eCommerce Grows 19% In France In 2012

The French eCommerce Association has revealed that the online retail sector has grown by 19% in 2012, amounting to 45 billion euros in sales.

These numbers remain high, despite the crisis felt in the country and all over Europe. The sector was particularly profitable in the last few months of the year, with sales in Q4 2012 reaching 13 billion euros. Christmas shopping made up 20% of all sales, at nine billion euros. Naturally, online payments followed the same trend as eCommerce and grew by 28% in 2012.

The growth of the sector can be explained, in part, by a rise in the number of online shoppers in the country in 2012 (+5%). Fevad also registered an increase in the number of online retailers and the move of several retailers to the online space. The association found that the number of online retailers in the country grew by 17%, reaching 117,500 active sites at the end of the year.

The eCommerce Association has also noted the progression of mobile commerce in the country. The study found that people’s attitutes towards mobile shopping is changing, and many were planning to tackle this year’s sales through their smartphone or tablet. The total of sales through mobile devices is estimated at one billion euros for 2012.

In general it has been a great year for eCommerce in France. Traditionally, French consumers show a preference for brick-and-mortal shops but are now quickly moving to the online channel.