El Corte Inglés posted $220M profit in H1 FY2024, up 11%. Revenues hit $8.7B, rising 2.3%. EBITDA grew 12.3% to $566M, while net debt fell $205M. Retail sales rose 3.2%, and travel revenues surged 10.3%. All divisions saw gains.

Shopify's Q3 results impressed, with earnings of $0.35/share, surpassing $0.27 estimates. Revenue hit $2.16B, beating $2.12B predictions. GMV jumped 24% to $69.7B. Shares surged 21% as Shopify projected holiday sales growth of 25%.

Zalando’s new free loyalty program, Zalando Plus, opens access to all users, aiming to grow its 2.6M-member base. The program offers perks like birthday gifts, faster shipping, and early access. Launched in Spain, France, and Austria, it will expand in 2025. Financially, Zalando expects one-time costs for past subscriptions and provisions for points.

Germany’s Thalia acquired online bookseller buecher.de as Weltbild, its previous owner, filed for bankruptcy. The sale price remains undisclosed. Thalia will keep all 34 employees, and buecher.de will continue as a brand. Thalia’s CEO described the acquisition as an “excellent addition” after buecher.de reached $65.4M in sales in 2023.

In a new holiday campaign, TikTok Shop partners with Venmo to offer exclusive discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, U.S. shoppers can get up to $35 off by paying with Venmo. TikTok Shop's holiday event, "Brand Palooza," will run Nov. 13–27, with major brands offering special discounts. This campaign underscores TikTok Shop’s community-centered approach, which aims to support small brands and creators. Recent data shows its impact: over 5M banned products and 30K revoked permissions in its latest safety report.

Mozilla Foundation, known for Firefox, cut 30% of its workforce to shift its focus. Two key departments, advocacy and global programs, were dropped in a restructuring that aims to enhance impact amid tech challenges. Executive director Nabiha Syed, new to the role since February, explained that these changes allow Mozilla to sharpen its mission for an equitable online world. Mozilla says advocacy will continue across other areas.

Shopify's Finance suite centralizes tools for merchants, combining Balance, Capital, Credit, Tax, and Bill Pay into a single dashboard. With higher APY rewards, cash-back options, and new repayment flexibility, merchants can access up to $2M in capital. Shopify's user-friendly solutions ease tax compliance, loan access, and cash management, helping businesses stay focused on growth without traditional banking limits.

DoorDash saw an 18% rise in orders in Q3, hitting its first profit since 2020. The company’s new partnership with Lyft, announced Oct. 30, will provide benefits for users of both services. DoorDash expects the holiday season to boost demand further, aiming for a profitable Q4.

Deliveroo’s new report reveals that healthy options now dominate its top UK orders, with salads taking two of the top three spots. Viral food trends also shape consumer preferences, as social media drives demand for Instagram-worthy meals and essentials, which are up by 600% since 2022. Deliveroo’s strategy emphasizes supporting restaurant growth, reflecting the UK’s evolving dining trends.

Asos posted a $379M loss this year, yet CEO Calamonte remains unfazed by competition from Shein or Vinted. Calamonte believes the fragmented market leaves room for Asos’ customer-focused model. He noted a 24% rise in “newness” sales, despite only a 6% increase in stock. Asos will double its “test-and-react” line, aiming to adapt swiftly to trends. The CEO’s focus on Asos’ unique styling, curated brands, and fast supply model signals confidence in the retailer’s position, even as losses widen.

From Nov 5 to Dec 23, 2024, OTTO’s campaign “And what are you giving?” offers gift ideas for Singles’ Day and Black Friday. The campaign will reach TV, streaming platforms, and social media to promote OTTO’s 18M-item catalog, with brands like LEGO and Dyson. Collaborating with Setzkorn Kemper and Mediaplus, OTTO aims to capture holiday shoppers online, making the question of the right gift central to its theme.

Zalando's Q3 results showed strong gains. Revenue rose by 5% to $2.5B, while GMV climbed 7.8% to $3.8B. B2C sales grew 4.3%, reaching $2.4B, and B2B saw an 11.1% increase. Net profit hit $47M, reversing last year's loss. Zalando confirmed its 2024 outlook, projecting 3-5% GMV growth and adjusted EBIT of $470M. Investments in new brands, logistics in Europe, and the Zalando Assistant help drive engagement and expansion.

eBay shoppers in Germany can now pay for monthly purchases through a single invoice due mid-month. Partnering with Riverty, eBay’s new option adds flexibility and convenience, consolidating all purchases into one statement. Buyers receive the invoice on the first day of each month, with a 14-day period to pay, ensuring seamless shopping. The option will fully launch in early 2025.

AliExpress launched its 11.11 Global Shopping Festival for UK shoppers with discounts of up to 80% on tech, fashion, and more. New features like "Shake & Win" offer prizes, and daily livestreams showcase discounted products. A survey shows 25% of Brits rarely self-gift, with many citing budget issues. AliExpress aims to encourage affordable self-treats, adding fun to holiday shopping with interactive experiences and deep discounts.

