TikTok Shop Expands into Europe
ByteDance appears to see opportunities for e-commerce even in smaller European markets: TikTok Shop is currently preparing to launch in Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. This is indicated by job postings and seller platforms that have already been set up. Meanwhile, QVC has filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. The home shopping channel has recently been suffering increasingly from the shift to TikTok Shop and Whatnot. Read the full story on Ecommercenews (TikTok Shop) and CNN (QVC)

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eBay sales directly in the Facebook feed
Meta Platforms has added eBay to its new affiliate partner programme. It allows Facebook users to integrate eBay listings directly into their feeds and sell them for a commission. The programme is still in beta, with a broader rollout expected in the coming months. More on ChannelX 

Temu joins IACC
Temu has joined the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC), which includes around 250 companies and organisations across more than 40 countries dedicated to fighting counterfeiting and piracy. In recent years, Temu has repeatedly faced criticism for the widespread distribution of counterfeit and imitation branded goods. Read more on Yahoo

Mirakl positions itself as middleware
Marketplace software provider Mirakl is expanding its integration solution “Mirakl Connector” into a broader middleware layer, enabling connections to additional marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kaufland and TikTok Shop. More marketplaces are expected to follow. The new solution includes cross-platform campaign planning, automated content adaptation, and financial services. Find out more on LinkedIn

bol opens checkout for third-party shops
The Dutch marketplace bol is opening its checkout technology to additional shops. Following a pilot phase, bol.checkout is now used by more than 300 online stores, allowing customers to pay using their bol account. Access for shops that are not bol partners will follow later. See more on Retaildetail

Rent the Runway enters the marketplace business
The rental and subscription platform Rent the Runway launched its own online marketplace in March. The goal is to expand its designer and eveningwear offering to include accessories and items for complete looks. In 2025, Rent the Runway generated nearly $330 million in revenue, up 7.7% year-on-year. Find out more on RetailDive

Allegro still holds its ground against Temu (for now)
The Polish marketplace Allegro managed to increase both the average product price and basket size in 2025, clearly outperforming Temu in terms of basket value. However, the Chinese competitor is catching up in order volume. Despite Temu’s growing popularity, users still spend around 2.5 times less there than on Allegro. More on ITWiz

Customer Fees News

eMAG introduces additional order fee
Since April 17, the leading Romanian marketplace eMAG has introduced an additional fee for customers. It ranges from approximately €0.29 to €0.78 per order and applies to purchases both from eMAG itself and from marketplace sellers. eMAG justifies the fee with investments in technical infrastructure and improvements to the shopping experience. See more on Antena3

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Der Beitrag Marketplace Universe News 20.04.2026 – QVC files for insolvency, TikTok expands erschien zuerst auf Marketplace Universe.

A structural demand peak – not a short-term hype

In the Netherlands, employees are entitled to Vakantiegeld – an additional payment of at least 8% of their annual salary. This amount is accrued over the year and typically paid out in a lump sum in May. For many consumers, this effectively equals an extra month’s salary.

The effect is not driven by more income, but by the timing of liquidity. Larger purchases are postponed – and then bundled around the payout.

This is where the market dynamic begins. “We see a clear increase in both GMV and average basket size around the payout,” says Dennis van Evert, Manager Retail Campaigning at bol.

The demand effect is clearly visible – and not limited to a single day:

• The strongest peak occurs in the payout week
• Demand remains elevated for another two to three weeks

This is not a short spike, but a concentrated demand phase over 2–3 weeks.

Notably, this does not create new growth, but a predictable shift in demand. And the pattern is stable: according to bol, neither the intensity nor the timing has changed significantly – despite inflation, increasing competition, and evolving platform dynamics.

What consumers actually buy: bigger, more expensive, more planned

The additional liquidity does not just increase demand, it changes how consumers buy.

1. Larger baskets and broader demand

With the payout of Vakantiegeld, the number of purchases increases significantly.

More importantly, the average order value (AOV) grows disproportionately, as many consumers deliberately postpone larger purchases to this moment.
At the same time, they use the additional budget for purchases that would otherwise not have been prioritised.

The result: larger baskets and broader demand at the same time.

2. Winning categories: everything expensive or seasonal

According to bol, demand is particularly strong in the following categories:

• Garden furniture & outdoor products
• Premium electronics
• Outdoor toys
• Seasonal summer products

The pattern is clear: Vakantiegeld is not used for everyday consumption, but for larger purchases.

