Bleckmann, a leading supply chain management partner for fashion and lifestyle brands, proudly announces the opening of its new distribution centre (DC) in Riudellots - Spain.

This strategic expansion strengthens Bleckmann’s presence in Southern Europe and enhances its ability to serve clients with faster, more efficient logistics solutions.

Strategic location for seamless connectivity

The new facility is located at Riudellots de la Selva (Girona). Positioned for optimal accessibility, the site offers direct connections to major motorways AP-7 & C-35 and national roads N-II & C-63). It is conveniently close to key transport hubs, being: Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): 20 km, Port of Barcelona: 90 km, Port of Tarragona: 180 km and Girona Rail Freight Terminal: 30 km.

This prime location ensures smooth inbound and outbound flows across Spain and other international markets.

Facility highlights

Bleckmann Riudellots de la Selva has a total storage capacity of 9,904 m² and is a multi-user site with 10 loading docks. There is an advanced security systems including on-site personnel and CCTV.

The automation is covert with unloading conveyors, RFID tunnels and 20 pallet trucks (stackers – retractables - forklifts).

The Bleckmann site is fully compliant with PCI standards and equipped with an activity license.

Comprehensive services

The Spanish Girona DC offers a full suite of value-added services, including: customs handling, customer assessment, quality control, labelling, bagging, Bleckmann’s Renewal Workshop, 3PL activities (inbound, pick & pack, outbound, stock control) and returns management.

Commitment to Clients

“This new distribution centre reflects Bleckmann’s commitment to supporting our clients’ growth in Spain and Southern Europe,” said Quentin Godfirnon, Chief Operations Officer Spain. “Its strategic location and advanced capabilities will enable us to deliver faster, smarter, and more sustainable logistics solutions.”

About Bleckmann

Bleckmann is a market leader in supply chain management (SCM) services for fashion and lifestyle brands. Founded in 1862, Bleckmann evolved from a transportation company to a provider of complete supply chain solutions with specific expertise in e-fulfilment. From its strong base in Europe, the company expanded into the US and Asia, enabling Bleckmann to serve clients around the world.

Its investments and extensive experience in IT solutions ensure that Bleckmann offers a unified platform to its clients worldwide. Around 6500 team members are ready to support Bleckmann's clients and fulfil their promises every day. With sales of 641 million euros (revenue 2024), Bleckmann has the scale and flexibility to provide world-class solutions for its clients.

For more information, visit www.bleckmann.com

The post Bleckmann Expands EU Footprint With New Distribution Center In Spain appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

El Corte Inglés joins Bolt Food in a strategic partnership that reshapes the Spanish and Portuguese grocery delivery landscape. The move brings the retail giant’s extensive supermarket catalog to Bolt Food’s rapid delivery platform, giving consumers access to same-day and even instant grocery options.

Today, we want to review this collaboration, as it might spell considerable changes for the entire food and e-commerce industry both in Spain and Portugal. The alliance strengthens both brands, enabling El Corte Inglés to continue its digital transformation and omnichannel expansion. At the same time, Bolt Food gains one of Iberia’s most recognizable retailers as a premium partner in its quick-commerce portfolio.

Partnership details: El Corte Inglés and Bolt Food

• The collaboration allows Bolt Food users to order from a wide range of El Corte Inglés grocery and household products, including fresh produce, pantry items, and daily essentials.
  
• The partnership reinforces El Corte Inglés’s reputation as one of Spain and Portugal’s most trusted retailers while expanding its delivery footprint beyond its own logistics network.
  
• Bolt has also introduced Bolt Food Finance, a financing solution for merchants designed to support operational and marketing costs, which could soon be extended to Iberia.
  

Together, these elements make El Corte Inglés' partnership with Bolt Food one of the most notable retail developments in southern Europe’s e-commerce sector this quarter.

Why the El Corte Inglés–Bolt Food alliance matters

For consumers

• Speed and convenience: Shoppers can now order El Corte Inglés groceries directly through Bolt Food for ultra-fast delivery.
  
• Expanded reach: The partnership provides nationwide access to a trusted grocery brand, eliminating the need to visit physical stores.
  
• Enhanced user experience: The blend of Bolt Food’s delivery speed and El Corte Inglés’s product quality creates a compelling value proposition.
  

For El Corte Inglés

• Digital transformation: By joining Bolt Food, El Corte Inglés accelerates its omnichannel evolution and strengthens its e-commerce capabilities.
  
• Inventory optimization: Local stores double as fulfillment hubs, improving stock rotation and delivery efficiency.
  
• Brand modernization: By aligning with a digital-first platform, El Corte Inglés positions itself as a forward-thinking, customer-centric retailer.
  

For Bolt Food

• Retail credibility: Partnering with a national retail icon boosts Bolt Food’s visibility and trust among Spanish and Portuguese consumers.
  
• Network growth: Access to El Corte Inglés’s established supply chain enhances service reliability and scalability.
  
• Competitive positioning: The partnership enables Bolt Food to differentiate itself from other food-delivery apps by expanding into grocery commerce.
  

