Asendia’s Ellen Kop shares her insights into the Benelux e-commerce market

As a thriving e-commerce market with 79% of its population shopping online, Benelux is comprised of three countries – the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxemburg – the politico-economic union was formed in 1944.

With many different spoken languages and different payment methods across the three countries, the preferences of the individual consumers need to be taken into consideration. Our own Ellen Kopp, an expert on e-commerce in Benelux shared her insights on the Benelux market in an interview with RetailX. 

Q&A with Ellen Kopp

E-COMMERCE INDUSTRY MANAGER BENELUX AND STRATEGIC ACCOUNTS, ASENDIA BENELUX

1) What are the main characteristics you see concerning the Benelux region’s e-commerce market size?

Online food sales in the Netherlands have increased by 58% in 2020. This is a huge jump which shows that new consumers have entered the online grocery market. We estimate around a quarter of e-shoppers will continue making digital purchases despite shops reopening and we expect a small number to avoid physical stores altogether.

2) What, for you, has been the most exciting recent development in e-commerce?

More brands are now opening new cross-border markets thanks to the boost that lockdown gave to online sales. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in webshops connecting to marketplaces in several countries. The higher order volumes and restricted working conditions have helped us learn and refine our methods to provide even better support to our clients.

3) What are the most preferred products bought online in the Benelux region?

The most popular products bought online in Belgium are pharmaceuticals, health and beauty products, food, toys, and equipment for home working and gardening. In the Netherlands, the same products are popular both in retail and online, with IT, sports, home and living, and food topping the list.

Still curious? For a comprehensive yet concise look at e-commerce trends in Benelux, and to read the rest of Ellen’s interview, download the Benelux 2020: E-commerce Country Report by RetailX in partnership with Asendia.