International e-commerce giant Rakuten Group has recently announced a significant strategic shift, deciding to exit the UK and Spanish markets in response to the challenges of business scale expansion and growth costs. According to reports, Rakuten will close its online platforms in the UK, Spain, and Austria (rakuten.co.uk, rakuten.es, and rakuten.at), and cease operations of its physical stores in Cambridge, Barcelona, and Vienna.

This decision marks an important transformation in Rakuten's global market layout. Faced with the characteristics and challenges of different regional markets, Rakuten has chosen to refocus its resources and attention on areas with greater growth potential. France and Germany, as the leaders of the European e-commerce market, with their large market size and mature consumer base, have become the new focus of Rakuten's investment.

In a statement, Rakuten Group indicated that this strategic adjustment is aimed at better achieving sustainable growth and long-term value creation. By concentrating resources, Rakuten aims to deepen its brand influence in selected markets and further consolidate its position as a leading e-commerce platform.

Although exiting the UK and Spanish markets is a difficult decision, Rakuten is confident in the future development of its markets in France and Germany. The company will leverage its comprehensive advantages in e-commerce, digital content, and financial services to provide consumers in France and Germany with a richer and higher quality of products and services.

Rakuten Group's strategic adjustment demonstrates its spirit of flexibility in responding to market changes and actively seeking growth opportunities. As competition in the global e-commerce field becomes increasingly fierce, this move by Rakuten is expected to bring new growth momentum and market opportunities.