How El Corte Inglés prepared for its Bolt Food integration

El Corte Inglés already had solid last-mile capabilities through its “Entrega en el día” service, which provides same-day delivery in over 50 Spanish cities. By joining Bolt Food, the company moves into ultra-fast grocery delivery, meeting the growing demand for 10- to 30-minute delivery windows.

In its last fiscal year, El Corte Inglés reported €512 million in profit on €16.68 billion in revenue, reflecting strong fundamentals and low debt — a solid foundation for expansion into digital channels and partnerships like Bolt Food.

Opportunities and challenges as El Corte Inglés joins Bolt Food

Key opportunities

• Leadership in Iberian quick commerce: The partnership may give both companies an early advantage in Spain and Portugal’s developing instant-delivery segment.
  
• Cross-category growth: El Corte Inglés could expand its Bolt Food offerings beyond groceries to include electronics, cosmetics, or household goods.
  
• Data synergy: Combining Bolt’s delivery analytics with El Corte Inglés’s retail intelligence can optimize product assortments and local pricing.
  

Main challenges

• Operational complexity: Managing rapid delivery across hundreds of SKUs and multiple stores demands robust systems.
  
• Profitability pressure: Ultra-fast delivery models face thin margins and require high order density to sustain.
  
• Competitive market: Players like Glovo, Getir, and Amazon Fresh already compete for similar customer bases in Spain and Portugal.
  
• Urban regulations, including restrictions on delivery vehicles and local labor laws, could impact scaling speed.
  

The future of quick commerce after El Corte Inglés joins Bolt Food

Expansion and scaling

The initial rollout is expected to focus on major urban centers in Spain and Portugal, with gradual expansion based on performance metrics like order frequency and delivery efficiency.

Subscription and loyalty programs

Both companies could introduce premium delivery tiers or subscription models, offering faster deliveries and exclusive deals for regular customers.

Market influence

The phrase “El Corte Inglés joins Bolt Food” is likely to become synonymous with the ongoing convergence between traditional retail and tech-driven delivery services in southern Europe.

By joining forces, El Corte Inglés and Bolt Food are redefining how consumers shop for groceries in Spain and Portugal. The partnership combines El Corte Inglés' brand trust and product quality with Bolt Food’s agility and delivery speed, marking a decisive step toward the future of retail.

As El Corte Inglés joins Bolt Food, both companies position themselves at the heart of Europe’s fast-evolving ecommerce and quick-commerce ecosystem — where convenience, technology, and reliability define customer loyalty.

The post El Corte Inglés joins Bolt Food: Market Impact and Future Outlook appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

German marketplace operator Scout24 has agreed to acquire Spanish real estate portals Fotocasa and Habitaclia from EQT for an enterprise value of about €153 million. The deal will close only after EQT completes its separate purchase of Adevinta Spain (the owner of the two portals and other marketplaces, such as InfoJobs), with closing currently scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. 

Fotocasa and Habitaclia are projected to deliver around €60 million in revenue and about €11 million in pro-forma EBITDA in 2025. The brands and leadership teams will remain in place, while Scout24 will fund the transaction with cash and its existing credit lines.

Deal snapshot and timeline

• Buyer: Scout24 (operator of ImmoScout24 in Germany and Austria)
  
• Assets: Fotocasa and Habitaclia (Spain)
  
• Seller: EQT (which signed to acquire Adevinta Spain on 21 July 2025)
  
• Price: ~€153 million enterprise value
  
• Funding: Cash plus existing credit facilities; no impact to share buyback or capital allocation priorities per investor communications
  
• Closing: Expected after EQT’s Adevinta Spain deal completes; current guidance is Q1 2026
  
• Rationale: Cross-border expansion, data scale, and product/tech synergy across Germany, Austria, and Spain.
  

Market context: consolidation and rivalry in Spain

Spain’s property portals are consolidating as international investors and strategic buyers reposition assets. EQT agreed to buy Adevinta Spain (which includes Fotocasa and Habitaclia) in July 2025; within weeks it lined up the onward sale of the two real estate portals to Scout24 to avoid overlaps with its other interests and streamline portfolios. Idealista remains the traffic leader in Spain, while Fotocasa is the long-time number two and Habitaclia has strong coastal penetration, especially in Catalonia and the Balearics.

What Scout24 is actually buying

• Audience and inventory: Over eight million monthly active users, roughly one million live listings, and about 14,000 real-estate professionals across the two portals.
  
• Financial profile: About €60 million revenue and ~€11 million pro-forma EBITDA in 2025E, implying multiples of ~2.6x revenue and ~14x EBITDA at the agreed valuation.
  
• Operating continuity: Both businesses will keep their brand names and leadership teams.
  

Strategic upside for Scout24

Cross-border buyer–seller flows

Germany is one of the most significant sources of international property demand for Spain. Adding Fotocasa and Habitaclia lets Scout24 connect German demand with Spanish supply at scale, creating a defensible cross-border funnel for agents and developers on both sides.

