ABSTRACT: The Otto Marketplace AI Strategy 2026 The new Otto Marketplace AI Strategy is driving sales to 7.5 billion euros in the 2025/26 financial year. The Hamburg-based online retailer is increasingly focusing on AI-powered shopping experiences and the international expansion of its product range. Despite this growth, the company plans cost reductions and the elimination …
Abtract: Germany is Europe’s returns capital: more than 530 million parcels are sent back every year, and in fashion retail the return rate reaches as high as 50 per cent. The environmental and economic costs are enormous. Yet a new approach rooted in behavioural economics shows that carefully designed psychological prompts – known as Green …
Abstract GEO Optimization is fundamentally redefining digital visibility in 2026. While traditional Search Engine Optimization primarily targets rankings in link lists, the modern information landscape requires an algorithmic presence directly within AI syntheses. The E-Commerce Institute Cologne identifies structured data preparation as a primary prerequisite for this shift. Important Facts Definition: Adaptation of content for …
Abstract Current developments surrounding TikTok Shop Germany 2026 show a massive transformation in retail. One year after the launch of TikTok Shop in Germany, latest data reveals: around 15 percent of all German online shoppers have already used the platform, and the revenue share of those over 46 even exceeds that of Gen Z at …
Abstract: Joybuy Market Entry Germany 2026 – Same-Day Delivery as the New Standard With the launch of Joybuy – the European e-commerce platform of Chinese technology giant JD.com – a new player will enter the German online retail market on March 16, 2026. The highlight: Joybuy promises same-day delivery at no extra cost, positioning itself …
Abstract: Crypto platforms are increasingly becoming key infrastructures in the digital economy. Developments by exchanges such as MEXC illustrate how trading platforms are evolving into integrated ecosystems. For e-commerce, this creates new opportunities in payments, cross-border transactions, and platform-based business models. At the same time, competition between global platforms is intensifying, driven by innovation, scalability, …
Dark patterns have long been part of the toolbox of many online retailers. Countdown timers, artificial scarcity, or gamified discount mechanics are designed to push customers toward faster purchasing decisions. However, recent studies suggest that consumers increasingly recognize these manipulative design strategies. In some cases, such tactics even lead to purchase abandonment. This raises an …
Abstract: Registration for the International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC) 2026 is now open. The international conference titled “Digital Management – Scientific Research and Practical Implementation” will take place on September 10–11, 2026 at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) in Brugg, Switzerland. Researchers, practitioners, and master’s and doctoral students are invited to …
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 The Rheinland Pitch #126 brings the startup scene to the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf (HSD) on February 23, 2026. Three selected startups will present their business models live to investors, students, and entrepreneurs. The E-Commerce Institute analyzes this event, which is considered a staple in the NRW startup ecosystem. This article by Prof. …
Abstract This article analyzes the business model innovation of Mainz Biomed Germany GmbH. The combination of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and the Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS) enables companies to systematically develop competitive advantages in dynamic markets. Quote “Business model innovation is becoming a decisive competitive factor in dynamic markets. The combination of the Business …
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 …