Get up to date with this week's ecommerce headlines from around the globe.
Amazon now subject to UK grocery rules following success in sector
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Amazon UK will now be subject to the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, grocery industry rules protecting the treatment of suppliers.
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These regulations apply to any entity with an annual turnover of £1 billion or more in grocery sales, which Amazon has now reached.
eBay Australia launches fulfilment service for local vendors
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eBay Australia has just launched a new fulfilment service, allowing more than 40,000 sellers in Australia to contract out deliveries.
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The service will provide participating vendors with a number of key perks, including fast delivery options, competitive shipping rates, and end-to-end tracking.
Read more on Internet Retailing
Amazon sales accounted for 42% of digital spending in U.S. in 2021
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Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce has revealed that 42% of digital spending in the US occurred on Amazon and its subsidiary sites.
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Digital revenue growth stabilised at 14.2% in 2021, in-line with 2019 and years prior.
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In 2020, online sales growth ballooned by 31.8% with the onset of the pandemic.
Read more on Digital Commerce 360
Ocado’s technology investments triple its losses
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Ocado, UK-based online grocery retailer, has released its sales figures for 2021, revealing a turnover growth of 7.2%.
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Despite this growth, Ocado’s costs grew more than its sales, with a heavy investment in technological solutions accounting for the majority of the retailer’s costs.
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Ocado recorded a loss of £176.9 million in 2021, more than three times higher than in 2020.
London stationery start-up Papier raises $50 million in Series C funding
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Online-based premium stationery retailer Papier has announced it has raised $50 million to expand its product offerings and also expand its presence in the US market.
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Papier’s unique selling point is how the company combines technology and engaging designs with traditional, paper-based products.
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The company’s CEO, Taymoor Atighetchi, states that Papier’s mission is “to build a global stationery brand”.
U.S. digital commerce sales up 110% on January 2019 levels
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According to data released in Mastercard’s latest SpendingPulse, US online sales in January 2022 were up 110% compared to January 2019 levels (pre-pandemic).
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U.S. digital sales were also up 10.4% compared to a year ago, outpacing total retail sales growth, which was up 7.2% YOY.
Amazon Care’s virtual health services now available across U.S.
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Amazon Care, Amazon’s healthcare business, is now offering virtual health services across the whole of the US, with plans to expand the roll-out of in-person services this year.
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The company states that it is filling a “critical gap in the healthcare system” by combining virtual and in-person care.