Germany B2C E-commerce Report 2019

GDP continues to increase with a steady growth rate just below 3%.

‘E-commerce continues to grow in Germany. Customers today expect a perfectly connected shopping experience where an online shop is available, in addition to the stationary business, and expect that on- and offline business are connected. Only companies that offer this seamless experience will be successful.’
Stefan Herold, Managing Director, Osudio Germany

This report by Ecommerce Foundation looks into the B2C e-commerce market of Germany, including its consumer behaviours and key trends. The report also features expert interviews with leading logistics providers and retailers, such as SAP, Osudio, and Computop.

Infrastructure & Logistics

Germany has dropped in the Ease of Doing Business Index and Internet Inclusivity; however, it is improving in the E-Government Development Index and the Logistics Performance Index. Additionally, its internet penetration is high and its GDP continues to grow at a steady rate.

E-commerce Landscape

Germans tend to use the internet daily, with most users preferring to search for information using desktop computers or laptops rather than smartphones; including for online shopping. German consumers like choosing the delivery place instead of time slot, while PayPal is the favoured payment method.

With regards to online shopping from overseas, China boasts the highest share of the cross-border e-commerce turnover, followed by the US, and the UK. Moreover, e-shoppers prefer large global brands when purchasing from another country.

The German e-commerce report also contains important information on the top online stores, preferred delivery methods, and the differences in e-shopping habits among the ‘Wessi’ and ‘Ossi’.