“Although we do see an increase in buying and spending patterns across the platform, we see the biggest increase in higher-priced (electronics) categories, such as laptops and televisions,” Dennis explains.

Why visibility becomes critical in this phase

More demand may sound like easy growth. In practice, something else happens: competition for visibility increases significantly.

bol highlights three key levers:

1. Retail Media becomes a critical factor

More traffic does not automatically translate into more revenue. Retail Media plays a key role in staying visible during this period. In simple terms: those who don’t invest risk losing out – even when demand is strong.

2. Promotions become more aggressive

Even though overall revenue increases, promotional pressure is above average. Deals are not mandatory, but a clear differentiator.

3. Availability remains the silent winner

As in any peak phase, fast delivery and high availability remain the most important conversion drivers.

Campaigns as demand multipliers

bol actively amplifies the Vakantiegeld effect through two key campaign formats:

• Bol 10-daagse: a strongly deal-driven campaign with high discount density and strong visibility for participating products
• Summer campaign: more focused on inspiration and seasonal relevance, highlighting assortments related to holidays, outdoor, and summer

Both formats serve different purposes: The Bol 10-daagse drives short-term activation and additional purchase impulses, while the summer campaign directs demand toward seasonally relevant categories.

For sellers, this means: these campaigns not only amplify existing demand – they actively structure it. As a result, they play a decisive role in which products gain visibility and ultimately benefit.

What international sellers should do

bol outlines three key success factors for the Vakantiegeld phase:

1. Align assortment strategically

Not all categories benefit equally. Demand varies – so sellers should coordinate early with their account manager to identify relevant assortments and focus areas.

2. Optimise availability and delivery times

High demand is useless if products are not available. Short delivery times – e.g. via local fulfilment solutions like LvB – remain a key conversion factor.

3. Stay price competitive

In a phase with high promotional pressure, price plays a stronger role in both visibility and conversion.

Key learnings

• Vakantiegeld is a structural demand peak in the Dutch market – not a short-term effect
• The main lever is the increase in basket size, not just order volume
• Higher-priced and seasonal categories benefit disproportionately
• Competition for visibility and deals increases significantly
• Platform campaigns further amplify the effect
• For international sellers, the timing is predictable – and therefore strategically actionable

If you want to learn more about bol, check out episode 119 of our podcast: Hassan Imran from gardening specialist Neudorff and Patricia Lay from bol explain how you can get started on bol in just 3 weeks. You can find the episode here!

Der Beitrag Vakantiegeld: How an Extra Month’s Salary Boosts Dutch E-Commerce erschien zuerst auf Marketplace Universe.

King’s day: More than an cultural spectacle

At first glance, Dutch King’s Day is a cultural spectacle: orange streets, music, picnic blankets. From a marketplace perspective, however, it represents something else – a condensed example of how occasion-driven demand works.

Koningsdag illustrates what applies to many seasonal peaks: demand is not primarily created by discounts, but by specific use cases, time pressure and operational reliability. The same logic can be observed around major sporting events, retail moments such as back-to-school, the start of summer or national holidays.

27 April is therefore less a “mini Black Friday” and more a case study in marketplace-driven occasion commerce: relevance, availability and delivery promise decide.

As the largest online marketplace in the Netherlands, bol has extensive experience with these seasonal patterns. Each year, bol analyses how demand shifts in the run-up to the event, which categories actually perform and where merchants systematically overestimate potential or take operational risks. We have summarised the key insights below.

King’s Day Is Not a Discount Event – It’s a Preparation Window

Koningsdag is an “offline-first” holiday. People sell at flea markets, celebrate in parks or organise neighbourhood activities. This structure significantly shapes purchasing behaviour.

Online shopping does not primarily happen on 27 April, but beforehand. The strongest demand typically occurs three to seven days before the event. There is also a smaller wave two to three weeks in advance, for example driven by hosts planning larger gatherings. On the holiday itself, online activity is noticeably lower.

For sellers, this means: the decisive moment is the compressed preparation window.

Which Categories Actually Benefit

Many merchants reduce Koningsdag to “orange”. That is too simplistic. Colour alone does not generate demand, the use case does.

Products tend to perform when they are suitable for outdoor use, easy to transport, group-oriented or spontaneously usable. This includes, for example:

• Decorations, flags and party supplies
• Mobile speakers and power banks
• Picnic and BBQ accessories
• Folding chairs, cool boxes and drinkware
• Accessories such as hats, wigs or face paint
• Games for children and neighbourhood activities

Regularly overestimated categories include heavy DIY products, bulky renovation materials and everyday essentials simply offered in orange without a clear occasion-related use case.

