And just like that, December is done. The month that usually slows things down decided to do the opposite, dropping platform releases, AI partnerships, and industry moves right till the finish line. In this final eCommerce roundup of the year, we’re breaking down the latest platform updates from Adobe and Shopify, key industry moves by Amazon, Flipkart, eBay, and ChatGPT, and a quick look at the major global eCommerce events you’ll want on your 2026 calendar.
Let’s dive in.
Platform Updates
Adobe and Runway Partner to Shape the Future of AI Video
Adobe and Runway have announced a multi year strategic partnership to integrate Runway’s generative video technology with Adobe’s creative tools. Runway has named Adobe its preferred API creativity partner, giving Adobe Firefly users early access to Runway’s Gen-4.5 model. Gen-4.5 allows creators to generate videos from text prompts with high motion quality, prompt adherence, and visual fidelity, which can then be refined in Adobe Firefly, Premiere, After Effects, and other Creative Cloud apps. The partnership aims to develop specialized AI capabilities for professional video workflows, making generative video an integral part of Adobe’s creative ecosystem.
Shopify Winter ’26 Edition Goes Live
Shopify’s Winter ’26 Edition is now live, delivering over 150 product updates across the platform. The release introduces expanded AI driven capabilities, including enhancements to Sidekick, AI agents that can handle workflows end to end, and new ways for merchants to automate tasks and build tools directly from conversations. It also includes improvements across retail, checkout, B2B, marketing, operations, and developer tools, making commerce data more actionable and customizable. Among notable features are expanded storefront options, automated analytics, design and theme editing via AI prompts, and deeper integration for developers and merchants alike.
Create Flow Automations with Shopify Sidekick
Shopify has introduced a new feature that allows Sidekick to generate Flow workflows directly within the platform. Users can open Flow, click the Sidekick icon, and describe the automation they want, after which Sidekick creates a workflow with the necessary triggers, conditions, and actions. The generated workflow opens in the editor for testing, modifications, and activation. This feature works for tasks like customer and order tagging, email and Slack notifications, inventory alerts, and scheduled automations, though workflows requiring advanced code may need manual adjustments. The Sidekick Flow integration is available on Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Plus plans, and requires Flow to be installed and activated on a desktop.
Industry Updates
ChatGPT Launches Apps Beta Inside ChatGPT
OpenAI has launched the ChatGPT Apps beta, allowing users to connect third-party apps directly within the ChatGPT platform. The integration enables ChatGPT to suggest apps or execute actions using services like Spotify, Apple Music, DoorDash, Instacart, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Target, and Zillow during conversations. Developers can also use the Apps SDK to build chat-native experiences that bring context and action into ChatGPT. This app directory allows users to order groceries, plan travel, buy products, and more without leaving the ChatGPT interface. OpenAI plans to continue adding more apps over time, expanding the functionality and integration opportunities for both users and developers.
Amazon Experiments with a ‘Rush’ Pickup Service
Amazon is developing a new “rush” pickup service that would allow shoppers to collect orders from Amazon owned stores within one hour. The service is designed to combine items from Amazon’s online marketplace with products stocked at physical locations such as Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Go stores. According to internal documents, Amazon plans to pilot the service in at least one metro area by the first quarter of 2026, though the timeline is not confirmed. The initiative is part of Amazon’s broader push toward ultra fast fulfillment, following recent launches of 30 minute delivery services like Amazon Now. better utilising its physical store network and logistics infrastructure.
eBay Live Brings Real Time Auctions to Australia
eBay has rolled out eBay Live in Australia, introducing real time livestream shopping that lets buyers interact directly with sellers through live auctions and chat. The feature, already live in the US, UK, and Germany, is launching locally with a focus on trading cards and collectables, tapping into growing collector demand. According to eBay research, 40% of Australians are interested in livestream shopping, while nearly half say FOMO influences their buying decisions. eBay Live combines live video, interactive product demos, instant purchases, and features like “popcorn bidding,” which extends auctions when last second bids are placed.
Flipkart Acquires Majority Stake in GenAI Startup Minivet AI
Flipkart has acquired a majority stake in Minivet AI, a Bengaluru based generative AI startup founded in 2024, the company said in a media release. The acquisition is aimed at enhancing Flipkart’s generative AI capabilities as eCommerce adapts to more visual and conversational experiences. Minivet AI specializes in generative video for eCommerce, enabling the transformation of static product catalogs into engaging video content at scale. The startup also provides AI solutions across semantic search and conversational interfaces, positioning it as a full stack GenAI partner for online retail platforms.
Events
Magento Leaders and Merchants to Gather at Meet Magento India 2026
Meet Magento India 2026 will take place on 25 January 2026 at The Forum Convention & Hotel, Ahmedabad. The annual conference brings together Magento professionals, developers, merchants, and industry leaders from across India to discuss trends, innovations, and best practices in eCommerce. Attendees include a diverse mix of business owners, technical experts, digital marketers, and solution providers from the Magento ecosystem. With over 800 attendees, 30 sponsors, and 24 speakers, Meet Magento India remains one of the biggest Magento and eCommerce celebrations in the country.
Shoptalk Luxe 2026 Brings the Future of Luxury Retail to Abu Dhabi
Shoptalk Luxe will take place from January 27 to 29, 2026, at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. The event brings together retailers, consumer brands, and technology leaders to explore how premium retail experiences are evolving. Key discussions focus on the merging of in-store and digital experiences, the platforms and systems enabling elevated customer journeys, and new business models where experience drives competitive advantage. The agenda includes real world case studies from both established heritage brands and disruptive new players. Shoptalk Luxe also offers multiple ways to attend, including options for retailers to apply for free passes, team access, and sponsorship opportunities.
NRF Retail’s Big Show 2026 Returns to New York City
NRF Retail’s Big Show 2026 will take place from January 11 to 13, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Organized by the National Retail Federation, the event brings together retailers, brands, and solution providers from across the global retail ecosystem. Attendees can register for different pass options, including All Access Passes, Expo Passes, and Retail Team passes. The event features a full agenda, networking programs, and an extensive retail expo showcasing exhibitors and sponsors. Registration for NRF 2026 is currently open through the official NRF platform.
E-Commerce Industry Congress 2026 to Take Place in Warsaw
The E-Commerce Industry Congress 2026 will be held from January 27 to 29, 2026, as part of the eTrade Show at Ptak Warsaw Expo in Poland. The event brings together industry leaders, exhibitors, and practitioners to discuss current trends and real world challenges in eCommerce. Across multiple conference days, attendees can take part in expert led sessions covering topics such as SEO risk management, AI driven multilingual content, regulatory compliance in Europe, and intellectual property in brand building. The congress also features a Trend Panel, exhibitor presentations, and a dedicated Trade Fair Studio with expert interviews and discussions.
