Author name: Universe

Marketplace Universe News 07.07. 2025 – TikTok builds US app / Perplexity builds AI browser / AMA with Tarek Müller

Breaking News TikTok prepares standalone US app TikTok wants to circumvent the impending ban in the US by developing an app version specifically for the US with its own algorithm and based exclusively on US data. Malte Karstan sees this as a possible end to TikTok as we know it. Meanwhile, US President Trump wants to continue negotiations with China on a sale to a US-led joint venture. More at Reuters and on LinkedIn (Malte Karstan). More News SMEs sell on Amazon worldwide More than 80% of the approximately 47,000 small and medium-sized businesses that sell on Amazon do so worldwide. Their export sales rose by around €200 million to €5.7 billion in 2024, reaching a new record high.  More at About Amazon (German) Tesco offers logistics services for marketplace sellers The British supermarket chain and online marketplace has opened a new automated distribution center near Southhampton. The site can distribute 600.000 orders per day and is intended to handle marketplace SKUs. So far, the Tesco marketplace has been a classic dropshipment platform, but now the retailer seems to take more stakes into direct marketplace logistics. More on LinkedIn Temu now ventures into the food market As cheap non-food imports from China become more difficult, Temu is looking to become an FMCG player in Europe. The Chinese platform is already approaching local suppliers of food and cosmetics in Germany. Get more at Retaildetail Amazon focuses on fast food delivery In the UK, Amazon is now delivering food nationwide within 60 minutes, and in some cases even within 15 minutes, in collaboration with the fast delivery service Gopuff. See more on ChannelX.  Marketplaces are turning to AIZalando has expanded its AI-powered size guide to include a personalized avatar for virtual try-ons and is also experimenting with AI-based makeup testing. Digitec Galaxus uses AI for product recommendations, pricing, logistics optimization, and fraud prevention. And its competitor Brack.ch uses AI features to optimize its search algorithms, recommendations, and customer service. See more on Stores-Shops (Zalando; German) and on HHandelszeitung (Geman) AI News Perplexity takes on GoogleAI company Perplexity has launched its own AI-powered web browser. “Comet” includes the Perplexity AI search engine as standard and prominently displays AI-generated search summaries in the browser. Perplexity aims to challenge Google’s dominance in the search and browsing space. However, it is currently only available to selected subscribers. Perplexity has also introduced its first ad format, “sponsored follow-up questions.” More at PPC (Comet browser)  and Business Insider (ad format) Don’t want to miss any news? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Kaufland Guide: 7 Steps to Internationalization

How to sell international on Kaufland Global Marketplace

When we talk about international expansion, we often focus on market research, business models, channel strategies, and high-level decisions. So what does expansion really look like for brands and sellers in day-to-day practice? And how can going cross-border be made as simple and efficient as possible? Kaufland Global Marketplace is good example for a marketplace that really tries to help its sellers on their road to internationalization. Because this marketplace operator has achieved something that’s still rare in the European marketplace landscape: a unified, cross-country system. With just a few clicks, sellers can go live in up to seven European markets simultaneously – significantly reducing both technical and operational complexity. Here is their guide “How to sell international on Kaufland Global Marketplace”. Seven Markets, One System: Why Kaufland is Worth Considering Over the past few years, Kaufland Global Marketplace has focused on simplifying international expansion. Through a central platform, sellers can currently access marketplaces in seven countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria – and starting in late summer 2025, also France and Italy. In total, this means access to up to 139 million potential online shoppers. The Seller Portal is the command center: it allows sellers to manage and translate everything from product data and legal texts to shipping rules – all tailored to the relevant country. Even after-sales service can be handled centrally across markets. One Registration – Many Channels to sell international Sellers only need to register once to access all Kaufland marketplaces. At onboarding, they can choose to launch in one or multiple countries – and additional markets can be added at any time without re-registration. Requirements to get started: The Pricing Kaufland Global Marketplace treats its multi-market offering as a unified package – and this is reflected in the fee model. Sellers pay a flat monthly fee of €39.95 (Basic) or €59.95 (Plus), plus a category-based commission. The big advantage: adding additional countries incurs no extra cost. Listing products is also free and unlimited across all marketplaces. How the Operational Rollout Works Especially valuable for sellers with existing system landscapes: the rollout can be largely automated. Kaufland offers free tools for data transfer and translation, and over 130 integration partners ensure smooth connectivity with popular ERP and shop systems. The Seven Steps to Internationalization In its guide, Kaufland Global Marketplace clearly walks sellers through the onboarding steps with dashboard screenshots and explanations: Conclusion: Less Complexity, More Reach For many brands and sellers, internationalization is no longer optional – it’s essential for growth. And while marketplaces promise fast access to new markets, the reality often involves complex tech setups, fragmented structures, and inconsistent policies. Kaufland Global Marketplace takes a different approach: one platform, one logic, one interface – across seven markets. This drastically lowers the barrier to entry and enables scalable growth from day one. A compelling model – and one that other marketplaces would do well to learn from. 💡 The complete guide with all its practical tips that shows how to sell international on Kaufland Global Marketplace is available free of charge here:

