eMarketer: A variety of express delivery services help promote the development of retail e-commerce in Western Europe

199IT original compilation

Western Europe is already a developed e-commerce market. According to a new eMarketer report, "Western Europe B2C Ecommerce Trends: Omnichannel Is the Watchword as Markets Gain Sophistication.", it is estimated that Western Europe's B2C e-commerce sales will reach $373 billion this year. This is due to strong telecommunications infrastructure, highly developed retail and express delivery industries, and the vigilance of the majority of the wealthy class about the benefits of technology.

Digital buyers want to receive their products as soon as possible after placing an order, which has become a primary concern for digital sellers. According to a report released by yStats in May 2014, two-thirds of online merchants in France are willing to choose online retailers, mainly because of the speed of delivery, while 20% of Spanish online shoppers will leave the store after learning that delivery takes a long time. As a result, more and more e-commerce websites have made same-day delivery a standard. yStats found that this is more common in Germany, where retailers enjoy a better economic environment and consumers are better able to find faster options.

At the same time, delivery times may not be ideal for many consumers, especially those who choose free shipping. Even in Germany, nearly two-thirds of online shoppers choose free shipping, even if they have to wait several days. This shows that offering a variety of mail order options and fees is a big competitive advantage for retailers.

Locker services (where express delivery is sent to a locker near you and you can pick up the goods in the locker) are also on the agenda as consumers want new services. Lockers were initially more developed in Germany and the UK, and in Italy and Spain, ambitious foreign companies are promoting this service.

Digital buyers who live close to retailers can opt for “click-and-collect” (customers buy goods online and pick them up in store), known in France as “click-and-drive” or “drive” for short. According to LSA Expert, this service is booming among large retailers, with 3,002 retailers offering “click-and-drive” in France in March 2014. However, LSA Expert also noted that the proportion of “drives” has slowed significantly since 2013, and some retailers have closed.

Compiled from: eMarketer Translator: Sun Ying