The digital world is rapidly changing our consumer behavior. From shopping via social media to personalized recommendations – the lines between e-commerce and social media are becoming increasingly blurred. But how does consumer protection function in this increasingly digital marketplace? This was one of the central topics of the conference “(Un)Influenced by the Net? Consumer …
New E-Commerce Action Plan by the German Government
E-commerce has rapidly evolved in recent years, becoming an integral part of the German economy. However, as online trade continues to grow, so do challenges in areas such as product safety, consumer protection, and compliance with environmental standards. To address these issues, the German government adopted a comprehensive E-Commerce Action Plan on January 29, 2025. …
Rheinland-Pitch #122: The Stage for Innovative Startups in Cologne
Since its founding in 2013, Rheinland-Pitch has become Germany’s largest and longest-running startup pitch event. With over 2,500 participating startups, more than 25,000 attendees, and 118 events across 30+ locations, it provides a unique platform for emerging businesses to present their ideas to a wide audience. The Next Event: Rheinland-Pitch #122 in Cologne 📅 Date: …
Cultural Differences in Social Commerce on Instagram
Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing platform to a significant player in social commerce. With over two billion monthly active users worldwide, it has become essential for businesses aiming to sell online. Features like shoppable posts, live shopping, and personalized product recommendations have solidified Instagram’s role in e-commerce. Despite Instagram’s global reach, user purchasing …
Social Commerce on YouTube
YouTube is no longer just a platform for entertainment and education – it has become a key marketplace for social commerce. Businesses, influencers, and content creators increasingly use YouTube to market products through targeted placements, interactive formats, and personalized advertising. But why is YouTube so relevant for social commerce? What are the benefits and challenges …
How Whatnot is revolutionizing social commerce
In a world where shopping is becoming increasingly digital, Whatnot is setting new standards. Founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, Whatnot is more than just an interactive marketplace—it’s a platform that blends livestreams, auctions, and social media into a unique shopping experience. With over $60 million in funding secured by 2024 and …
Successful Selling on TikTok Shop: The Ultimate Guide
TikTok Shop is revolutionizing social commerce, allowing brands and consumers to connect in unique and effective ways. With its growth-oriented ecosystem, TikTok Shop offers unparalleled opportunities to scale a brand from scratch to generating millions in revenue. At Outlandish, we’ve crafted this guide by combining key social commerce trends with practical strategies to help you …
Pinterest: How Inspiration Turns into Purchases
Pinterest is no longer just a platform for inspiration – it has become a major player in social commerce. Especially in the fashion industry, it seamlessly connects inspiration with purchasing. Features like visual search, shoppable pins, and personalized recommendations make Pinterest one of the most exciting digital commerce channels. Pinterest as a Social Commerce Platform …
Otto Group: Rethinking Social Commerce
Social Commerce is more than just a trend—it’s a revolution in e-commerce. While many businesses still underestimate the potential of social media for direct sales, the Otto Group is strategically embracing Social Commerce. In an interview with ONEtoONE, the company explains why this approach is crucial for the future of retail and how they are …
How to Maximize Your Cybersecurity ROI
Investing in cybersecurity is crucial, but companies often struggle to get the most out of their budgets. To ensure your investments provide maximum protection and efficiency, here are key strategies to enhance your cybersecurity ROI. The Importance of Cybersecurity in E-Commerce E-commerce businesses handle vast amounts of sensitive customer data, including payment details and personal …
WhatsApp in the Customer Journey: A Key Channel in Digital Marketing
In today’s digital world, WhatsApp is playing an increasingly central role in communication between businesses and customers. As one of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide, WhatsApp offers companies the opportunity to connect with customers directly and personally. The following analysis explains how the medium can be integrated into the customer journey and its …
Fighting poverty through e-commerce in Central Asia
Trade has driven economic growth in Central Asia despite significant geographical challenges. Products from the region, which lacks access to seaports, must travel long distances to reach their destination. The cost of trade for landlocked countries—equivalent to a tariff of 540%—hampers the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs and limits income growth. E-commerce could be the key …
Social Commerce: Revolutionizing the Future of E-Commerce
This blog post is based on the article “Social Commerce Revolutionizes Electronic Commerce” by Victoria Frings and Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, published in the proceedings of the 3rd International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC 2023). The article explores how social commerce – the integration of social media and e-commerce – is revolutionizing online retail. With a …
Social Commerce: The Future of Online Shopping?
The e-commerce market has experienced impressive growth in recent years, but market saturation presents new challenges for businesses. At the same time, consumers are increasingly seeking interactive, personalized shopping experiences. Social commerce, the use of social media to sell products and services, offers a promising solution. In this article, we explore the roles of Instagram …
Conference: Social Commerce and Consumer Protection
On February 25, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia will host a high-profile conference in Düsseldorf. Titled “(Un)influenced by the Net? Consumer Protection in Digital Retail Environments”, the event will explore the opportunities and risks of online shopping in the ever-evolving digital world. The goal is to strengthen consumer protection …
Potentials of Social Selling & Commerce
Whether it’s social selling or social commerce, combining social platforms with sales has been proven to boost revenues, as studies confirm. Leveraging social networks as sales and lead channels has become the gold standard in sales. Statista data highlights the growing importance of selling products directly or indirectly via social media platforms, unlocking significant revenue …
5 Marketing Hacks for 2025
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to evaluate your marketing strategies and plan concrete actions for success. Effective campaign management will remain crucial in 2025. With 70% of executives planning to maintain or increase their marketing budgets, marketing continues to be a key driver of business success. To achieve their goals, …
Surprising E-Commerce Trends: HSG Study 2024
A recent study by the Research Center for Retail Management at the University of St. Gallen, conducted by Thomas Rudolph, Nora Kralle, Tim-Florian Gerlach, and Ewald Bierbaum, provides fascinating insights into internet usage in Switzerland and reveals the most popular online retailers of 2024. Particularly noteworthy: Chinese platforms like Temu and Shein are gaining significant …
Zalando’s “Holy Grail”: Where Inspiration Meets E-Commerce
“What made us successful in the past will make us successful in the future.” With these words, Co-CEO Robert Gentz introduced Zalando’s new business strategy. Alongside its 2023 financial results, the company unveiled ambitious plans for 2024, guided by the motto “Double Down.” The goal is to build on past successes while focusing sharply on …
Revenue growth in e-commerce through AI
E-commerce is at a turning point: While the market continues to grow and more businesses aim to establish themselves online, competition is becoming increasingly fierce. At the same time, customers’ expectations for personalized, seamless, and visually engaging shopping experiences are rising. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes into play. As a megatrend in digitalization, …