The Commerce Brief: Fri 31st Oct

Welcome to another exciting week in the world of eCommerce and retail 🛍️

🗓️ This week’s industry updates

🛒 AliExpress has launched a new scheme designed to directly compete with Amazon's pricing, as the global marketplace steps up efforts to win over budget-conscious consumers. (source)

📈 The Very Group has hailed “a year of real progress” after it posted its highest EBITDA margin recorded in its 22-year online history. (source)

🏋️‍♀️ British activewear brand TALA will open its second London store at Westfield White City, continuing its physical retail expansion. (source)

🏬 Department store Fenwick reported improved FY2024 performance, with reduced losses as its three-year transformation plan begins to pay off. (source)

👟 Reebok has opened its new European HQ in London and appointed former Adidas executive Marc Le Roux as CEO of Reebok Europe, signalling a renewed push in the region. (source)

💰 Next has raised its full-year profit guidance following another strong quarter, with full-price sales up 10.5% year-on-year and £76m ahead of expectations. (source)

🎥 Live shopping platform Whatnot has secured $225m in Series F funding, reaching an $11.5bn valuation as its GMV more than doubled in 2025. (source)

⚽ PUMA Group will cut 900 jobs and refocus on running, football, and training as it looks to bounce back from recent struggles. (source)

💻 Marks and Spencer and Next are back online after a global Microsoft Azure outage caused widespread retail website disruption earlier this week. (source)

🏃‍♂️ adidas reported record Q3 results, with sales up 12% to €6.6bn - its highest ever - driven by strong double-digit growth in running and football shoes. (source)

🧺 Spanish supermarket Grupo Dia grew Q3 sales 8.2% to €1.45bn, supported by a 5.2% rise in volume in Spain, despite ongoing declines in Argentina. (source)

🤝 Saudi delivery platform Jahez Group and digital retailer noon announced a strategic partnership, integrating rapid grocery delivery and food ordering across their apps to enhance the region’s quick-commerce offering. (source)

🏗️ UAE-based conglomerate Al-Futtaim has pledged $2.72bn in investment to Saudi Arabia over three years, spanning mobility, retail, real estate, and finance. (source)

👩‍🦰 Nike has opened two new women-focused retail destinations in London, including a 1,000 sq ft space in Selfridges, spotlighting performance products and collaborations tailored to female consumers. (source)

🪩 Condé Nast has partnered with eBay to become its official “pre-loved” partner across the UK, US, and Germany, covering titles like Vogue, GQ, and Vanity Fair as resale continues to enter the luxury mainstream. (source)

💎 New Look has officially launched Club New Look, its first nationwide loyalty scheme, following positive trial results and customer demand for rewards and exclusives. (source)

👗 ASOS.com will open a ten-day “premium” pop-up on London’s Carnaby Street, featuring 200 curated pieces spanning winter layering, partywear, and gifting. (source)

The Commerce Brief

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