e-commerce

Alibaba’s fiscal second-quarter revenue exceeded expectations, driven by a 34% surge in cloud computing revenue attributed to AI investments. Cloud Intelligence Group saw triple-digit growth in AI-related product revenue for the ninth consecutive quarter. Despite a drop in overall profitability due to investments in quick commerce, Alibaba’s shares rose. The company plans increased capital expenditure on AI infrastructure. Qwen, Alibaba’s ChatGPT competitor, achieved over 10 million downloads in its first week. Quick commerce emerges as a strategic pillar with ambitious GMV targets.

Alibaba Group (BABA) reported its Q3 2025 financial results, showcasing increased revenue (5% YoY, 15% excluding disposed businesses) but decreased profitability due to strategic investments in AI and cloud infrastructure. AI product revenue saw triple-digit growth. The company’s focus is on long-term value creation through AI technologies and expanding its consumption platform. Key segments like China e-commerce and Cloud Intelligence showed strong revenue growth, particularly fueled by AI. Alibaba is actively repurchasing shares, signaling confidence in its future.

Analysts predict Amazon’s AI integration, particularly through its shopping assistant Rufus, will solidify its dominance during Cyber Week. JPMorgan estimates a 46% U.S. e-commerce share for Amazon, projecting Rufus could generate an additional $10 billion in annualized sales through personalization and efficiency. While facing competition and regulatory scrutiny, Amazon’s logistical infrastructure and customer base, combined with AI, position it strongly. JPMorgan reiterates a “buy” rating, highlighting Amazon’s long-term potential, encouraged by AWS growth resurgence.

OpenAI has launched a “shopping research” tool for ChatGPT, aimed at enhancing the online shopping experience. This tool provides detailed shopping guides, curated product selections, and the latest retailer information based on user-defined parameters. It builds upon previous e-commerce initiatives like “Instant Checkout,” suggesting OpenAI’s ambition to become a more integral part of the online shopping journey. The tool, currently rolling out to all logged-in ChatGPT users, utilizes publicly available retail data and promises organic results. This move signals OpenAI’s entry into the AI-powered shopping assistant market, potentially challenging established e-commerce players.

Perplexity will launch a free AI-powered shopping product next week, aiming to simplify the consumer journey and compete directly with e-commerce giants. Partnering with PayPal, Perplexity provides access to 5,000+ merchants. This expansion builds upon their “Buy With Pro” feature, utilizing personalized results to reduce purchase friction. The move challenges OpenAI’s “Instant Checkout” and highlights the growing integration of AI in e-commerce. PayPal will handle key functions like order fulfillment and returns, while Perplexity leverages NLP and ML to personalize product recommendations. Specific revenue models remain undisclosed.

Global-e (GLBE) reported strong Q3 2025 results with GMV reaching $1.512B (+33% YoY) and revenue at $220.8M (+25% YoY). Adjusted EBITDA increased 33% YoY to $41.3M, and free cash flow surged 246% to $73.6M. The company returned to profitability with a net profit of $13.2M. A $200M share repurchase program was authorized. Full-year 2025 guidance was raised to GMV of $6.404-6.524B and revenue of $944.1-960.1M. Q4 2025 guidance and conference call announced for November 19, 2025.

Perplexity AI accuses Amazon of “bullying” following a cease-and-desist letter demanding the startup prevent Comet users from making Amazon purchases. Amazon alleges computer fraud, claiming Perplexity lacks authorization and compromises user data. Perplexity argues Comet enhances shopping, while Amazon contends its agents degrade the experience. The dispute highlights tensions between tech giants and AI startups regarding platform integration, data security, and potential business model disruption, with Amazon developing its own AI shopping tools. The outcome could set precedents for AI integration in e-commerce.

Amazon has unveiled Blue Jay, a robotic system automating warehouse tasks by consolidating picking, sorting, and consolidating into a single, space-efficient workflow. Currently being tested, it handles 75% of stored items and aims to alleviate strenuous work for employees. Amidst automation efforts, Amazon faces scrutiny regarding potential job displacement, though they maintain it will lead to more rewarding roles and are offering mechatronics apprenticeships. They also introduced AR glasses for delivery drivers, enhancing safety and efficiency with visual and audio alerts.

EPWK (EPWK), a NASDAQ-listed creative design firm, will launch “EPWK Curated Goods,” an e-commerce platform for curated physical products catering to Chinese and English speakers, within three months. Targeting “Urban Life Explorers” aged 25-40, the platform focuses on products with emotional and aesthetic appeal, aligning with the “Neo-Pragmatism” consumer trend. Emphasizing “Good-looking, Good-to-use, and Good-surprise,” the platform aims to be a “Lifestyle Curator,” offering products that enhance daily life and express identity. EPWK leverages its creative ecosystem to drive innovation and global brand expansion. The existing platform has over 25 million registered users and facilitated $1.67 billion in GMV.

Alibaba is investing $53 billion in AI over three years, aiming to boost e-commerce operations and drive future growth. AI tools are being implemented across the platform, from personalized search to virtual try-ons. Early tests show a 12% increase in advertising returns with AI integration. Alibaba expects AI to significantly impact Singles Day sales, a crucial consumer spending event. Despite muted spending trends, last year’s Singles Day saw substantial growth, highlighting the importance of such events. Alibaba prioritizes AI and consumption investments for long-term success.