The key question is not “Is it orange?”, but “Which concrete problem does this product solve on 27 April?”

The Decisive Variable: Delivery Promise

The closer King’s Day approaches, the more conversion is driven by delivery capability. In the final phase, one question dominates: Will the product arrive in time?

In the Netherlands, fast delivery standards are well established. Next-day delivery is widely considered standard. If that certainty is missing, customers switch to another seller.

For sellers, this requires operational discipline:

• Secure stock early
• Clearly communicate delivery cut-offs
• Avoid unrealistic promises

A one-day outdoor event leaves little room for logistical errors. If the product arrives too late, it loses its purpose, and may generate negative reviews.

Why Bundles Outperform Percentage Discounts

Koningsdag demand is need-driven and time-sensitive. This changes how promotions perform.

Instead of blanket discounts, the following approaches often work better:

• Thematic bundles
• Curated occasion landing pages
• Convenience positioning (“Everything for your Koningsdag in one place”)

Customers are buying preparation and completeness. Offering combined, occasion-relevant products reduces complexity and increases basket size.

Use Retail Media Strategically – Not Broadly

Around King’s Day, bol provides seasonal campaign formats that allow sellers with relevant assortments to participate. Visibility is driven less by aggressive price mechanics and more by thematic placements and additional traffic exposure.

At the same time, larger spring campaigns are typically running. Occasion-related assortment should be clearly separated from evergreen products, both structurally and in budget allocation. A common mistake is to integrate everything into one large “Spring” campaign. Relevance comes from segmentation.

In addition, bol provides its partners with a transparent campaign calendar outlining planned retail moments. Since not every holiday is accompanied by a national campaign, sellers should plan their own seasonal initiatives independently. By using the calendar early, visibility can be built strategically – even outside major platform-wide campaigns.

Typical Planning Mistakes

In occasion-driven retail moments, sellers repeatedly make similar mistakes. For King’s Day, bol highlights in particular:

• Starting campaigns too late
• Insufficient stock planning
• Delivery times that are too long or unclear
• Over-focusing on the colour orange instead of the use case
• Failing to separate occasion assortment from evergreen products

With such a compressed retail moment, even a single operational bottleneck can significantly impact overall performance.

Transferable Learnings for Other Markets

King’s Day is culturally Dutch, but the underlying logic is universal. Occasion-driven commerce follows recurring patterns: demand concentrates in the preparation window, reliable delivery decides in the final phase, and a clearly curated selection outperforms a broad but unfocused assortment. In the long term, a smooth customer experience outweighs short-term revenue optimisation.

These mechanics apply equally to national holidays, major sporting events and other seasonal peaks.

Conclusion and Key Learnings

Anyone who views King’s Day purely as a sales event underestimates it. It is an operational stress test for marketplace sellers – and a clear example of how occasion commerce works.

Early planning, clear use-case orientation, secured delivery promises and clean campaign segmentation determine whether this short but intense demand window can be successfully captured.

That is why Koningsdag is relevant well beyond the Netherlands.

Key Learnings

1.  Koningsdag is a preparation-driven retail moment, not a discount peak.
2.  Use case beats colour.
3.  Delivery capability is the strongest conversion driver in the final phase.
4.  Bundles outperform blanket discounts.
5.  Occasion and evergreen assortments must be managed separately.
6.  Operational mistakes weigh more heavily than short-term revenue gains.

Der Beitrag King’s Day as a Marketplace Case: What Sellers Can Learn from 27 April in the Netherlands erschien zuerst auf Marketplace Universe.

TikTok Shop doubles GMV to $64 billion
In 2025, TikTok Shop grew at a rapid pace. According to estimates, its GMV doubled year over year to reach $64 billion. After its home market China, the largest markets are the United States ($15 billion), Indonesia ($13 billion), and Thailand ($11.5 billion). In Europe, only the UK is currently significant, with a GMV of $2.4 billion. By 2030, TikTok Shop is expected to grow annually by more than 35% in both the US and the UK. More on LinkedIn and Exciting Commerce  