Ceconomy, parent of MediaMarkt and Saturn, saw a 4.1% rise in sales to €22.4B ($23.7B) in FY ending Sept 30. After four years of steady growth, profitability is up for the seventh quarter, expected to hit $305M. CEO Wildberger cites success from smaller Xpress shops, closing unprofitable locations, and expanding online. Over 66% of stores have been modernized, with a goal of 90% by 2026. More conversions from Saturn to MediaMarkt, shop-in-shop models, and department store placements with Galeria will fuel growth. Online marketplaces also add to this positive trend.

Deliveroo, with 160K partners in ten markets, is driving major growth and innovation. At its Food Forward event, Deliveroo unveiled its strategy with three key pillars: building trust, expanding delivery occasions, and empowering partners. According to Kantar data, only 2% of the UK's 50B annual food occasions are takeaways, showing vast room for growth. Deliveroo aims to expand its active user base, which currently places 300M orders annually. By 2026, Deliveroo plans for more users to join its Plus loyalty program, which already accounts for 40% of orders. Technologies like AI-powered support and a Hub Manager app aim to improve customer experience and partner support.

HelloFresh sold fewer meal kits last quarter, yet saw sales rise 1.4% to $1.9B, driven by a 40% increase in ready-to-eat meals. CEO Dominik Richter highlighted this category as the primary growth driver, with the company refining marketing for higher profitability. Adjusted EBITDA rose 4.2% to $77M, surpassing targets. The company is aiming for moderate sales growth this year, targeting up to 1.7%, while strengthening the ready-to-eat sector.

Tony Hoggett, Amazon’s SVP of grocery stores, is leaving after nearly three years. His departure marks a pivotal moment as Amazon Fresh rapidly expands, surpassing 50 stores and adopting new designs. Amazon has not announced a successor, but Hoggett's influence has been key, helping Amazon integrate grocery offerings across brands, including Whole Foods. His last day is Nov. 1, 2024, capping off an impactful period of growth and innovation.

British retailer Next launches Seasons, a new e-commerce platform offering premium brands like Marc Jacobs and A.P.C. to capitalize on the demand for luxury in the UK. Following recent acquisitions and industry changes, Seasons will focus on high-quality service and curated selections aimed at discerning customers. International expansion is set for 2026, and discussions with luxury groups Kering and Richemont are underway.

Squarespace goes private in a $7.2B deal with Permira, finalized in October 2024. Initially set at $6.9B, Permira upped its offer to $7.2B, equating to $44.50 per share. CEO Anthony Casalena retains a significant equity share and leadership role.

Wayfair unveils Wayfair Rewards, a $29/year loyalty program. Customers get 5% back on purchases, free shipping, and special sales access. With perks like priority support, the program aims to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Walmart will offer prescription delivery in the U.S. by early 2025. Available in 49 states, the service promises delivery in 30 minutes, reaching over 86% of households. Walmart+ members get it for free; others pay $9.95 per order.

Bauhaus is launching its online marketplace in mid-2025, focusing on the DIY market in Germany. Sellers must be German-registered, managing their own shipping. The platform, powered by Mirakl, will initially be separate from physical stores.

Amazon now offers Prime members a 10 cents/gallon discount at 7,000 BP, Amoco, and AM/PM stations. Members must enroll in Earnify for access. This comes four years after Walmart+ introduced similar gas perks. EV charging savings will follow in 2025.

Amazon is launching a new budget store to compete with Temu and Shein. The store will sell items like $20 sofas and $8 jewelry. Products ship from China, taking 9-11 days. Fulfillment fees for sellers are lower than Amazon’s main platform.

Zalando launches ‘Cultural Ties,’ a streetwear map for Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, and Warsaw. With exclusive interviews, hotspots, and a December adidas Originals drop, it's streetwear's new frontier in Europe.

Amazon is joining the nuclear energy race alongside Google and Microsoft. The tech giant has signed deals to develop several small modular reactors (SMRs), aiming to meet its carbon-neutral target by 2040 while supporting the growing energy demands of AI. The company’s agreements include partnerships with Energy Northwest and Dominion Energy. This shift reflects Big Tech’s response to rising carbon footprints from AI-driven data centers, which could account for 9% of U.S. electricity by 2030.

Singapore's Lazada plans to achieve $100B in GMV by 2030, focusing on luxury brands like Armani DG. Its strategy moves away from low-priced competition, aiming for high-end e-commerce dominance in Southeast Asia.

Lidl plans to relaunch in the U.S. on Oct. 16, investing $15M in a marketing campaign. The chain, with around 170 stores, aims to boost recognition, which currently stands at just 58%. Lidl’s growth lags behind competitors like Aldi.