Marketplace Universe News 07.07. 2025 – About You takeover approved / dm negotiates with Shein / bol opens for Non-EU-Sellers

Zalando’s takeover of About You gets greenlight from EU
It’s official: The EU Commission has approved Zalando’s acquisition of About You, roughly six months after the initial announcement. The deal is valued at €1.2 billion. Together, the two fashion platforms now serve around 65 million customers across Europe. With the merger, Zalando aims to better respond to pressure from Shein and Temu – and prepare for a future shaped by AI-powered commerce.

Marketplace Movers & Shakers in June 2025

Sebastian Kux has been promoted at L’Oréal, now leading as Head of Digital & Consumer Engagement DACH for Maybelline New York, NYX Professional Makeup, and essie. Ludwig Schirmer has left Develey Senf & Feinkost to take on the role of Head of B2C Europe at AIR – Advanced Inhalation Rituals. Laura Wiedemann moves into a broader role at Hama Deutschland, now heading up E-Commerce International & Outlet.

Marketplace Country Quadrant Netherlands 2025

Marketplace Country Quadrant Netherlands

As the Marketplace Country Quadrant Netherlands 2025 shows, the Dutch market is very broad and flat. The Local Heroes find themselves under attack from the international competition.

Landscape with VAT Rates in Europe powered by Taxdoo July 2025

VAT-Traps: 7 Critical Rules Every Marketplace Seller in Europe Needs to Know

Selling through online marketplaces offers enormous opportunities for brands and retailers – especially in cross-border commerce. But anyone wanting to sell internationally must deal intensively with one topic: VAT. And it’s a tricky one. Despite EU-wide rules, the reality remains complex. Different VAT rates, national exemptions, and ever-changing regulations make VAT one of the biggest stumbling blocks in European e-commerce. That’s why we’ve put together this guide: VAT-Traps: 7 Critical Rules Every Marketplace Seller in Europe Needs to Know. It highlights the key differences, common pitfalls, and action points – especially for marketplace sellers and brands with international ambitions.

Top growth categories on bol

Categories and Assortments: What’s Working on bol

With an estimated GMV of around 5.6 billion USD and over 1.6 billion USD in revenue in 2025 alone, bol represents the dominant marketplace model in the region. But which product segments are performing well? Where do assortment gaps exist? And what should new sellers focus on? The following insights into Categories and Assortments: What’s Working on bol provide guidance.

Marketplace Universe News 16.06.2025 – Second hand is booming / Strong Amazon advertising business / eBay Live launch in Uk

Refurbished boom: Back Market, Swappie & Co. hit new growth records
Europe’s refurbished electronics market is surging – and 2024 was a banner year for the sector’s leading players. Back Market increased its GMV by 32% to €2.2 billion, consolidating its lead in the European market. Swappie, the Finnish specialist for refurbished iPhones, grew its revenue by 20% to €249 million. German competitor Asgoodasnew expects 12% growth to €152 million for the year. Germany is developing into one of the most mature markets.

Scroll to Top