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Ceconomy on a growth trajectory with a 30% online share
In the last quarter of 2025, Ceconomy generated €7.6 billion in revenue. With an increase of 3.4%, the company recorded growth for the twelfth consecutive quarter. The online share of total sales exceeded 30% for the first time. Meanwhile, Joybuy, a subsidiary of future Ceconomy owner JD.com, has launched its own delivery service, Joy Express, in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. It could later take over logistics for MediaMarktSaturn. See more on Ecommercenews and listen our latest podcast Why JD.com bought Ceconomy

Amazon launches AI tool for Amazon Ads
With its new tool Creative Agent, Amazon is bringing automated campaign creation to Europe. The solution covers the entire process from analysis and concept development to production and performance measurement. The agent includes formats such as Amazon DSP, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Brands Video. Find out more on ChannelX  

Allegro expands to Facebook Marketplace
Following a move similar to eBay, Polish marketplace Allegro has agreed on a cooperation with Meta, allowing listings from Allegro Lokalnie to be displayed on Facebook Marketplace. The aim is to increase reach – and that appears necessary. Allegro is facing growing competitive pressure from Temu. In January, Temu was the most visited shopping platform in Poland, ahead of Allegro. More on InnPoland (Facebook) and PortalSpozywczy (Temu)

Payback launches marketplace in Germany
Largely unnoticed, Payback launched a product marketplace in Germany in January. The loyalty provider aims to leverage its 35 million customers but charges sales commissions of between 7% and 15%, plus a monthly base fee of €40. Read more on LinkedIn 

International sellers drive bol’s growth
In 2025, bol increased its GMV by 8.4% to €6.3 billion, supported by strong international sellers. These partners doubled their revenue in the final quarter of the year. However, there are growing signs that Amazon is gradually closing in on the Dutch market leader. In December, Amazon overtook bol in search volume, and the visibility of Amazon products has increased by 50% since October. More on RetailDetail (revenue) and Productrise (Amazon)  

change News

Zalando pushes profitability with virtual fitting room
Zalando is working on a shift from a margin-sensitive retail business to a platform model with more stable service revenues. At the same time, the company aims to improve profitability – for example, through the widespread rollout of a virtual fitting room. In tests with jeans, it reduced returns by up to 40%, thereby lowering costs. Zalando is facing increasing pressure from competitors such as Shein, TikTok Shop and Temu. Find out more on AdhocNews (platform model) and Zalando (virtual fitting room)

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Der Beitrag Marketplace Universe News 16.02.2026 – TikTok Shop doubles GMV / Ceconomy sees online growth / Amazon launches AI ad tool erschien zuerst auf Marketplace Universe.

Logistics as an entry test

The Netherlands ranks among the most logistically mature e-commerce markets in Europe. High customer expectations and a strong platform ecosystem have made delivery performance a basic requirement rather than a differentiating factor. Sellers who underestimate the market almost always fail on logistics.

A central role is played by the marketplace bol. As the largest marketplace in the country, bol brings extensive operational experience to the table and effectively sets the pace for service and delivery standards in the market. For international sellers, bol therefore serves as a strong reference point for understanding the realities of the Dutch market.

“Many international sellers enter the market with very strong products – and are surprised by how quickly logistics becomes the decisive factor,” explains Julia Buijs, International Strategy & Proposition Developer at bol.

Delivery standards in the Netherlands: clearly defined, hardly negotiable

Dutch consumers are demanding, and their expectations can be summarized quite clearly: Next Day Delivery (“order today, receive tomorrow”) is the standard, often combined with late cut-off times of up to 11:59 p.m. What matters is that there is very little tolerance for deviation. Reliability takes priority over speed – failing to meet a delivery promise is considered an absolute no-go. Delivery is still primarily made to the customer’s doorstep. In addition, there are initial signs of increasing demand for flexibility (pick-up locations, convenience).

In short: fast delivery is not a bonus – it is the entry ticket.

Delivery performance is not a single metric, but a system

In the Dutch logistics reality, speed, reliability, and transparency form a single promise. A weakness in one area cannot be compensated by strength in another, as trust is essential.

Successful delivery performance is therefore based on the interaction of:

• Speed: sellers must meet the established market standard.
• Reliability: delivery promises must be fulfilled without exception.
• Transparency: sellers must ensure reliable tracking and clear delivery communication.

Typical mistakes made by international sellers

Experienced international sellers often fail due to operational details, as they transfer standards from other markets to the Netherlands without local adaptation. Common mistakes include warehouses located too far from customers, non-competitive cut-off times, and underestimated returns processes that are optimized for cost rather than customer experience. A lack of familiarity with platform-specific requirements is also frequent. The consequences quickly become visible: declining conversion rates, poorer reviews, and reduced visibility.