Data and product leverage

A combined data footprint across Germany, Austria, and Spain provides Scout24 with additional training data for pricing tools, lead quality scoring, fraud prevention, and AI-driven recommendations. Expect product velocity to increase as shared components (listing quality checks, CRM integrations, paid lead products, and developer marketing solutions) roll out across markets.

Financial discipline

Management states that the acquisition is funded with cash and existing lines, and does not alter capital allocation or buybacks, indicating a bolt-on profile rather than a balance-sheet stretch. Near-term financial guidance for FY2025 is unchanged, given closing is slated for Q1 2026.

Risks and what to watch next

Regulatory sequencing

The Scout24 transaction cannot be closed until EQT completes the acquisition of Adevinta Spain, which still requires customary approvals. Any delay in that process pushes the Scout24 closing. Watch Spain’s competition authority and any remedies related to overlaps in adjacent classifieds categories.

Competitive response

Idealista’s scale advantage may drive more aggressive pricing, ad formats, and exclusive inventory pushes. How quickly Scout24 can “revitalize” Fotocasa and Habitaclia—via UX upgrades, marketing efficiency, and sales execution—will shape share gains in 2026.

Integration execution

Keeping local leadership is positive, but harmonizing tech stacks, data models, and go-to-market motions across three countries is complex. Early signals to track: cadence of product releases, agent NPS, time-to-lead, and conversion rates from German demand to Spanish closings.

Implications for Spanish agents and developers

• More foreign buyer reach: Expect improved access to German buyers through bundled visibility across ImmoScout24 and the Spanish portals.
  
• Richer lead products: Lead-qualification tools and premium placements common in Germany may arrive in Spain, potentially improving ROI per listing.
  
• Stable relationships: Brand continuity and the same account teams reduce switching costs during the transition period.
  

Key takeaways

• Scout24 is expanding into Spain by buying Fotocasa and Habitaclia for about €153 million; the deal’s closing is tied to EQT’s separate acquisition of Adevinta Spain and is currently expected in Q1 2026.
  
• The targets bring scale—over eight million MAUs, about one million listings, and roughly 14,000 agent customers—and are guided to deliver €60m revenue and ~€11m EBITDA in 2025.
  
• Scout24 plans brand and team continuity, funding the deal without altering its buyback or capital plans.
  
• Strategically, the move builds a Germany–Spain cross-border ecosystem, deeper data moats, and room to port proven products into Spain.
  

FAQ

Has the acquisition closed?

Not yet. Scout24’s purchase is contingent on EQT completing the separate acquisition of Adevinta Spain. Current guidance points to closing in the first quarter of 2026.

Why did EQT sell Fotocasa and Habitaclia so quickly after agreeing to buy Adevinta Spain?

To streamline the asset mix and avoid potential conflicts with other holdings, while crystallizing value in a focused way. This fits a broader consolidation trend in Spanish classifieds.

Will Fotocasa and Habitaclia change names or teams?

No. Both brands and their current management teams will remain, ensuring continuity for users and clients.

What’s the opportunity for agents?

Better cross-border demand access (especially German buyers), enhanced data-driven products, and potentially improved lead quality and conversion.

What financial impact should we expect near term?

None for Scout24’s FY2025 guidance, since closing is expected in Q1 2026. Long-term, the company targets operational improvements across B2C and B2B experiences in Spain.

The post Scout24 Buys Fotocasa and Habitaclia for €153M appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Spain’s e-commerce market continues to experience rapid expansion, with digital payments increasingly overtaking cash. By 2025, online shoppers are projected to exceed 40 million, and e-commerce revenue is expected to surpass €75 billion.

That's why we will take a look at the current status of Spanish online payment solutions today.

Market Overview and Consumer Preferences

Growth of Online Shopping

In 2022, e-commerce turnover in Spain reached approximately €67 billion, growing steadily and expected to reach over €75 billion by mid-decade. Consumer adoption is rising, with nearly 40 million digital buyers projected by 2025 (from 32 million in 2022).

Payment Behavior: Card and Wallets

In 2024, 51% of online payments in Spain were made with cards, followed by 26% via other electronic methods such as digital wallets and mobile apps. While physical stores still handle a portion of payments in cash, card, and mobile payments are becoming dominant in online commerce.

Card Usage Dominance

Card payments remain Spain’s most important online payment instrument. In 2024, cards accounted for 62% of payment volume, with nearly 94 million cards in circulation by 2025, averaging two cards per adult.

Digital Wallets and Instant Payments

Digital wallets—including PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and especially Bizum—constitute a growing share of e-commerce payments. They are forecast to rise steadily thanks to consumer demand for fast, mobile-first checkout. Bizum is particularly prominent for peer-to-peer and retail use. In 2024, it had over 27 million active users and launched Bizum Pay for NFC and e-commerce in 2025.

BNPL Growth

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are also expanding. Spain’s BNPL market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 11.6%, reaching nearly €9 billion by 2025.

