Is fall the best season for the eCommerce industry? While it’s hard to give a definitive answer, we can confidently say that fall is a season ripe for the growth of online stores. This is the time when customers spend more evenings browsing and shopping online from their computers and smartphones (as shown by recent Shopper research). The end of the year is also when companies in the industry are more likely to launch new projects and introduce innovations. We cover this and more in this edition of the Advox Press Release. Take a look and see what’s trending in the industry!
Chinese marketplace invites Polish sellers to collaborate
Among the most popular international online stores chosen by Polish consumers, Chinese marketplaces like AliExpress and Temu take the lead. This insight comes from the latest Gemius report, “e-Commerce in Poland 2024.” Polish consumers see these platforms as places to find products from nearly every category at attractive prices. The popularity of these platforms hasn’t gone unnoticed by their owners – Poland has been recognized as an important market, prompting AliExpress to expand its operations to include partnerships with local sellers.
To attract Polish entrepreneurs, AliExpress offers the first 180 days with no fees or commissions, along with marketing and business support. Additionally, platform features like automatic translation of product descriptions into 15 languages and optimization tools are designed to help sellers manage their stores and reach international customers more easily. However, some concerns linger over transaction security, which may influence the trust of Polish sellers and their willingness to use the platform. Whether AliExpress can establish itself as a strong competitor to local giants like Allegro remains to be seen, as its next steps in the Polish market unfold.
What are Poles buying in the fall? The Shoper Payments study
With longer evenings, dropping temperatures, and upcoming shopping events like Black Friday, fall is undeniably a season that favors online shopping. During this period, Poles are turning to online purchases more frequently, and the data confirms it. A study by the Shoper platform, which analyzed transactions in stores using Shoper Payments in September 2024, reveals a noticeable increase in interest in several product categories among Polish consumers. These include:
- Entertainment - selected stores offering board and card games saw a remarkable fourfold increase in sales compared to August 2024.
- Hobbies and passions - significant growth was noted in stores selling photography equipment (147% increase) and musical instruments along with related accessories (160% increase).
- Dietary supplements - this category saw an impressive 176% increase in sales over August.
Fall is clearly changing the way Poles approach shopping – they are choosing products that enhance time spent at home and support health and wellness. The growing popularity of dietary supplements is proof that this season is marked by a strong focus on immunity and well-being.
Regardless of the assortment you offer, it’s worth tapping into these seasonal shifts in consumer preferences to encourage them to explore your store's offerings. Consider promotions or special collections that could make consumers more likely to shop at your eCommerce store on those long autumn evenings.
The first shared parcel lockers – will they transform the eCommerce deliveries?
The concept of the sharing economy is increasingly recognized as a key business trend for the coming years. At the heart of this model is the sharing of resources – from products to services and even spaces – which enables more efficient use of available goods and helps reduce costs.
The sharing economy spans various sectors, including eCommerce. A prime example is marketplace platforms, which connect individuals or businesses offering products or services with those who need them. This model provides buyers access to a wide range of products and services, while sellers gain greater reach without needing to operate their own online stores.
The sharing economy is also making inroads into logistics, where shared parcel lockers are growing in popularity. GLS Poland and Orlen have pioneered this model in Poland by launching a joint network of parcel lockers.
As of October 14, 2024, customers can collect parcels from both providers at over 600 parcel lockers nationwide. This solution offers customers easier and more convenient access to their packages while allowing providers to optimise infrastructure costs. The shared resources model not only enhances user convenience but also contributes to a more sustainable ecosystem within the logistics sector. This is particularly relevant in light of concerns about the growing number of parcel lockers disrupting urban spaces and potential future challenges with disposing of outdated machines.
Getting curious about the news? You can read more here:
AliExpress invites Polish sellers to collaborate
Shoper Payments study on online shopping in September 2024
Shared parcel lockers by GLS Poland and Orlen