Luxury resale platform Vestiaire Collective has introduced AI-powered search tools to improve shopping experiences. The company also hired Stacia Carr as CTO and added Jim Freeman, formerly of Amazon, to its board. AI tools like image search and price recommendations are set to roll out by the end of 2024. The secondhand luxury market remains strong despite a slowdown in luxury sales.

Zalando raised its full-year profit forecast as sales surged 5% in Q3, bringing adjusted EBIT to $95M. Customer base grew to 50M, and gross merchandise volume jumped to $3.5B. The new strategy is paying off.

Yves Rocher’s marketplace launched on Sept 23, expanding its e-commerce with 12+ partner brands. With the aim of growing to 50 brands soon, this move could double online sales in the next 3 years.

Checkout.com reports crypto is less than 4% of its volume, focusing on e-commerce and fintech. The company saw 40% growth last year, with valuation now at $9.35B. It recently launched new products and plans to expand into Brazil and Canada.

SportsShoes.com achieved a 22% increase in international sales and a 17% rise in European customers. The e-tailer plans to expand into new markets like Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland.

UK fashion giant Boohoo is reportedly considering divesting brands such as Debenhams and Karen Millen to boost value, as its stock has plunged 85% in five years. With declining market share and competition from Shein, a business split might help refocus.

Shopee, Tokopedia, and others in Southeast Asia are increasing seller commissions, with fees rising up to 10%. Merchants are unhappy but staying, facing higher margins. Shopee remains the largest e-commerce platform, holding 48% market share.

eBay drops seller fees in the U.K. for most products to combat competitors like Vinted and Depop. This move, already successful in Germany, aims to boost C2C sales. Fashion resale is growing fast, with the global market hitting $197B last year.

DoorDash partners with local companies in Austin and Fresno to pilot a new model where delivery workers are W2 employees, earning hourly wages, benefits, and reimbursements. This experiment contrasts with DoorDash's traditional gig-worker approach, representing a significant shift in the delivery service industry.

Mondelēz introduces a new AI-powered platform to boost global marketing and tap into consumer trends. The platform, developed with Accenture and Publicis Groupe, aims to speed up content creation, personalize messages, and drive innovation.

Nike CEO John Donahoe will step down on Oct. 13, to be succeeded by company veteran Elliott Hill. Hill, who retired in 2020, brings 32 years of Nike experience back to the role. Nike’s shares surged 8% in after-hours trading following the announcement.

Asos is cutting over 200 head office roles as part of a major restructuring effort. This comes after the retailer reported a $120M loss in the first half of 2024. The tech team is most affected, but new roles are being created.

Shein's Swiss platform now offers products from major brands like Adidas, Nike, and Tissot. This move follows a trend of increasing brand availability on Shein's platforms, sparking concerns among the brands themselves. Prices on Shein are significantly lower, drawing comparisons to Amazon's past controversies. While Germany lags, the Swiss site stands out for its high-quality presentation and broader range, raising questions about Shein's growing influence in the online fashion market.

Alibaba commits US$142M to cover delivery fees for Hong Kong Taobao users on orders over US$14. This Q4 initiative targets key categories like fashion, electronics, and skincare, with over 800 pickup stations available.

TikTok expands its Subscription feature beyond LIVE creators, enabling non-LIVE creators to offer exclusive perks and content to their followers. The feature rolls out in select regions with plans to expand globally. Creators can choose from various tiers, offering benefits like private communication channels, exclusive content, and community identifiers. To qualify, creators need 10K followers and 100K video views in the past month. The move comes as TikTok discontinues its music subscription service, focusing on partnerships with major streaming platforms like Spotify.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced a 5-day return-to-office (RTO) mandate, sparking dissatisfaction among employees. An internal survey reveals strong opposition, with concerns about collaboration and the risk of brain drain. Will Amazon listen?

Walmart is launching its first Holiday Deals event from Oct. 8 to Oct. 13, with Walmart+ members receiving 12-hour early access. The event coincides with Target's Circle Week and Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, intensifying the competition among retailers.

Migros is in the middle of a major restructuring, leading to the closure of several online stores. The Café Royal online shop will close on September 25, 2024. Other closures include SportX, which will cease operations by February 2025, and Bike World by March 2025.

Expedia's new Travel Shops feature over 100 shoppable stores curated by influencers and brands. This exclusive launch, involving names like Jaime Camil and Virgil Van Dijk, offers users a way to book travel experiences directly from social media. By 2025, more creators can join, aligning with a growing trend in social commerce seen on platforms like TikTok.

Axel Springer’s media assets, including Politico and Bild, will split off in a €13.5B deal. KKR takes control of classifieds, while Mathias Döpfner and Friede Springer lead the digital news arm. The deal aims to create a global digital media giant.

Etsy launched Etsy Insider with free shipping, aiming to increase growth. New features like Gift Mode and improved search tools are designed to boost sales, app usage, and customer loyalty.