The pan-European consumer advocacy organization BEUC has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission against Shein, the fast-fashion online retailer. The complaint centers on Shein’s alleged use of “dark patterns” — manipulative design techniques aimed at increasing consumer purchases via its website and mobile application. This development highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over aggressive commercial practices in digital retail across the EU.
Victoria’s Secret $VSCO reported a significant cybersecurity incident that forced the company to temporarily shut down its e-commerce website and corporate IT systems last week. The shutdown, which began on May 26 and lasted until May 29, was implemented as a precautionary measure to prevent unauthorized access and mitigate potential network threats. This event underscores increasing cybersecurity risks confronting retail companies reliant on digital platforms for sales and customer engagement.
Shares of Rakuten Group Inc. $4755.T dropped by 10% during trading in Tokyo, marking the most significant intra-day decline since April 7. This slump comes in the wake of the company's announcement of its 19th consecutive quarterly loss, raising serious concerns about its financial health.
As trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue to affect global markets, Amazon $AMZN is among the companies feeling the heat from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. With a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, businesses heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing, such as Amazon, Walmart $WMT, and Apple $AAPL, are grappling with the increased costs. While Amazon has attempted to reassure investors, the pressures from these tariffs have sparked concerns about their long-term impact on the company’s business, particularly in e-commerce. This article explores how these tariffs are affecting Amazon and other major players in the retail and tech sectors, as well as the strategic shifts companies are making to adapt.
Amazon.com Inc. $AMZN found itself in the political and media spotlight on Tuesday after reports emerged alleging that the e-commerce giant might begin disclosing tariff-related cost increases on its retail platform. The company swiftly dismissed the claims, stating unequivocally that no such plans were ever considered for its core website.
On Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals resumed hearings on a collective data privacy lawsuit against Shopify $SHOP. The implications of this ruling could pave the way for U.S. courts to establish jurisdiction over internet platforms more effectively. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco, ruled 10 to 1 that the Canadian e-commerce giant could be held liable in California for the collection of personal data from individuals making purchases on retailer websites based in the state.
Flipkart, the Indian e-commerce giant, has announced plans to move its holding company from Singapore back to India, a strategic decision made as its parent company, Walmart $WMT, prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) of the 17-year-old entity. This shift reflects a larger trend among Indian startups previously registered abroad to relocate owing to new opportunities for more favorable IPO conditions within India.
Uber Technologies Inc. $UBER is currently in discussions to acquire the Turkish food delivery platform Trendyol Go. This potential deal could represent a significant step for Uber in the food delivery market; however, a final agreement has yet to be reached, and negotiations may conclude without a deal.
The meteoric rise of Shein, a global ultra-fast fashion e-commerce powerhouse, has profoundly reshaped the economic and urban dynamics of several districts on the outskirts of Guangzhou, southern China’s largest city. These neighborhoods, now informally dubbed “Shein villages,” exemplify how digital retail giants can mold local economies and urban development. Through a finely-tuned supply chain and agile manufacturing, Shein has become a prime example of the digital apparel industry’s evolution.
MercadoLibre Inc. $MELI, the largest publicly traded company in Latin America and a leader in e-commerce and fintech, has announced a significant expansion of its workforce in 2025. Amid ongoing global economic uncertainty and escalating trade tensions, the company is taking decisive steps to strengthen its position in the regional market and further develop its services.
TikTok Shop is steadily expanding its global footprint as it enters new markets. The recent launch of the platform for users in France, Germany, and Italy marks an important milestone for ByteDance as it aims to solidify its position at the intersection of social media and e-commerce. While the company has experienced remarkable success in previous markets, uncertainties linger regarding its future in the United States should regulatory challenges intensify.
The quick delivery sector in India is rapidly expanding, increasingly influencing the country's e-commerce landscape. According to a recent report by consulting firm Bain and e-commerce giant Flipkart, this sector accounted for more than two-thirds of all online food orders last year, with its overall market share growing roughly fivefold compared to 2022, reaching $6-$7 billion.
