Editor-Curated Robotics Industry Briefing - RobotToday

eBay Expands Live Shopping Following Record Growth in Gross Merchandise Volume

eBay is intensifying its focus on live shopping after reporting a significant increase in gross merchandise volume (GMV) during its second-quarter earnings call. The company's live shopping platform, eBay Live, experienced an eightfold year-over-year growth in GMV across seven markets, alongside rising viewer engagement and sales. CEO Jamie Iannone emphasized that these results highlight the potential of live shopping to enhance user engagement and broaden product discovery. The importance of this growth is underscored by eBay's strategy to expand its live shopping offerings internationally in the coming months. Although the exact GMV figures were not disclosed, eBay noted that over 90% of sellers who regularly stream have seen their GMV increase, with live sellers achieving sales three times higher than non-live sellers. Additionally, first-time buyers in the collectibles category are spending significantly more when engaging in live shopping. Looking ahead, eBay's commitment to live shopping is evident as it moves beyond an invite-only model to a self-service onboarding process for sellers. The company has also made improvements to its platform to enhance user experience, including better event discovery and management features. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

TechCrunch By Lauren Forristal Aug 06, 2026 Apps Commerce eBay live shopping

AI and livestreaming were the key drivers in this year’s Double 11, China’s biggest shopping festival

In the early hours of November 11, e-commerce platforms in China released performance statistics for Singles Day, the nation's largest consumer festival. Unlike previous years, companies refrained from highlighting their gross merchandise value (GMV) totals, a figure that had been a focal point during the event's peak popularity in the 2010s. This shift in reporting reflects a changing landscape in consumer behavior and market dynamics, as platforms adapt to evolving expectations and economic conditions. The decision to downplay GMV figures suggests a more cautious approach amid increasing competition and a focus on sustainable growth rather than sheer sales volume.