E-commerce is gaining incredible momentum, as more than half of internet users shop online, a percentage that has more than doubled in 10 years.
Even though there are no longer any restrictions on people’s mobility and physical stores’ operation, as in 2020 and 2021, the proportion of web users who buy from online stores keeps growing. The turnover from the online sales channel is still less than 10% of the total turnover of businesses, but it is increasing and its share is now almost six times higher than 10 years ago.
The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) reported on Monday that 55.3% of the 16-74 age group who used the internet purchased goods or paid for services online for personal use in the first quarter of 2023.
This percentage was 53.2% in 2022, a year that saw a drop after the surge in e-commerce in 2020 (47.8%) and 2021 (58.3%). However, in 2013, only 27% of internet users shopped online.
Business data also confirms the growing presence of e-commerce, though at a slower rate than during the lockdowns. Of the 42,451 businesses with 10 or more employees, 8,321 received electronic orders, generating a turnover of 25 billion euros, which represents 7.1% of their total turnover. This includes sales, online orders, accommodation reservations, and travel bookings.
The main goods and services that consumers buy on the Internet are clothing, food, tickets, sports equipment, and movies and TV shows.
Of those who shopped online in the first quarter of 2023, 73.6% bought clothes, shoes, and fashion items, 44.1% ordered food and 27.3% bought sports equipment, except for sportswear and footwear.
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