Black Week 2025 was not what many expected - and the data behind it is unmistakable. Ingrid speaks with Benjamin Weyrich from the e-commerce agency Front Row about hard facts: why brands see almost no growth without deals, why profitability continues to decline, and why the first deal day has now become more important than Black Friday itself. Benjamin explains how brands can use Amazon Marketing Cloud to identify, for the first time, which products turn customers into fans - and which ones lose them for good. It also becomes clear that pushing clearance stock into deal events is the wrong strategy. The episode also shows which categories performed surprisingly well, where declines were noticeable, and how deal events can influence Customer Lifetime Value over the long term. And that brand-building is becoming increasingly crucial in the marketplace business. In the end, one thing becomes clear: anyone aiming to make Black Week 2026 more successful needs a solid data foundation - and a deal strategy that no longer relies on gut feeling.

Note from the Sponsor eBay:

eBay is pushing Live Shopping in Germany: with eBay Live, sellers can present their products in real-time, engage with their community, and sell directly - all in the exciting auction format that has made eBay legendary. During live shows, sellers can offer both immediate purchases and auctions, making the selling experience even more flexible. And all of this is supported by eBay’s buyer protection and transparent policies. eBay is opening up new opportunities for sellers to authentically and emotionally present their brand. Interactive live moments build trust, boost customer loyalty, and help you reach new audiences like Gen Z and Millennials. Curious on how to take part? You can find more information in our blogpost: https://marketplace-universe.com/how-ebay-live-works-a-practical-guide-for-marketplace-sellers/

Note from the sponsor bol:

January may seem like a quiet month in many markets - but not in the Netherlands and Belgium. There, the sale and clearance weeks kick off the new year with a real boost of momentum for brands and sellers. As the market leader in the Netherlands and Belgium, bol plays a central role in this. If you want to know:

- why this period represents such an extraordinary growth window for international sellers,

- how bol's campaign structure massively increases visibility, and

- why stable logistics after the Christmas peak give sellers a real competitive advantage,

then check out our blog post on Marketplace Universe. There you will also find five steps to help you make the most of the January sales: from localization and assortment strategy to scheduling your campaigns and positioning your brand for NL & BE. Click here for in-depth knowledge: https://marketplace-universe.com/january-sale-on-bol/