📈 Europe’s 7% Ecom Surge

Happy Tuesday!

Someone asked if our checkout could handle euros. At this rate, it might have to.

From Europe’s e-commerce surge to Google’s new widgets, Amazon’s AI for missed searches, a Google-PayPal power play, and new ad tools, this week is all about growth, trust, and smarter selling.

Let’s dive in! 🚀

ECOMMERCE NEWS

🌍 Ecommerce in Europe Grows 7 Percent

Online consumer spending in Europe rose by 7% last year, reaching 819 billion euros. Industry associations expect another 7% growth this year, with Eastern Europe leading the surge. The European E-commerce Report 2025 covers 38 countries and shows steady expansion across the continent.

However, much of this growth is inflation-driven, real growth was 4% last year, a rate expected to continue. Eastern Europe saw the fastest gains, with 18% nominal (10% real) growth, while Western Europe lagged behind.

📊 Key Insights:

• Eastern & Southern Europe: Fastest growth, but lowest online shopper penetration (57% and 61%)

• 73% of Europeans aged 16–74 shopped online last year

• Country comparisons tricky due to differing methodologies and inclusion of services

• Regulatory complexity and uneven enforcement challenge fair competition

Despite steady growth, the sector faces hurdles: complex regulations, global competition, and consumer trust issues. Industry leaders stress the need for ongoing dialogue between businesses, governments, and EU institutions to keep European ecommerce fair and competitive.

ECOMMERCE NEWS

🤝 Google and PayPal Forge Multiyear Commerce Partnership

Google and PayPal have announced a multiyear strategic partnership aimed at transforming digital commerce. By combining Google’s AI expertise with PayPal’s global payment infrastructure, the collaboration promises to deliver seamless, secure, and innovative shopping experiences across platforms and devices.

The partnership will see PayPal’s branded checkout, Hyperwallet, and Payouts solutions deeply integrated into Google products. PayPal will also become a key payment processor for Google Cloud, Ads, and Play, while leveraging Google Cloud to modernize its own technology stack.

🔗 Key Highlights:

• AI-powered shopping and new agentic commerce standards

• PayPal solutions embedded across Google’s ecosystem

• Expanded payment processing for Google’s core products

• Joint advocacy for open, secure payment protocols

This alliance sets a new standard for digital commerce, equipping merchants and consumers with smarter tools and paving the way for future innovation as the industry evolves.

ECOMMERCE AI

🤖 Amazon Uses AI to Turn Missed Searches Into Seller Gold

Amazon is transforming missed shopper searches into actionable opportunities for sellers. Amazon unveiled new AI-driven tools designed to help brands launch products faster, lower risk, and capture unmet demand.

Amazon’s new suite helps sellers reduce guesswork, launch with fewer units, get reviews sooner, and scale only when the data supports it.

🛠️ Key Features:

• Opportunity Explorer translates marketplace data into product ideas

• Unmet Demand Insights reveal what shoppers can’t find

• Niche Product Overview benchmarks features and pricing

• Regional inventory lets sellers test new products with less risk

• Streamlined reviews and shoppable A+ Content speed up launches

Amazon is accelerating the path from idea to profitability in a competitive e-commerce landscape.

ECOMMERCE NEWS

📊 Amazon Makes Marketing Cloud AMC Directly Accessible

Amazon has launched direct, self-service access to Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) for sponsored ads advertisers worldwide. This update removes the need for partner onboarding, letting advertisers tap into AMC’s advanced analytics suite instantly from their Amazon Ads console.

The new interface features no-code templates and AI-powered assistance, making campaign analysis and audience creation accessible to all skill levels.

🚀 Key Features:

• Instant AMC access for all sponsored ads advertisers

• No-code templates and AI guidance for analytics

• Custom audience creation and activation via Amazon DSP

• Unified measurement across Amazon and external channels

By democratizing advanced analytics, Amazon is leveling the playing field for brands of all sizes. The move accelerates campaign optimization, reduces workflow delays, and brings sophisticated measurement tools to every advertiser.

ECOMMERCE TOOLS

🏷️ Google Adds New Store Widgets for Your Website

Google has introduced two new store widgets for e-commerce merchants. These widgets help merchants showcase store quality, boost visibility, and establish legitimacy, addressing two of the biggest challenges in online retail.

Merchants using these widgets have seen up to 8% higher sales within 90 days compared to similar stores without them. The widgets highlight customer service, reviews, and key store policies, making it easier for shoppers to trust and choose reputable stores.

🛒 Widget Options:

• Top Quality Store: For stores with outstanding service and reviews

• Store Rating Widget: For stores with ratings but not Top Quality status

• Store Quality by Google: For stores without ratings or Top Quality status

If these widgets can help improve conversions and revenue, they’re worth testing. Implementation details are available in Google’s help documentation.

NEWSLETTER TLDR;

WEEKLY ROUND UP

ECOMMERCE GROWTH: Online spending in Europe rose 7% to 819 billion euros, with Eastern Europe leading the charge. Growth is steady, but much of it is inflation-driven and regulatory complexity remains a challenge for cross-border sellers.

PAYMENTS: Google and PayPal announced a multiyear partnership to blend AI-powered shopping with seamless payments, embedding PayPal solutions across Google’s ecosystem and setting new standards for digital commerce.

AI FOR SELLERS: Amazon’s new AI tools turn missed shopper searches into actionable product ideas, helping sellers spot unmet demand, test new products, and launch faster with less risk.

AD TECH: Amazon Marketing Cloud is now directly accessible to all sponsored ads advertisers, offering no-code analytics, AI-powered insights, and unified measurement, no technical skills required.

TRUST SIGNALS: Google’s new store widgets let merchants showcase quality, reviews, and policies right on their sites. Early adopters saw up to 8% higher sales, making these widgets a simple way to boost shopper confidence and conversions.

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Signing off,

The Merchant @CartHustle