The Spanish company has put in place more digital integration and spaces designed to encourage shoppers to spend more time in-store, with the new features to be trialled in China before it decides whether to expand them to other markets.

The need to revitalise Zara’s retail network has been particularly apparent in China. Multinational brands targeting the country’s middle-class consumers have been squeezed by a broader spending slowdown as well as increased competition from local brands with nimble domestic supply chains and strong digital presences.

At 2,500 sq m (26,909 sq ft) spanning two floors, the Zara store in Nanjing’s central business district of Xinjiekou includes a salon for private shopping experiences, complete with a lounge area and personal change rooms.

It also has a “fit check” studio with multiple cameras and lighting settings where customers can shoot their own video content and download it directly to their phones. Both are available to book via popular social messaging app WeChat.

The downstairs area also features the first Zacaffe coffee shop concept outside of Spain.
It is not the first time Zara has experimented with new concepts in China before exporting them to other markets. Its popular series of livestreamed shopping shows on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, last year led the brand to experiment with similar livestreams in Europe and the U.S.

Inditex has been shrinking its store footprint globally over the past few years, seeking to optimise its selling space by focusing on flagship outlets in prime locations and ramping up online sales.
As recently as 2019 Inditex had 570 stores in China, its biggest physical footprint after Spain. That number had fallen to 132 as of January 31 this year.

Author Credits: Fashion Network

Mohamad ElAnsari, CEO of Trendyol Gulf, discusses the factors behind the platform’s rapid growth, its commitment to empowering SMEs, and future expansion plans in the region

Since launching in the Gulf last year, Trendyol has rapidly expanded, with Saudi Arabia emerging as its second-largest market globally.

The e-commerce platform’s success is driven by strategic localisation, strong partnerships, and innovative technology, including AI-powered personalisation and seamless translation.

In this exclusive interview, Mohamad ElAnsari, CEO of Trendyol Gulf, discusses the factors behind the platform’s rapid growth, its commitment to empowering SMEs, and future expansion plans in the region.
Trendyol has experienced impressive growth in the Gulf since launching last year, with Saudi Arabia becoming your second-largest market globally. What factors do you attribute to this success in the region?

It’s been an exciting journey for us in the Gulf, and our growth reflects both the rapid evolution of the market and our ability to localise and integrate effectively. The regional retail sector, particularly in Saudi Arabia, has seen incredible growth in the past year, driven by economic diversification, urbanization, and a more digitally savvy consumer base. More people are shopping online and are increasingly expecting personalised experiences, a wide selection of relevant products, and competitive pricing.

On Trendyol, we have the best assortment of relevant, affordable and high-quality local and international products — this is ultimately what sets us apart and has contributed to quickly making us a preferred online destination for Gulf shoppers.

From the start, our key focus has been on understanding the market and tailoring our approach. Establishing offices in Riyadh and Dubai has allowed us to tap into local talent, while warehouses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE ensure we’re meeting customer expectations for fast and reliable deliveries.

Our partnerships have also been a big part of our success. Collaborating with the government and industry players like banks, telecoms, and retailers has helped us strengthen our presence and operational efficiency. On the tech side, we’ve introduced innovative solutions, like Türkiye’s first large language model, which simplifies communication between sellers and buyers by translating seamlessly into Arabic. AI personalisation has also enhanced the shopping experience, helping customers find what they need quickly and easily.

Moving forward, we’re focused on innovation, improving customer experiences, and empowering local SMEs which we believe will benefit the entire ecosystem. We see ourselves as more than just a marketplace — we want to enable two-way commerce — from and to the Gulf — ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth.
Can you explain Trendyol’s marketplace model and how it benefits both consumers and brands, particularly in the Gulf market?

In simple terms, we are a commerce enabler. We connect consumers with retailers selling a wide selection of high-quality, affordable products across multiple categories, while providing our brand partners – from regional giants to local retailers – a scalable platform to reach millions of shoppers.

For customers, it’s about offering variety, relevance, and value. For sellers, it’s about visibility, growth, and access to tools like advanced logistics, seamless translation, and AI-powered insights that help them scale effectively. By bridging these needs, we’ve become an integral part of the Gulf’s retail ecosystem, creating opportunities and driving success for both sides.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our selection and bringing more local retailers and SMEs onto our platform to support their growth.

By doing so, we aim to contribute to the broader goals of fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic diversification in line with the national visions of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The strategic partnership with Alshaya Group brings major international brands like American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, and H&M to Trendyol. What does this partnership mean for the future of e-commerce in the region?

Our partnership with Alshaya Group is a significant step forward for e-commerce in the Gulf. By bringing reputed international brands to our platform, we’re offering Gulf shoppers even more variety and accessibility. It’s not just about expanding our product mix — it’s about meeting customer demand for trusted global brands in one place, making online shopping more convenient and seamless. This brings the digital retail ecosystem closer together and sets the stage for more innovative collaborations in the future.
How important is the local partner ecosystem to Trendyol’s strategy, and what role does it play in expanding your platform’s reach and relevance in the Gulf?