When logistics determines visibility

Delivery performance has a direct impact on offer performance in the Dutch marketplace environment. When price and assortment are comparable, delivery performance often determines which offer is prioritized.

Key KPIs include:

• Delivery speed
• On-time delivery
• Track & Trace rate
• Lost-in-mail rate

These metrics influence customer satisfaction, reviews, and the preferred display of offers.

“Reliable delivery is not a nice-to-have, but a central lever for visibility and sustainable growth,” says Julia Buijs, referring to the performance logic of the Dutch market.

Bol’s delivery and service standards at a glance

Bol enforces reliability through clear, measurable service standards. Sellers are evaluated against the following criteria:

These standards form the basis of bol’s warning and sanction mechanisms for sellers. Sellers who repeatedly fail to meet them risk penalties up to and including termination. Bol’s objective is to ensure a consistent and reliable customer experience.

Fulfillment, returns, sustainability: the strategic levers

To secure delivery standards and returns quality, sellers must make an early decision on fulfillment. Fulfillment solutions such as Logistics via bol can help, but are not suitable for every assortment. Returns handling remains a mandatory part of the service level.

The key levers are:

• Choosing a fulfillment setup that realistically enables Next Day Delivery
• Establishing a clear, simple, and transparent returns process
• Reducing returns through accurate expectation management and appropriate packaging

Conclusion & key learnings

The Dutch market requires sellers to treat delivery performance as a strategic core capability.

• Next Day Delivery is a basic requirement
• Reliability outweighs speed
• Delivery performance directly affects visibility
• Platform standards are clearly defined and consistently enforced
• Returns are a performance driver, not a side issue
  

In short: in the Netherlands, logistics does not determine efficiency. It determines market access.

Interview

Julia Buijs, International Strategy & Proposition Developer at bol, describes the special features of logistics at bol in an interview.

What role does “Logistics as a Service” play within the bol ecosystem?
Julia: Logistics via bol is a key proposition that supports our partners with storage, picking and packing, shipping, returns, and customer service. Essentially, it takes the logistics process off the hands of partners while providing customers with next-day delivery and a seamless experience.

Which assortments is it particularly well suited for, and which are not?
Julia: Logistics via bol is a great fit for brand owners and sellers who want to create a high-quality delivery experience in the Netherlands and Belgium. At the same time, other sellers benefit from Logistics via bol as a multi-warehouse solution for product lines that sell quickly and therefore have a high turnover. It is less suitable for certain product ranges, such as second-hand items, specific dangerous goods, and fresh food.

How does bol handle delivery issues when they occur?
Julia: Bol aims to be extremely transparent towards both its partners and its customers. When something goes wrong – which happens surprisingly infrequently for a company of this size – we inform all parties immediately. We expect the same level of transparency from our (ecosystem) partners and sellers. Accounts of sales partners who continuously fall below our service standards are terminated. It therefore pays off for sellers to communicate quickly and transparently and to always offer a clear solution.

How is sustainability changing the logic of delivery and returns?
Julia: One of the most prevalent customer complaints is that small items are delivered in oversized boxes. In addition, we see some last-mile carriers offering more sustainable options, such as picking up returns along their delivery routes. Ultimately, lowering return rates is the holy grail of e-commerce. As a result, both offering high-quality products (to reduce returns) and developing additional solutions to handle returns are a strong focus for logistics players.

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Amazon’s pricing power in Germany significantly curtailed
Germany’s competition authority has prohibited Amazon from influencing how third-party sellers set prices on Amazon.de through internal platform controls. Amazon may no longer enforce price caps via algorithms, nor apply indirect price parity by penalising visibility. This marks a fundamental shift in price-related Buy Box logic: sellers regain real pricing autonomy. Amazon intends to vigorously challenge the decision. More on LinkedIn (EU) and Ecxiting Commerce (challenge, German)

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Strong Q4 for Amazon
Amazon increased net sales by 14% year over year in the final quarter of 2025, reaching $213.4 billion, while operating income rose by 18% to $25 billion. The Full-year figures came in slightly below these quarterly growth rates. The online stores segment grew by 10%, and the third-party (3P) share remained stable at 61%. Find out more on LinkedIn 