Leading E-Commerce Payment Methods in 2025

Credit & Debit Cards

Cards represent over 50% of all online transactions in Spain. They capture the largest share of e-commerce value due to widespread use, high trust levels, and high average basket sizes. Cards are especially preferred for purchases over €50 and in cross-border shopping.

Digital Wallets & Bizum

Digital wallets, including PayPal and mobile-native options, account for approximately 26% of online payments and are experiencing steady growth. Bizum stands out due to its widespread P2P adoption and increasing use in commerce through the newly launched Bizum Pay feature.

Instant Bank Transfers (Bizum in Commerce)

Bizum enables instant, account-to-account bank transfers and is growing rapidly for e-commerce, offering low-friction checkout and seamless integration with Spanish banks.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

BNPL services like Klarna and local providers are on the rise, especially in high-growth verticals like electronics, fashion, and travel. They provide installment flexibility for consumers and increase average order values for merchants.

SEPA Direct Debit and Recurring Payments

SEPA direct debit remains the leading method for recurring payments such as subscriptions and utilities. It is favored for its automation, predictability, and low fees for domestic services.

European Initiatives & Wero Rollout

Bizum & EuroPA Alliance

In 2025, Bizum joined EuroPA alongside Portugal’s MB WAY and Italy’s Bancomat Pay, enabling cross-border instant payments across Southern Europe. This alliance aims to create an interoperable European payments framework centered on mobile-first experiences.

Wero (EPI Wallet)

Wero is the new European digital wallet developed under the European Payments Initiative (EPI). It is intended to unify and gradually replace local solutions like Bizum, starting in 2025. It includes features such as QR-code-based payments, BNPL support, loyalty programs, and strict EU data compliance. Full rollout in Spain is expected between 2025 and 2026.

Strategic Considerations for Spanish E-Commerce Merchants

Conversion-Optimized Payment Mix

To reduce cart abandonment and optimize conversion rates, merchants should prioritize card acceptance, followed by PayPal, Bizum, and emerging BNPL options. Offering a diverse mix aligned with Spanish user preferences is critical.

Streamlined, Mobile-First Checkout

With mobile commerce on the rise and more than 60% of Spanish users stating they would spend more online if checkout were simpler, merchants must focus on providing frictionless, mobile-optimized experiences. Features like one-click payments, biometric login, and mobile-native wallets are now essential.

Preparing for EU Payment Infrastructure

Merchants should follow developments around Bizum’s integration into EuroPA and the eventual launch of Wero. Ensuring readiness for PSD2/PSD3 compliance and supporting open banking features will help future-proof operations and ensure EU-level competitiveness.

Summary Table: Spain’s E-Commerce Payment Methods 2025

Spain’s e-commerce payment landscape in 2025 is led by credit and debit cards, with digital wallets and Bizum gaining increasing support. Recurring transactions are primarily driven by SEPA direct debit, while BNPL is gaining traction across various retail categories. The introduction of Wero will mark a turning point, offering a unified, EU-native alternative to U.S.-based platforms.

To thrive, merchants must adapt to evolving consumer habits, prioritize mobile-friendly, multi-option payment experiences, and prepare for deeper European integration through platforms like EuroPA and Wero.

The post E-Commerce Payment Landscape in Spain 2025 appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

A recent study titled “Radiografía del consumidor online en España 2025”, conducted by Doofinder, reveals that six out of ten Spanish consumers spend more than €50 per month in online stores. 

Based on surveys of 2,500 European shoppers—500 of whom are from Spain—the report highlights key behaviors and motivations that shape the Spanish e-commerce landscape.

E-Commerce Is a Routine Habit in Spain

Spanish consumers have firmly embraced digital shopping as part of their monthly routine.

• 56% of respondents shop online one to three times per month
  
• The average monthly online spend is €83, slightly below the European average of €91
  
• 25% of shoppers plan to increase their spending in 2025, while 70% will maintain current levels
  

This reflects a stable and growing market, where digital purchasing has become habitual rather than occasional.

Heavy Users Are Increasing

The profile of “Heavy Users”—those who make over 66% of their purchases online—has grown to 26% in 2025, up three points from the previous year. Among these:

• 59% are women
  
• Generation X leads with 35% of heavy users
  
• Millennials follow at 33%
  

This trend signals that e-commerce growth in Spain is not limited to younger users; older demographics are also becoming highly engaged online shoppers.

Convenience Is the Main Driver for Online Shopping

When asked why they shop online, Spanish consumers ranked the following reasons:

• Convenience: 46%
  
• Product variety: 23%
  
• Better pricing: 22%
  
• Ease of product comparison: 9%
  

While only 12% say price is their primary reason, 58% include it among their top motivators, indicating that value is important—but convenience is the top priority.

Fashion, Electronics, and Books Lead E-Commerce Sectors

Most Popular Purchase Categories

• Fashion: 72% of consumers
  
• Electronics: 51%
  
• Books: 48%
  

Sectors with the Highest Spending

• Fashion: 43% of total spend
  
• Electronics: 20%
  
• Food: 18%
  
• Beauty and personal care: 18%
  
• Books: 14%
  

While fashion and electronics dominate both popularity and spending, food and beauty are rising fast, suggesting diversification in how consumers allocate their e-commerce budgets.

