General 70% of online shoppers are active on C2C platforms

70% of online shoppers are active on C2C platforms

The number of online shoppers in Europe decreased by 1 percent in 2023. However, the number of regular online shoppers remained stable. And 7 out of 10 of these regular online shoppers were active on C2C platforms, where they bought or sold secondhand products. These data come from the E-Shopper Barometer 2023 by Geopost, a …

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General ECI Project with AWO

ECI Project with AWO

Aside from the numerous scientific contributions, conferences, and event offerings, the E-commerce Institute Cologne also works on practical tasks for customers throughout Germany. A current project that our project managers are handling is being developed in collaboration with the Workers’ Welfare Association (AWO) Germany. The aim here is to demonstrate new ways of recruiting employees …

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General Fressnapf launches new warehouse

Fressnapf launches new warehouse

The Fressnapf Group has commissioned Vanderlande to automate its new logistics center in Nörvenich. The centerpiece is an AutoStore system, which is being implemented in collaboration with Vanderlande’s sister company, Toyota Material Handling Deutschland. The pet supply provider, Fressnapf, has chosen Vanderlande as the general contractor for automating its new E-commerce hub in Nörvenich. According …

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General ISPC 2024 Announcement: “Digital Management and Artificial Intelligence”

ISPC 2024 Announcement: “Digital Management and Artificial Intelligence”

After several long carnival days, the time has come: the announcement of the ISPC 2024 conference is imminent. This year’s international conference, organized by the East European University (Georgia) in cooperation with IU University of Applied Sciences Cologne (Germany), will take place in Cologne. At its core, the forum aims to present and discuss relevant …

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General SYNTEA: AI Revolution in Online Education

SYNTEA: AI Revolution in Online Education

The IU International University (IU) is Germany’s largest university with over 100,000 students. As a pioneer in the field of digital learning tools, it actively integrates them into its teaching to offer personalized education to students worldwide. Using state-of-the-art technologies such as Language Models (LLMs) and GPT, IU developed the AI-powered teaching and learning assistant …

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General Social Commerce: The Future of E-Commerce?

Social Commerce: The Future of E-Commerce?

E-commerce has changed the way we shop by providing customers worldwide with convenience and accessibility. Social commerce, which combines social networks and online shopping, has emerged as a significant force in recent years. With the increasing importance of social media platforms and the growing preference for personalized shopping experiences, the question arises about the future …

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Event Event calendar February

Event calendar February

The event calendar for February is once again brimming with a variety of fascinating events in and around Cologne. This month, Carnival takes center stage in Cologne, skillfully blending networking events with valuable insights for aspiring e-commerce experts. Additionally, there are numerous events this month dedicated to delving into the trending topic of AI. Here’s …

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E-Commerce Staff Reduction at eBay: The Interview with SWR

Staff Reduction at eBay: The Interview with SWR

The trading platform eBay is cutting a thousand jobs – the explanation is that the workforce and expenses have grown faster than the business. And there have been many layoffs at other online retailers recently. What’s going on? According to Richard C. Geibel, Managing Director of the eCommerce Institute Cologne, this is clearly a consequence …

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General IU International University: Education for the Modern World

IU International University: Education for the Modern World

Today’s educational landscape is characterized by diversity, flexibility, and global interconnectedness. In this context, the IU International University of Applied Sciences holds a prominent position. As one the largest University in Germany, IU strives to make education accessible for the modern world, preparing students for a successful future. History and Mission: Founded in 1998, IU …

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General The digitization of corporate learning

The digitization of corporate learning

The way of learning has drastically changed due to COVID-19. With the onset of the pandemic and the corresponding measures such as social distancing, many companies were put to the test and forced to adjust their current teaching approaches. Trainings and seminars could not take place on-site as usual and were, sometimes without a strategic …

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General SEO Trends 2024 – What to Consider in Search Engine Optimization

SEO Trends 2024 – What to Consider in Search Engine Optimization

The SEO trends are constantly evolving. For 2024, several key trends are emerging that will be crucial for future success in search engines. What developments are relevant, and how can companies integrate them into their everyday marketing? A guest contribution from Jonas Polfuß  Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has evolved into a complex discipline that combines …

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General 40% of the products available online as second-hand

40% of the products available online as second-hand

The market for used and refurbished – second-hand – items in Germany is experiencing growth. For 40% of the analyzed products in the categories of electronics, home & garden, and sports & outdoor, there are offerings, representing a six-percentage-point increase compared to the previous year. Marketplace consultant Metoda, in its second study, analyzed publicly available …

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General E-Commerce Success: Improvement Tips for Online Shops

E-Commerce Success: Improvement Tips for Online Shops

The e-commerce sector is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging regularly that must be carefully considered. This adaptability is crucial for online shops to succeed in the local market and attract customers. However, where should the focus lie, and what aspects need attention in the realm of marketing? Successful E-Commerce: The Crucial Role of Effective …

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General FedEx launches E-commerce platform in the fall

FedEx launches E-commerce platform in the fall

FedEx plans a fall launch for its fdx eCommerce platform, aiming to optimize various aspects for merchants. The platform consolidates existing tools and introduces new features, including real-time network insights. FedEx’s move to a digitally-led model follows a reorganization and increased competition with Amazon in eCommerce deliveries. FedEx is set to introduce an eCommerce platform …

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General 5 Profit Boosters from Repeat Buyers

5 Profit Boosters from Repeat Buyers

Companies appreciate new customers, but repeat buyers generate more profit and incur lower service costs. Customers need a reason to return. This could be achieved through marketing, outstanding service, or superior product quality. Regardless, the long-term viability of most e-commerce shops requires customers to make more than one purchase. Here’s why: Higher Lifetime Value A …

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General Content Commerce: The Key Strategy in E-Commerce

Content Commerce: The Key Strategy in E-Commerce

Sustainable, user-centered content marketing is crucial in e-commerce to attract customers, foster long-term loyalty, and increase revenue. This article explains how a tailored content strategy can drive your online shop forward. E-commerce and content marketing go hand in hand. Online shops that invest in content offer more than just products – they use content as …

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General 5 online business ideas for 2024

5 online business ideas for 2024

Many successful companies that have emerged in recent years started as online businesses. Why? Because the majority of the target audience is now found on the internet, thanks to advancing digitization. A successful online business can take various forms – whether it’s an online shop, blog, affiliate partnership, or social media enterprise. Numerous strategies and …

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General E-Commerce & Logistics: Top 5 Trends 2024

E-Commerce & Logistics: Top 5 Trends 2024

In 2024, a milestone is marked in E-commerce. Technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and evolving consumer demands open up new perspectives and challenges for businesses. Five trends, from AI to sustainability, will significantly influence online commerce in 2024. Key developments include increased adaptability to market trends, necessitating more efficient operational structures. This involves the …

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General 5 Tips for Protection Against eCommerce Fraud in Online Shops

5 Tips for Protection Against eCommerce Fraud in Online Shops

With the steady rise in e-commerce, fraudulent cases are becoming increasingly problematic. Experts predict that by 2025, revenues totaling seven trillion US dollars could be lost. To protect themselves and their customers from these emerging threats, it is essential for merchants to strengthen their security measures and implement new prevention strategies. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, …

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General Event calendar

Event calendar

To start the new year, numerous fascinating events await us in and around Cologne. In addition to networking events, the New Year season is dedicated to education about AI, as well as cozy gatherings like the Startup Breakfast at STARTZPLATZ. The following is what our event calendar has to offer: Foundations: How to build your …

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