Competition from TikTok puts Zalando under pressure
An analyst note pointing to the strong market entry of TikTok’s e-commerce offerings in the United States unsettled Zalando investors, raising concerns about the fashion retailer’s future prospects. As a result, the share price fell sharply. The analyst from Morgan Stanley highlighted markets such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain as key target countries for a successful expansion of TikTok’s commerce business. See more on Marketscreener 

EU takes action against TikTok over addictive design
EU regulators accuse TikTok of promoting addictive behaviour through its platform design, thereby breaching the Digital Services Act. If TikTok does not change core features such as endless scrolling or autoplaying videos, the company could face substantial fines. Find out more on Tradingview 

bol builds an external fulfillment network
The Dutch marketplace bol is introducing third-party fulfillment (3PL). The market leader is currently looking for logistics providers that can take over warehousing and order fulfillment for sellers. Until now, sellers could only outsource fulfillment directly to bol itself if they did not want to handle it on their own. Read more at Ecommercenews 

Record growth for Tmall in 2025
Tmall, the cross-border marketplace of Alibaba, onboarded more than 2,400 new international brands in 2025, marking a new record. These brands came from 52 countries, with France recording the strongest growth. Categories such as baby food, cosmetics, toys, and pet health performed particularly well. See more on ttm 

MediaMarkt launches marketplace in Switzerland
MediaMarkt Switzerland has launched a digital marketplace for third-party sellers. At launch, around 35,000 additional products from more than 20 external merchants are being listed. In addition to new products, refurbished offers will also be part of the assortment. Read more on ITReseller (German) 

Outlet News

About You  expands retail outlets
Fashion marketplace About You is now launching its outlet with more than 100,000 discounted products in the Netherlands and Switzerland. This makes the range available in 15 European countries. More than 50 new deals per week offer discounts of up to 70%. “Off-price is a central part of our growth strategy”, said Tarek Müller, CEO About You. Find out more at Retaildetail  

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Der Beitrag Marketplace Universe News 09.02.2026 – Amazon set to lose pricing power / EU cracks down on TikTok’s addictive potential / Zalando under pressure erschien zuerst auf Marketplace Universe.

Second-Hand: The Most Important Marketplaces in Europe

The second-hand online market is booming with a volume of 21.6 billion euros and an expected growth of an additional 2 billion euros by 2025 (CEBR study commissioned by Amazon). The trend is clear: the market is growing across all categories. Large marketplaces are expanding their second-hand sections, while traditional C2C platforms are increasingly allowing professional dealers to sell their goods.

The following classification focuses on the most important generalists and specialists in Europe that enable independent traders to offer goods.

1. Generalists

Generalists serve multiple categories simultaneously and range from classic 3P marketplaces with shop logic to ad-based C2C platforms.

Generalist Marketplaces with Second-Hand Segments

These platforms offer structured seller accounts and integrate second-hand, B-stock, and refurbished products alongside new goods:

• Amazon Renew / Second Chance: Focuses on used, checked, and refurbished products with strict quality requirements. (Active in DE, FR, IT, ES, UK, NL, PL, among others).
• eBay / eBay Refurbished: Established ecosystem, highly relevant for electronics, auto & parts, fashion, and collectibles in almost all European core markets.
• bol (NL/BE): Generalist with strong refurbished sections for electronics and a robust seller program.
• National Champions:
  • Allegro (PL): Largest Polish marketplace with an established second-hand segment and growing EU reach.
  • Kaufland Global Marketplace (DE, CZ): With its own recommerce program and a growing share of B-stock/refurbished electronics.
  • Cdiscount (FR) / Fnac/Darty (FR, ES): Important French generalists with designated areas for reconditionné / occasion or Seconde vie (CE and household goods).

C2C-based Classifieds Platforms with Seller Option

These platforms are often strongly locally rooted and C2C-driven, but are increasingly opening up to professional sellers. Transactions mostly take place outside the platform (no checkout), which means good reach but limited scalability.

• Key Players: Kleinanzeigen (DE), Leboncoin (FR), Marktplaats (NL), Gumtree (UK), Milanuncios (ES), and Subito (IT). They dominate their local markets, and commercial listings are permitted or strongly tolerated.
• Nordic Countries: Blocket (SE), FINN.no (NO), and DBA (DK) are the leading classifieds models with business areas (Blocketbutik, Bedrift).

Auction Platforms

Auctions are relevant for surplus stock, B-stock, collectibles, and specialized categories.