Spanish Shoppers Love to Compare Before They Buy

Price sensitivity remains a key part of the Spanish online shopping experience.

• 79% of consumers compare prices before purchasing
  
  • 44% always compare
    
  • 35% usually compare
    
• Price is the most important factor when comparing (85%), followed by:
  
  • Shipping costs and delivery time: 63%
    
  • Product features: 57%
    

Additionally, 67% of consumers increase their spending during sales periods, with Generation Z showing a particular preference for these promotional windows (35%).

Marketplaces Dominate the Digital Retail Landscape

Spanish consumers overwhelmingly prefer marketplaces as their main online shopping destination:

• 63% shop primarily on marketplaces
  
• Only 12% prefer brand-owned e-commerce sites
  
• 10% choose multi-brand online stores
  

The popularity of marketplaces is driven by their ability to offer competitive pricing, variety, and convenience in a single platform.

Personalization Matters—And Consumers Are Willing to Share

As personalization becomes more sophisticated, shoppers are more open to exchanging data for better experiences:

• 47% of Spanish consumers are willing to share personal data if it results in personalized recommendations, offers, or search results
  

This creates opportunities for retailers to implement AI-driven personalization that respects privacy while enhancing conversion.

Key Takeaways for E-Commerce Businesses in Spain

The 2025 online shopper in Spain is frequent, value-conscious, and driven by convenience. To meet their expectations, retailers should:

• Focus on ease of use and seamless checkout
  
• Offer competitive pricing and product variety
  
• Ensure visibility across major marketplaces
  
• Invest in mobile-first, personalized user experiences
  
• Optimize for transparent shipping costs and delivery times
  

By aligning with these shopper preferences, e-commerce brands can increase conversion, build loyalty, and drive sustainable growth in Spain’s competitive digital market.

The post 60% of Consumers in Spain Spend Over €50 Per Month Online appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

CTT Express, the Spanish express parcel delivery company under the Iberian group CTT, has released its VI Flash E-Commerce Study. This annual report offers profound insights into the evolving behaviors of online shoppers across Spain and, for the first time, Portugal.

Based on surveys of consumers aged 18 to 60, the 2025 edition highlights a more mature, sustainability-aware digital shopper who values reliability, flexibility, and convenience throughout the buying journey.

A More Frequent, More Demanding Online Shopper

The study confirms that e-commerce has become a monthly habit for a growing share of Iberian consumers. In Spain, 61% of shoppers now make at least one online purchase per month, up from 44% in 2020. Convenience, control, and delivery reliability have become key factors in shaping how and where consumers shop online.

According to Leticia Martín, Communications and Brand Director at CTT Express, "Convenience, flexibility, and transparency are now basic expectations, not optional extras."

Delivery Experience: A Critical Loyalty Driver

In today’s competitive market, the delivery experience is closely tied to customer loyalty.

• 79% of Spanish consumers say the quality of the delivery service influences their decision to make a repeat purchase.
  
• 62% cite a smooth, incident-free delivery as the most valued aspect.
  
• 80% prefer to receive a delivery notification at least 24 hours in advance.
  

The Rise of Returns as a Standard Practice

Returns have become an expected part of the e-commerce process:

• 57% of Spanish consumers returned at least one product in the past year.
  
• In Portugal, 41% reported doing the same.
  

This trend highlights the importance of streamlined, hassle-free return processes as a loyalty-building tool.

Growing Preference for Alternative Delivery Options

While home delivery still leads in Spain (64%), it has declined from 79% in 2020.
Alternative delivery methods are gaining ground:

• 15% of Spanish shoppers now prefer convenience points.
  
• 4% use lockers, a number expected to grow.
  
• In Portugal, home delivery accounts for just 60%, while 25% use out-of-home alternatives like pickup points (13%) and lockers (12%).
  

Over the last six years, the use of convenience points and lockers in Spain has grown by 16 percentage points, showing a clear shift in consumer habits.

Sustainability Begins to Shape Consumer Choices

Environmental awareness is slowly influencing buyer behavior:

• 53% of Spanish and 46% of Portuguese shoppers are willing to accept longer delivery times if it helps reduce environmental impact.
  
• However, most consumers are still unwilling to pay extra for sustainable delivery options (34% in Spain, 45% in Portugal).
  

The message is clear: sustainability matters, but must be convenient and cost-neutral to win consumer support.

Second-Hand Market on the Rise

Shoppers are increasingly embracing second-hand products as a form of responsible consumption:

• 54% of Spanish and 39% of Portuguese consumers have bought or sold used items online.
  This shift supports the growth of circular commerce and platforms enabling product reuse and extended life cycles.
  

Digital Communication Channels Redefine Customer Service

Digital messaging platforms are taking over traditional support channels:

• In 2020, only 13.7% of consumers used WhatsApp for post-purchase communication.
  