The local partner ecosystem is crucial to our strategy in the Gulf. It’s not just about expanding our reach, it’s about becoming a true part of the regional fabric. Through our collaborations with local SMEs, government bodies like Monsha’at, and key industry players, we’re able to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital space.

For us, it’s about building relationships and supporting the growth of local talent and entrepreneurs. By curating region-specific collections and enhancing our seller experience, we’re able to tailor our platform to the needs of the Gulf market. These collaborations deepen our connection to the region, making Trendyol a local ally in the Gulf’s digital transformation.
With over three million shoppers already on board, what do you believe has attracted such a large customer base to Trendyol in such a short time?

Several factors have contributed to our success, including our wide selection of products from over 250,000 Turkish and regional SMEs at affordable prices, with the core premise being our strategic localisation efforts.

From the outset, we’ve focused on creating a localised experience, designing our platform to align with the preferences and needs of Gulf consumers. Our innovative use of technology, such as AI-powered personalisation and seamless translation, has made the shopping experience intuitive and enjoyable.

Additionally, our commitment to quality and affordability has established trust and loyalty among our customers. Effective marketing campaigns and influencer collaborations have also played a significant role in boosting awareness and engagement, helping us attract millions of shoppers in a relatively short time.
Looking ahead, what are Trendyol’s key expansion plans for the Gulf, and which markets or initiatives are you most excited about?

Our focus remains on deepening our presence in the Gulf by onboarding more SMEs onto our marketplace to support their growth while also catering to local customer demands. This is what we’re most excited about as it not only positively impacts the local retailers but also contributes towards the growth of the overall economy.

We’re also continuously looking into new ways of enhancing the customer experience, including investments into AI-powered logistics and predictive analytics to optimise the supply chain, improve last-mile delivery, and further personalise the shopping experience for our Gulf shoppers.

Author Credits: Neesha Salian
Gulf Business

Retail giants Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart violated Indian quality control rules by stocking products that did not have the required standards certificate, India’s top government-run product certification agency said on Thursday.

Raids on warehouses operated by both firms, conducted on Wednesday by the Bureau of Indian Standards in the Tiruvallur district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, found that the firms had violated rules by storing, selling and exhibiting products that did not carry the BIS standard mark, a government statement said.

A spokesperson for Amazon India said the company was engaged closely with various stakeholders including regulators, while a Flipkart spokesperson said it worked with sellers to drive awareness and to comply with all applicable laws.

“The platform has several processes to review the listings sellers make on the marketplace, and also conducts regular audits to ensure compliance,” a spokesperson for Flipkart said in response to a request for comment.

The raids are the latest headache for the two firms, leading players in India’s e-commerce market which consultancy firm Bain estimated was worth US$57 billion-$60 billion in 2023 and set to top $160 billion in value by 2028.

At the Amazon warehouse, 3,376 products without the standard mark, including flasks, insulated food containers, toys and ceiling fans were seized, according to the statement, while officials seized diapers, casseroles and stainless steel water bottles from the Flipkart warehouse.

Last September, an anti-trust investigation found that both companies violated local competition laws by giving preference to select sellers on their shopping websites.

A few weeks later, in November, investigators raided a number of Amazon and Flipkart sellers following a 2021 Reuters investigation based on internal Amazon documents that showed the company had for years given preferential treatment to small groups of sellers, and used them to bypass Indian laws.

Amazon has denied wrongdoing.

Reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Louise Heavens, of Reuters.

Author Credits: Inside Retail

(Bloomberg) — Seven & i Holdings Co. signed a confidentiality pact with Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., a step that will allow talks to advance on the Canadian retailer’s takeover approach.

But the non-disclosure agreement is limited to the potential divestment of the company’s US stores and not the entire operation of Seven & i, a spokesperson for the Japanese retailer said Wednesday.

The non-disclosure agreement will pave the way for discussions around antitrust issues in the US, Seven & i said, referring to a key point of contention that has held up negotiations.

The move comes after a management buyout plan led by Seven & i’s founding Ito family to keep the company in Japanese control failed. That’s piled pressure on the retailer to engage with Couche-Tard, which first made the takeover approach in August.

The Nikkei newspaper reported on the pact earlier Wednesday.

Seven & i appointed a new Chief Executive Officer Stephen Dacus earlier this month to overhaul the company’s business. It’s since agreed to sell its supermarkets and retail business for $5.4 billion and announced a ¥2 trillion ($13.4 billion) share buyback.

Author Credits: Kanoko Matsuyama
MSN

Stock Split News: A pharmaceutical stock priced under Rs 250 is set to undergo a stock split soon. The company has announced the record date for the split. According to the company, the objective of this stock split is to improve liquidity in the capital market, expand the shareholder base, and make the shares more affordable and accessible to small and retail investors.

Why Stock Split Happens?