• Aukro (CZ): Mix of generalist and auction model.
• BVA Auctions / TBAuctions (NL, EU-wide): Focus on returns, B2B second-hand goods, and company liquidations.
• Tradera (SE) / Troostwijk Auctions (NL, EU-wide): Sustainability-oriented marketplace and specialist for industrial goods, respectively.

2. Category Specialists

Many second-hand platforms focus on specific categories and develop particularly strong ecosystems in their niches.

Fashion & Accessories

The pre-owned segment in fashion is traditionally strong.

• Vinted: Dominant European second-hand fashion marketplace, which is increasingly opening up to professional sellers via “Vinted Pro” in DE, FR, AT, ES, and is developing into more of a generalist (alongside fashion, also toys, home).
• Vestiaire Collective: International marketplace for premium and luxury fashion with a curated offering and structured options for professional boutiques.
• Grailed / Depop: Specialized in designer, streetwear, vintage, and individual styles, particularly popular with younger target groups (UK, IT, D, FR, NL).
• Chrono24: World’s largest, highly professionalized marketplace for pre-owned luxury watches.

Electronics

Electronics is considered one of the most professionalized and fastest-growing second-hand categories due to standardized testing processes (Refurbished ecosystems).

• Back Market: EU-wide leader for refurbished electronics with strict quality requirements and a large seller network.
• refurbed: Fast-growing marketplace for refurbished electronics with high-quality standards in D, AT, IT, FR, ES, NL, and PL.
• MediaMarktSaturn Marketplace: Offers professional refurb and B-stock programs in cooperation with qualified partners.

Sports & Leisure

A dynamically growing category due to high purchase prices and stable resale values.

• BikeExchange / buycycle: Specialists for bicycles and accessories (especially high-end bikes and e-bikes) with a strong seller base.
• Decathlon Marketplace: Combines new, used, and refurbished offers through “Second Life” programs.

Special Interest

Deep niche segments that are often highly professionalized and supported by active collector communities.

• Cardmarket: Largest European marketplace for trading cards (TCG, CCG).
• Discogs: International marketplace for records, mainly used.
• BrickLink / Brick Owl: Leading marketplaces for new and used LEGO parts and sets.
• Catawiki: Curated auction marketplace for collectibles, art, and luxury goods.

Conclusion: Key Insights and Market Patterns

The European second-hand market is highly fragmented and dynamic. The most important patterns are:

• Hybrid Models: Many formerly pure C2C platforms (e.g., Vinted, classifieds platforms) are evolving into hybrid marketplaces through business programs.
• Regional Dominance: Unlike in traditional e-commerce, strong local classifieds platforms dominate in many countries (e.g., Kleinanzeigen, Leboncoin, Allegro).
• Growth Drivers: Fashion and electronics lead the market, while sports & leisure (especially bikes) and highly specialized niche markets are professionalizing and growing strongly.
• Market Volume: Online second-hand volume is €21.6 billion with an expected increase of +€2 billion by 2025.

Der Beitrag Second-Hand: The Most Important Marketplaces in Europe erschien zuerst auf Marketplace Universe.

In a nutshell:

January in the Netherlands and Belgium is not a quiet transition period. It is a clearly defined sale window that sellers can actively use for growth. On bol, strong demand impulses, lower competition, and stable logistics converge. This creates an ideal mix to boost visibility, clear stock, or launch new assortments. Sellers who plan early, localise effectively, and align their campaigns with bol’s promotional calendar can turn January into a strategic advantage for expansion into NL and BE.
Time to Read: appr. 6 min

Growth Driver January: How Sellers Can Make the Most of bol’s Sale Window

While January is considered a calmer phase after the intense holiday season in many European markets, the situation looks very different in the Netherlands and Belgium. The traditionally strong discount weeks – known as sale or solden – have shaped consumer behaviour for years and drive significant demand right at the start of the year.

For marketplaces like bol, the region’s most important online retail destination, this period has long become an integral part of commercial planning. Brands and sellers use the weeks in January not only to clear remaining stock. They also introduce new assortments and reach a price-sensitive audience.

The result: a month once seen as an in-between period is increasingly turning into a strategic window for growth. This is especially true for international sellers looking to expand into the Netherlands or Belgium.

Why January in NL and BE is so attractive

A clear consumer focus on discounts
After the holidays, many shoppers actively search for deals. Gift cards are being redeemed, and post-holiday markdowns are expected. Platforms like bol support this behaviour with well-structured sales campaigns. Brands can leverage these demand impulses by aligning early with campaign calendars.