• By 2025, 31% of Spanish online shoppers prefer WhatsApp to contact customer service or marketplaces.
  

Consumers are prioritizing immediacy and simplicity in their interactions—pushing retailers to adopt fast, mobile-friendly service channels.

Payment Preferences Shift Toward Bank Cards

While payment diversity remains, the dominance of bank cards is clear in Spain’s online transactions:

• 72% of payments are now made via card.
  
• PayPal usage has dropped to 17%, Bizum to 4%, and cash on delivery to just 1%.
  

This indicates a strong preference for familiar, secure, and fast payment methods among Spanish consumers.

Barriers to Online Shopping: Shipping Costs and Delays

The study also outlines key reasons for shopping cart abandonment:

• 62% abandon purchases due to high shipping costs.
  
• 53% cite long delivery times.
  
• 38% are still concerned about payment security—although this is improving, with a 4.5-point drop compared to previous years.
  

Leticia Martín notes that enhanced payment security, clear communication, and visible trust indicators are helping build buyer confidence.

Four Major Shifts in Online Shopper Behavior (2019–2025)

Based on six years of research, CTT Express has identified four long-term trends in Spain:

• Monthly online shopping has grown from 44% to 61% of consumers.
  
• Out-of-home delivery methods (convenience points, lockers) have gained 16 percentage points.
  
• WhatsApp usage for customer service has more than doubled, rising from 13.7% to 31%.
  
• Environmental considerations are now influencing buyer decisions, especially around delivery times.
  

Conclusion: What Retailers Need to Know in 2025

Today’s Spanish and Portuguese e-commerce customers are more regular, more demanding, and more sustainability-conscious.
Retailers must deliver an experience that prioritizes:

• Reliability in delivery
  
• Flexible return options
  
• Mobile-first customer communication
  
• Delivery methods aligned with lifestyle convenience
  
• Subtle but genuine sustainability efforts
  

As Leticia Martín summarizes,
"Listening and responding to what consumers expect—offering an experience that combines reliability, proactive communication, and delivery options tailored to their real lives—is the new standard for e-commerce success."

The post E-Commerce Trends in Spain and Portugal 2025: Key Findings from the CTT Express Flash Study appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Amazon’s longest-ever Prime Day, spanning July 8–11, 2025, is already delivering eye-popping results and is expected to generate the equivalent of two Black Fridays in one weekend.

U.S. Online Sales Expected to Hit $23.8 Billion

Adobe Analytics forecasts U.S. online spending (across Amazon and all retailers) during the four-day event to reach $23.8 billion, up 28.4% from last year’s $14.2 billion over two days. Bank of America estimates that Amazon alone will drive $21–$ 21.4 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV), up approximately 60% year-over-year.

Mobile and AI Are Driving Impulse and Engagement

Over 52% of purchases in the U.S. are expected to come from mobile devices, highlighting the rise of app-based and impulse shopping. AI innovation plays a role, with tools like Amazon’s Rufus chatbot guiding customer decisions. Adobe notes a material surge in AI-driven sales.

Prime Day 2025 Global Launch and Local Highlights

Prime Day is launching in 26 countries, featuring localized offerings. For example, Ireland is participating for the first time, offering deals such as Fire TV discounts and unique events like ice-cream carts in Dublin and Cork.

Some of the highlights in the best-selling category, so far, per country and region are: 

Spain (Day 1, July 9)

Top-selling discounts (up to 80%) include:

• Fire TV Stick HD
  
• Air fryers (Russell Hobbs)
  
• Noise-canceling earbuds
  
• Home goods (pillow sets, irons, kitchen, and cleaning items)
  

United Kingdom

• The LG 32″ LQ63 Smart TV saw a 2,700% increase in sales after a 63% price cut to £129.99, becoming a bestselling upgrade for smaller rooms.
  

United States and Global

• Discounts of up to 24% on apparel and electronics.
  
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) methods may account for approximately 8% of sales, representing around $1.8 to $1.9 billion.
  

Prime Day 2025 Merchant and Margin Pressure

About 60% of Amazon listings are third-party sellers. Many face reduced discount capabilities due to tariffs, such as a 50% surcharge on aluminum, which has led to thinner margins.

Surveys indicate that approximately 25% of U.S. consumers may skip the event due to price sensitivity or concerns about inflation. 

Marketplace Competition and Strategic Positioning

Competing retailers, including Walmart, Target, TikTok, and Best Buy, are running parallel promotions, prompting Amazon to extend Prime Day to four days. The extended duration reduces urgency but enables themed daily deals and more personalized shopping experiences.

The post Prime Day 2025: A Record-Breaking 4-Day Shopping Extravaganza appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Valencia / London, June 19, 2025—BigBuy, a leading European tech platform for wholesale e-commerce, has announced a strategic investment partnership with Kaazar Capital. This move aims to solidify BigBuy's leadership in the European B2B e-commerce landscape, enhance its financial position, and accelerate growth across international markets.

