COMPETITIVE · MARKET STRUCTURE · UK JD.com launches Joybuy in the UK Change JD.com launched its Joybuy online retail platform in the UK, operating from distribution sites in Milton Keynes and Luton. Why it matters The launch creates additional e‑commerce distribution capacity and next‑day delivery coverage for about 17 million UK households, expanding available product sourcing and delivery options. BBC · 1:44 AM More actions Like (sign in) Save (sign in) Share Facebook LinkedIn X / Twitter Copy link
REGULATORY · COMPETITIVE · UK Tilray buys Brewdog assets; 38 bars close Change On Monday, after Brewdog entered administration, Tilray bought its UK brewing operations, brand, and 11 pubs for £33m, while 38 UK bars excluded from the deal closed and 484 staff were made redundant. Why it matters Only the purchased operations and 11 pubs transferred to the buyer, while excluded bars shut and jobs ended. Redundant staff were directed to claim unpaid pay via the Insolvency Service, and administrators confirmed equity holders would receive no return. BBC · 6:28 PM More actions Like (sign in) Save (sign in) Share Facebook LinkedIn X / Twitter Copy link
COMPETITIVE · INDIA Amazon India drops referral fees under ₹1,000 Change Amazon will stop charging sellers in India referral fees for products priced under 1,000 rupees, effective March 16. Why it matters Eligible listings no longer incur a per-sale commission to Amazon, changing seller unit economics on low-priced items. The zero-referral fee scope expands to more than 125 million products and includes reductions to some shipping charges. Yahoo · 4:57 PM More actions Like (sign in) Save (sign in) Share Facebook LinkedIn X / Twitter Copy link
REGULATORY · COMPETITIVE · USA Instacart agrees to pay $60m in refunds Change Instacart agreed to pay $60 million in refunds to resolve Federal Trade Commission allegations that it deceived U.S. shoppers. Why it matters The settlement establishes a $60 million refund obligation tied to claims about first-order 'free delivery' offers, Instacart+ trial-to-paid conversions, and the company's refund-policy messaging. Al Jazeera · 7:30 PM More actions Like (sign in) Save (sign in) Share Facebook LinkedIn X / Twitter Copy link
COMPETITIVE · USA Starbucks to close stores, lay off workers in $1 billion restructuring plan Change Starbucks plans a $1 billion restructuring, closing stores and laying off 900 employees to enhance customer experience amid declining sales. Why it matters Starbucks has unveiled a $1 billion restructuring plan that includes closing some North American coffeehouses and laying off approximately 900 non-retail employees. This decision follows a decline in same-store sales over six consecutive quarters. The company aims to prioritize investments closer to customers and improve its operational efficiency as part of its 'Back to Starbucks' transformation under CEO Brian Niccol. CNBC · 9:30 PM More actions Like (sign in) Save (sign in) Share Facebook LinkedIn X / Twitter Copy link
