Retail Insight Network

Daily Newsletter

08 August 2023

Daily Newsletter

Alibaba expands into Europe with CommerceHub partnership

Alibaba’s ecommerce marketplace Miravia is set to implement a new unified ecommerce platform.

A new partnership with CommerceHub aims to help China-based retail technology company Alibaba expand in Europe through its new Spanish marketplace Miravia.

Miravia launched last year as a new ecommerce model in Spain, as both a marketplace and entertainment space. Consumers can shop and access exclusive content such as influencer guides or virtual make-up try-on lenses.

Sellers and brands can design their own stores and define prices and promotions, interact directly with customers, and apply their own loyalty programmes.

Miravia currently offers brands such as Disney and L’Oréal Paris alongside local Spanish businesses.

Miravia CEO Yann Fontaine commented: “CommerceHub’s comprehensive platform, SaaS solutions and extensive commerce network made partnering with them a very easy decision.”

Alibaba’s CEO recently stepped down to concentrate on the company’s cloud division, as it plans to split into six separate business units.

CommerceHub managing director Phillip Hall said: “In today’s dynamic ecommerce environment, it’s more important than ever for brands and retailers to be able to reach customers through more diversified channels.”

CommerceHub already works with brands such as adidas, Samsung, and M&S.

According to GlobalData, the global Business-to-Consumer eCommerce market size will be valued at $6.5tn in 2023 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% by 2026.

Alibaba is a key international player in eCommerce against key competitors Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and JD.com, all of which are established in Europe.

APAC duty-free market expected to grow fastest, fueled by rising income levels and international travelers

Per latest GlobalData estimates, the global duty-free market retailing market was valued at $49 billion in 2022, its highest level ever as it bounced back from the pandemic impact, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 28% during the period 2020-2026, driven by government initiatives, rising passenger numbers, major global events (for instance global sporting tournaments) and the renewed popularity of cruise trips. Infrastructure investments will also play an important role, particularly airport expansion and space refurbishment, and investments in arrivals duty-free formats. That said, growth will be held in check in the years ahead by the permanent erosion of disposable income from the heightened cost of living impacting demand for air travel. The duty-free market in the APAC region showed strong growth in 2022, as traveler numbers surged in response to the lifting of travel restrictions. To cater for rising demand in the region, many airports in the APAC area are expanding and modernizing, giving duty-free stores greater space that will allow them to attract more customers. The future of APAC duty-free retail is also being shaped by the adoption of technology. The rise in online shopping, mobile payments, and digital marketing are giving businesses new ways to connect with customers and improve the shopping experience.