Kaazar Capital Leads Strategic Investment to Boost BigBuy’s Growth

The investment, structured through Kaazar Strategic Investments Ltd., marks a significant milestone in BigBuy’s journey. Managed by Kaazar Capital and led by Managing Partner José Gisbert, this club deal structure is designed to attract additional institutional investors while reinforcing BigBuy's long-term strategy.

Kaazar Capital's stake in BigBuy includes both equity and funding resources. The agreement will support:

• Expansion across Europe
  
• Refinancing under sustainability criteria
  
• Technological upgrades
  
• Profitability improvements
  
• New partnerships and growth opportunities
  

Crucially, Kaazar Capital will take an active role in corporate governance, helping to define BigBuy’s financial roadmap and growth strategy.

A Shared Vision for Leadership in B2B Ecommerce

“We see BigBuy as a unique tech platform, with proven scalability and ready to lead B2B ecommerce in Europe,” said José Gisbert, Managing Partner at Kaazar Capital. “Our goal is to support the management team, contribute advanced professional management criteria, and facilitate access to international capital.”

Salvador Esteve, CEO and Co-founder of BigBuy, added: “This alliance strengthens our position as a key player in the European digital ecosystem and validates the potential of our technology and operational model.”

This strategic partnership aligns with Kaazar Capital’s club deal philosophy, where a specialized lead investor paves the way for additional institutional funds to enter under competitive terms.

BigBuy Achieves €115 Million in Revenue, 90% from International Markets

In 2024, BigBuy reported €115 million in consolidated revenue, with 90% of sales generated outside of Spain. The company operates a robust all-in-one ecommerce platform that:

• Integrates over 400,000 products
  
• Offers proprietary e-commerce technology
  
• Provides global logistics and after-sales support
  
• Enables brands to sell on 250+ European marketplaces
  

BigBuy is a pivotal enabler for retailers and brands seeking digital channel dominance in a fast-evolving ecommerce environment.

Strong Leadership and a Scalable Business Model

Víctor Amarnani, BigBuy’s Co-founder and CEO—and recipient of the 2024 Rei Jaume I Entrepreneur Award—emphasized the strategic value of the partnership:

“This agreement allows us to scale with more focus and efficiency. We gain capital and a partner who shares our mindset.”

Kaazar Capital, known for backing scalable and margin-strong businesses with international ambitions, recently applied a similar co-investment model in the hospitality sector with its April 2025 acquisition of Cruz Hoteles.

About BigBuy

BigBuy is a European wholesale e-commerce platform that helps brands and retailers scale across online channels. With an integrated tech ecosystem and logistics infrastructure, it empowers clients to thrive in marketplaces and digital storefronts.

About Kaazar Capital

Kaazar Capital is a UK-based family office and investment firm with strong ties to private equity in the UK and Spain. It specializes in club deals and co-investments in high-potential, scalable businesses.

The post BigBuy Partners with Kaazar Capital to Fuel European E-commerce Expansion appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Carrefour is committed to AI as a key lever for transformation. As part of its “Driving the Future of Food” exhibition, the company has presented a wide range of technological solutions that are already revolutionizing its operations, including the launch of ClubIA, the first conversational assistant with a virtual avatar integrated into a loyalty program in Spanish retail.

ClubIA was created to improve relations with the more than 10.4 million members of El Club Carrefour to offer a personalized, dynamic, and valuable experience. This assistant can recommend products, suggest recipes, provide nutritional information, and even generate shopping simulations tailored to each customer's habits and preferences. Last April, Carrefour already demonstrated its leadership by launching ai.carrefour, its global artificial intelligence solution in Spain

But ClubIA was not the only AI-based innovation Carrefour unveiled at the show. Attendees also learned about the intelligent virtual customer, a tool that analyzes consumer behavior to predict trends and optimize marketing strategies. In addition, Carrefour showed how AI is being applied in other areas, such as improving the quality and traceability of fresh products thanks to agricultural drones and quality detectors, and automating in-store processes with smart scales that automatically recognize fruits and vegetables.

Carrefour AI

As a sign of its commitment to democratizing access to AI, Carrefour offered all participants basic training on artificial intelligence, introducing them to prompting techniques and presenting the virtual agents it is developing. To support this initiative, the exhibition was attended by experts from technology companies such as Google and Artefact, who shared their knowledge and experience with Carrefour's teams. Carrefour has thus consolidated its position as the first retailer to bring artificial intelligence to all its employees.

At this unmissable event, Carrefour has reaffirmed its position at the forefront of the latest trends, demonstrating its commitment to innovation through masterclasses by Meta and TikTok, show cooking with nutritionists such as Aitor Sánchez and Pablo Ojeda, and the participation of influencers such as Fabián León and athletes such as Saúl Craviotto and Perico Delgado. In addition, to maximize its reach, the company has opted for a live zone with podcasts and streaming broadcasts.

In the words of Alexandre Bompard, “the Food Future Show reflects Carrefour's ambition to lead not only retail in Spain but also the food transition and to advance in the distribution of healthy products, offering the widest range at prices accessible to all.”

