Sue Azari’s Post

This week's updates in eCommerce 🛍️ ▪️ The UAE has launched the world’s first VAT refund system for tourists, designed specifically for e-commerce purchases made during their stay in the UAE. It reflects the region's ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism sector through innovation and digital transformation. ▪️ Alibaba Group is selling its Chinese department store chain Intime to a consortium including the current management. The tech conglomerate wants to refocus on its core business, e-commerce, and is willing to take a loss of €1.2 billion to do so. ▪️ Sainsbury's has opened its first airport store at Edinburgh airport. The grocery giant has said it will target more openings in travel hubs across the UK.  ▪️ Temu has topped the rankings as the most downloaded iOS app in the UK this year. The Chinese online marketplace is not only the most downloaded app in the UK, but it also holds the top position in the US, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Australia, South Korea and Mexico. In Italy, France and Japan, Temu is the second most downloaded iPhone app. ▪️Struggling footwear retailer Shoezone Retail Limited has issued a profit warning and said it plans to close “a number of stores” due to increased costs in National Insurance and a minimum wage hike. ▪️ H&M has become a minority stakeholder in Swedish retail technology platform Voyado. The platform aims to drive profitable sales by optimising ecommerce, creating personalised customer experiences, and streamlining communication across channels. ▪️ Dubai-based Majid Al Futtaim launched its first 24/7 express delivery service for Carrefour customers in Dubai, targeting the region's growing late-night shopping demand. ▪️ MediaMarktSaturn is launching its marketplace in Belgium, Poland, and Turkey next year. MediaMarkt saw its marketplace revenue double in the past fiscal yea and the overall group’s revenue grew by 5.3 percent to €22.4 billion, of which nearly 24% was generated online. ▪️ Big week for women's athleisure brand Adanola who has opened a new permanent physical retail space inside Manchester Trafford shopping centre's Selfridges alongside expanding into kidswear with a 'mini-me' collection. ▪️ BIRKENSTOCK surpassed market expectations for its fourth-quarter results, driven by strong demand for its premium footwear, and projected a recovery in margins for FY25. ▪️ The Body Shop has returned to profit during its first 100 days under its new ownership, making £2m in profit and hitting £28m in sales. --------------------- A quick note to say that there won't be a weekly update from me next Friday as I'll be enjoying the festive break (as I hope you all will be too). A huge thank you to everyone who has been following along and reading these each week, I can't quite believe how this little weekly update has grown! I appreciate all of the support it's received and wish you all a great festive break and happy new year ❤️ See you in 2025 👋