ChatGPT Secretly Tests Native Shopping Features
OpenAI is quietly piloting a shopping feature inside ChatGPT that lets users search for products and complete purchases within the chat interface. The tool appears to integrate with Stripe for checkout and includes rich product listings – turning ChatGPT into a potential AI-powered marketplace.
The Marketplace Country Quadrant Italy shows a lack of local players, aside from Unieuro. Amazon is the dominant force, the Chinese players Shein and Temu are slowly catching up.
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.
Amazon expands Pan-EU FBA to the Netherlands
As of June 25, 2025, sellers enrolled in Amazon’s Pan-European Fulfilment by Amazon (Pan-EU FBA) must list their products on Amazon.nl to stay in the program. The Netherlands has become a mandatory market, prompting sellers to ensure VAT registration and local listings are in place.
After two difficult years, the German online market grew again in 2025 for the first time, according to the HDE Online Monitor.
About You was one of the first brands to dive into TikTok Shop Germany, launching alongside early adopters like Hitschler and Deiters. But just four weeks in, the plug has been pulled – in cause of disappointing results.
The German Trade Association HDE has raised its annual forecast: online retail growth is expected to be around 4% in 2025, with total sales climbing to €92.4 billion. Looking closer into the numbers, it is clear that “market growth” is actually “marketplace growth” in Germany: All marketplaces active in Germany realised a turnover growth of 8.8 per cent, with the lion share going to Amazon. The market share currently stands at 57%, recommerce at 7%.
Marketplace Universe News 12.05.2025 – rump forces players to Europe / Amazon Hauls starts in UK / Good figures for Zalando and About You
Shein and Temu have announced price increases in the US in response to high tariffs on imports from China and the expiry of the de minimis rule on April 25. Until 2024, around 1.4 billion packages from China had entered the US duty-free under this rule. BBC (Overview) LinkedIn (de minimis rule)
The German Retail Association HDE has filed a complaint with the Federal Cartel Office against Temu for anti-competitive behavior. The accusation: Temu deprives retailers who sell on Temu of the sovereignty to set prices.
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