutions, the conference invites researchers, practitioners, and students to submit abstracts and participate in a hybrid academic exchange. What Is ISPC 2026? The ISPC …
On February 2, 2026, the Kölner Wissenschaftsrunde invited curious minds to the Europasaal in the historic Rathaus Köln for a new installment of “Wissenschaft im Rathaus” — a monthly lecture series that brings academic research to the public forum. The event “The TikTok Shop from a Scientific Perspective” featured Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, Head …
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 …
The beauty industry is one of the most powerful drivers of social commerce. Few sectors combine emotional branding, visual storytelling and community interaction with integrated purchasing as consistently as cosmetics. The presentation “Beauty Goes Social – Using Essence as an Example” illustrates how purchasing behavior, particularly among younger audiences, is changing and why platforms such …