Our highlight this week is clearly the E-Commerce Expo in Berlin – an event that is likely relevant to everyone reading this newsletter. On February 19th and 20th, we can look forward to not only numerous expert talks across 5 stages, but also a massive exhibition area featuring over 200 exhibitors from all sectors of online retail. We wouldn't miss it! For over 15 years, Comsysto Reply has been implementing complex e-commerce solutions for clients across all industries. At the same time, we track and analyze relevant trends in our e-commerce lab to ensure we are ready for tomorrow's challenges today. We share our insights here – every Tuesday!
What exactly can we expect in Berlin?
We will be there on both days to see the latest industry developments straight from the source and to make new connections. Much of it will happen spontaneously, but here is a brief overview of some presentations we find particularly relevant.
In addition to numerous talks on the hype surrounding AI, such as “Stuck in Generative AI Hype? Why Successful E-Commerce Shops Rely on Operational AI as Superior Profit Driver” by Ralph Hünermann , we are particularly looking forward to the presentations from the industry leaders in e-commerce. For example, Sebastian Hamann, Co-CEO of Shopware, will share his thoughts in “Courage over Mediocrity: Innovative Strategies for Long-Term Success”.
But we are also looking forward to the presentation “The Collapse of Traditional Commerce: Why Innovation is No Longer Optional” by Michael Türk from Spryker will certainly provide some interesting insights. After all, Spryker is considered by Gartner to be one of the most innovative platforms in e-commerce.
Crucially, it’s not just the online world that counts! The topic of omni-channel is a must for an event like this. We are particularly looking forward to the presentation “Data-Driven Omnichannel Solutions” by Joris Kalle, who will be sharing his experience from the REWE Group.
Seemingly dystopian at first glance, but hopefully just as insightful as it is entertaining in practice, is the session by Mihai Irinel Popescu titled “Why big retailers fail at eCommerce”. Mihai has worked with several major players such as GALERIA, Esprit and METRO Markets GmbH got to know it from the inside - so there is definitely plenty of insider knowledge available!
Last but not least: Anyone working in online marketing and e-commerce knows that reliable data and future forecasts are absolutely essential. There should be more than enough of that from Koen van Gelder from Statista in his presentation “The Ecommerce Customer Journey in 2025 and Beyond” - we are looking forward to it!
Also interesting: Forrester forecasts 5-year growth
Speaking of the “future”: A recently published study by Forrester predicts 45% growth for the European e-commerce sector by 2029 (Ecommerce News). The UK leads the way with 32% growth, but German online retail is not far behind with 21% growth. Things remain dynamic…
That’s it for today - and here’s what’s next
In the next issue, we will report on the highlights of our visit and will certainly be able to share a new insight or two. And ideally, we might even see you in person in Berlin before then! A few of our readers will definitely be there too…
See you next week!
Christian & the Comsysto Reply e-Commerce Lab