Less competition – more visibility
Brands and sellers who position their offers strategically at the start of the year often benefit from a visibility advantage. While some market participants are still returning to routine, international sellers can already capture increased attention. Monitoring bol’s campaign calendar helps align commercial efforts with key promotional periods.

Logistical relief after the peak
After an unpredictable December, shipping networks stabilise.For brands and sellers delivering to the Netherlands or Belgium via bol, this can result in more reliable delivery times. This is a decisive factor for conversion, ratings, and repeat purchases. Those who deliver reliably during a sale period gain twice: short-term through better performance and long-term through improved customer trust.

Five steps to make the most of January

1. Align your assortment with demand
In January, customers are particularly price-sensitive. International sellers can use this phase to highlight items that are easy to discount or that offer a strong value proposition. On bol, visibility increases significantly for products with clear price advantages, especially for bestseller variants, bundles, or in categories like fitness, home organisation, or wellness.

2. Set up campaigns early
To maximise reach during the sale/solden phase, campaigns in the partner area should be prepared early. bol’s campaign calendar shows when promotions are scheduled. Sellers who register in advance often benefit from additional exposure in banners, landing pages, or email campaigns.

3. Optimise logistics and service
Even though January is calmer than December, reliable delivery times remain crucial. For selling on bol, stock levels, shipping processes, and return workflows should be stable and predictable. Strong performance during discount periods has a direct positive impact on rankings and the likelihood of winning the Buy Box.

4. Localise consistently
For audiences in the Netherlands and Belgium, localised content is essential. Product titles, descriptions, and texts should be available in Dutch – and in French for Belgium where needed. Well-localised product pages consistently show higher conversion rates on bol.

5. Tailor your messaging to the January phase
Messages such as “Make the most of the new year with great prices” or “Start the year strong with special January offers” work particularly well during the sale/solden period. The clearer the reference to this seasonal buying impulse, the more likely customers are to convert quickly.

Want to know more? Then check out episode 119 of our podcast “Let’s talk Marketplace”! In it, the traditional plant protection specialist Neudorff report on how a digital offshoot becomes a speedboat, why in-house logistics is part of the core business, and how it is possible to go live on bol in less than three weeks.

Strategic advantages for German sellers

German sellers enjoy a strong reputation in Belgium and the Netherlands: reliability, product quality, and well-known brands are important purchase arguments. On bol, this becomes even more powerful in January, when competitive prices meet high quality perception.

In addition, January is an ideal opportunity to introduce products that receive less attention before or after the holiday season. For sellers with remaining stock from Q4 or new assortments for Q1, this period offers an excellent timing advantage.

Pro tip: Sellers achieve the best results when preparing their January strategy as early as autumn – including campaign setup, pricing, and localised product content.

Entry into the Netherlands & Belgium

Those who are not yet selling via bol will find strong conditions in 2026:
• The largest marketplace in the region – high reach in both countries.
• Digitally savvy consumers – strong online purchasing power and marketplace adoption.
• Multilingual seller support – assistance via phone, email, or chat.
• Integrated logistics solutions – streamlined processes for cross-border operations.

Become a partner now: Sellers looking for support with campaigns, pricing, or logistics can find resources and planning tools in bol’s Partnerplatform. Get more information right here!

Or watch our webinar with bol again: Patricia Lay, Partnership Growth Manager at bol, and Hassan Imran, E-Commerce Manager at Neudorff eCommerce, provide concrete and practical guidance on getting started with bol. Click here to watch the recording!

Key Learnings

January on Bol offers a rare combination of strong demand, high visibility, and predictable operations – an ideal time window for sellers aiming to grow in the Dutch and Belgian markets. With the right preparation, the sale/solden period becomes a clear strategic advantage.

• In NL & BE, January is a high-impact discount period that significantly boosts demand and purchase intent.
• Bol provides structured promotional frameworks that well-prepared sellers can use for additional visibility.
• The calmer logistics phase after December enables more reliable delivery and better performance.
• Localised content and well-targeted campaign messages improve conversion substantially.
• German sellers can combine strong quality perception with competitive price signals and stand out effectively.

Der Beitrag Growth Driver January: How Sellers Can Make the Most of bol’s Sale Window erschien zuerst auf Marketplace Universe.

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Der Beitrag Marketplace Universe News 03.11.2025 – Amazon stays strong / AliExpress giant gains ground / Shein sparks protests in France erschien zuerst auf Marketplace Universe.

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