For her part, Elodie Perthuisot commented that "the retail sector is key to the Spanish economy, and in this sense, the Carrefour Show demonstrates our commitment to transforming the world of distribution, new trends, and digitalization. Thanks to innovation and new AI applications, we offer a personalized, efficient, and accessible experience for our customers, and we contribute to building the future of food, with a clear focus on fresh and healthy products, hand in hand with our suppliers, most of whom are local SMEs."

Carrefour aims at global food trends 

The company also presented the significant trends shaping food retail in the coming months: healthier, alcohol-free, and gluten-free products and a firm commitment to artificial intelligence for customers and employees. This aligns with the company's goal of anticipating new consumer demands and consolidating a more agile, personalized, and sustainable food distribution ecosystem.

The shelves of the immediate future will be increasingly oriented towards conscious consumption. Carrefour already has a strong presence of alcohol-free and gluten-free products, two segments which, together with the rise of plant-based and functional foods, are leading growth in healthier products. This approach responds to consumers who are not only looking for taste or price, but also well-being and alignment with their specific dietary needs.

The exhibition featured Carrefour's own brands, along with a small Express supermarket illustrating the company's different commercial formats. The message is clear: adaptability, proximity, and flexibility are essential to connecting with consumers who demand convenience without compromising on quality.

The post Carrefour Spain presents ClubAI: An AI Conversationl Assitant appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

The development of digital financial solutions is accelerating across Europe, and Spain is emerging as a key player in this transformation. The Bank of Spain has recently taken significant steps, exploring using digital tokens and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) to modernize its financial infrastructure, particularly in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Why the Digital Transformation Matters for the Spanish Financial Sector

Digital innovation is reshaping the global economy, and Spain is aligning itself with these advancements to meet the demands of an increasingly digital society. The goal? To enhance efficiency, security, and transparency in financial operations. Adopting blockchain technology and tokenized assets responds to growing public interest in faster, more reliable economic transactions.

While institutional initiatives are gaining ground, public curiosity around cryptocurrencies with high growth potential has been on the rise for years. Users are increasingly aware of the benefits of crypto-assets, including:

• Reduced transaction costs
  
• Faster settlement times
  
• Broader access to investment opportunities
  

Spain's crypto-asset ecosystem shows signs of maturity, with startups and tech firms collaborating closely with banks and regulators to shape the future of finance.

The Bank of Spain’s Role in Financial Innovation

As Spain's primary financial supervisory body, the Bank of Spain is actively supporting the digital transformation of the economic system. In May 2024, it launched a pilot project to test the viability of digital tokens in the wholesale financial market.

This initiative focuses on how digital representations of assets and currencies, enabled by blockchain, can:

• Simplify internal banking operations
  
• Improve transaction traceability
  
• Enhance efficiency in institutional settlements.
  

The project benefits from Minsait's technological expertise, which is part of the Indra group. Minsait has been instrumental in implementing the infrastructure behind the trial. This public-private collaboration reflects Spain’s readiness to adopt fintech innovations and build regulatory sandboxes for experimentation and learning.

According to Bank of Spain data, partnerships with tech-driven companies are key to aligning traditional regulation with the needs of a modern, digital economy.

Wholesale CBDCs: A Game-Changer for Institutional Finance

Wholesale central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)—unlike their retail counterparts used by the general public—are designed for transactions between financial institutions and commercial banks. The Bank of Spain is currently exploring this model through various pilot programs.

Key Benefits of Wholesale CBDCs:

• Near-instant settlement: Reduces counterparty risk and improves liquidity
  
• Lower costs: Eliminates intermediaries and minimizes manual processing
  
• Greater transparency: Blockchain-based records improve traceability and reduce fraud
  
• Advanced functionality: Tokenized securities, coupon payments, and redemptions can be handled within a single ecosystem
  

For a financial market that, in 2024 alone, managed over €900 billion in securities and fixed-income transactions (according to the National Institute of Statistics), adopting DLT platforms could significantly modernize financial infrastructure.

Tokenization and Smart Contracts: The Future of Spanish Finance

Tokenization involves using cryptographic tokens to represent financial instruments such as:

• Digital currencies
  
• Bonds
  
• Shares
  
• Other assets
  

These assets simulate real-world conditions in test environments like the one the Bank of Spain established. The goal is to assess each digital transaction's speed, security, and economic viability.

The broader adoption of tokenization could usher in innovative contract-based services, further reducing friction in areas like compliance, settlement, and asset management.

Spain’s Crypto Market Momentum

In the first half of 2024, Spain’s crypto market surpassed €60 billion in trading volume, reflecting a robust appetite for digital assets. The country is well-positioned to become a leader in the digital financial revolution as financial institutions embrace trends such as tokenized securities and blockchain-powered platforms.

Spain’s proactive approach to digital finance—led by the Bank of Spain and supported by private sector innovation—lays the groundwork for a more agile, cost-effective, and secure financial system. With CBDCs, DLT integration, and tokenization rising, the Spanish financial landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation.

The post The Bank of Spain Shift Towards CBDCs and Blockchain Innovation appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.