A stock split is a corporate action in which a company increases the number of its outstanding shares by dividing existing shares into multiple new shares. While the total market capitalization of the company remains unchanged, the per-share price decreases proportionally. This makes the stock more affordable to investors, enhances trading liquidity, and potentially attracts a broader range of investors.

For example, in a 2-for-1 stock split, each shareholder receives two shares for every one they previously held, but the share price is halved.

Shukra Pharmaceuticals Stock Split (Shukra Pharma Stock Split)

The pharma sector company has announced stock split from Rs 10 to Rs 1. It means sub-division of face value of Rs 10 each to face value of Re l each.

Shukra Pharmaceuticals Stock Split Record Date

The company has fixed Friday, March 21, 2025, as the record date.

“…This is to inform you that Friday, 2l, March, 2025 has been fixed as the Record Date to ascertain the eligibility of Shareholders for the purpose of sub-division / split of the Equity Shares of the company such that every 1 (one) Equity Share having nominal/face value of Rs. 10/ each be sub-divided into 10 [Ten) Equity shares having nominal/face value of ns. 1/- (Rupees one only) each,” the regulatory filing stated.

Shukra Pharmaceuticals Share Price

The share price was Rs 236, down 1.99 per cent at 11:33 AM on BSE, March 20.

Shukra Pharmaceuticals Share Price History

The company has a 52-week share price range of Rs 271.50 and Rs 57.52.

The share is down 10 per cent in one week. On a YTD basis, the stock is 64 per cent up. The shares have generated a massive 7464 and 9611 per cent results in 3 and 5 years’ timeline, respectively.

Author Credits: MSN

Author Credits: Yashee Sharma
Nine Network Australia Pty. Ltd.

Australians spent a record $69 billion on online shopping in 2024 as consumers leant towards sales and digital marketplaces.

Online marketplaces saw the bulk of the purchases at almost $16 billion, followed by food and liquor at $13.6 billion and fashion and apparel at $9.6 billion, according to the Australia Post’s 2025 Annual eCommerce Report.

Millennials led the demographics with the highest spend of almost $25 billion. Gen X spent $19 billion, Gen Z spent $12 billion and Baby Boomers spent $10 billion.

The total spend reached an all-time high and was up 12 per cent from the year before.
Australia Post found regional residents drove the jump in spending after recording a 2.9 per cent increase year on year.
Toowoomba and Mackay in Queensland and Point Cook in Victoria were the top locations that bought the most items online. 

“Meanwhile, in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, higher household debt, higher home prices and a greater sensitivity around higher interest rates really reined in spending,” Commonwealth Bank senior economist Belinda Allen said.

While Australia saw a record growth in sales, basket sizes (the value of a single transaction) were the lowest in a decade. 
Cost of living pressures saw the average basket size drop to $95, down 2.1 per cent from last year.

Shoppers took particular advantage of sales, with last year’s Black Friday event seeing a record $2.2 billion spent online.
“With cost-of-living pressures and high inflation an ongoing concern, Aussies turn to key sales events and loyalty programs to stretch their dollar further,” Australia Post’s Gary Starr said.

“We know that three-quarters of businesses are concerned that frequent sales events are training shoppers to only buy goods that are on sale.

“But we have to embrace that Aussies love a sale and strategic shopping has now become the norm.”

Author credits: ARAB NEWS

Trendyol, one of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms, and Alshaya Group, one of the leading international retail franchise operators, have announced that Alshaya Group’s American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, and H&M brands are joining its GCC marketplace.

Shoppers in Saudi Arabia and UAE can now access these brands directly on Trendyol with more brands and additional markets set to follow in the near future.

This development builds on the partnership between Trendyol and Alshaya in Turkiye, where Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret have been available for several years. Last November, the collaboration extended to Saudi Arabia with the launch of American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, and H&M on Trendyol. In the UAE, H&M and American Eagle launched in March, with Bath & Body Works set to launch soon.

Mohamad ElAnsari, CEO of Trendyol Gulf, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with Alshaya and onboard a selection of Alshaya’s best-loved brands, which will undoubtedly add to the appealing product mix we offer to Gulf shoppers. This partnership further validates our value proposition of commerce enablement to both local and regional retailers and global brands.”

Rob Silsbury, vice president, marketing & online at Alshaya Group, said: “We are really pleased to continue to be working with Trendyol to bring our customers across the region even more ways to experience our brands. Our customers are at the heart of our strategy, and a vital part of this is growing the choices we bring to them — we know that many of them use Trendyol as well as visiting our stores, and we look forward to growing the number of our brands that they can see on the platform.”

Since its launch in the GCC a year ago, Trendyol has become one of the region’s most downloaded shopping apps, attracting over three million customers and featuring 80,000 sellers in the Gulf. The platform currently processes more than one million orders per month during peak periods, with 80 percent of these orders originating from Saudi Arabia.

The extended agreement with Alshaya Group will see the latest trends from the brands’ latest collections be made available on Trendyol.