Revenue of the e-commerce market in Belgium 2017-2029
Belgium's e-commerce market is on a rapid upward trajectory, with revenues projected to surpass ** billion U.S. dollars by 2029, as per Statista Market Insights. This substantial growth in e-commerce revenue reflects the evolving consumer preferences and increasing digitization of retail in the country, signifying a significant shift in shopping behavior.
Language influence on online shopping
Belgium's linguistic diversity, with Flemish-Dutch and French being the main languages, has a notable impact on online shopping trends. This is evidenced by the preference for local language-based online retailers, such as Bol.com and coolblue.be, over international giants like Amazon. Furthermore, disparities in e-commerce penetration between Flanders and Wallonia highlight the influence of language on online shopping habits, with ** percent of individuals in Flanders placing online orders in 2023, compared to ** percent in Wallonia.
Bol.com: dominating the e-commerce landscape
Bol.com, established in 1999 as an online bookstore, has emerged as the leading online store in Belgium and the Netherlands, attracting over ** million monthly visitors in Belgium alone. The company's expansion beyond books to include electronics, toys, music, and film has contributed to its substantial success in the e-commerce market. Bol.com's dominance underscores the significance of local players in shaping Belgium's e-commerce landscape and catering to the diverse linguistic preferences of the population.